According to a recent report, 30 Christians were arrested in mid-March while gathering for worship at a believer's house in the Eritrean city of Keren. Unfortunately, no further details are available at this time. The recently arrested followers of Jesus join more than 400 other Christians who are presently being held captive in Eritrean prisons because of their faith. For other reports and ways you can pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in this East African nation, go to our country report.
In an unrelated development, it was also reported that nine Christians were recently released from prison – four from the Mai Serwa prison in Asmara and five from a prison in the port city of Assab. One of the believers released from Assab was house church pastor Abenet Yemane. Pastor Abenet has been in and out of prison throughout the past 20 years because of her Christian faith and ministry.
A year ago, Dr. Berhane Asmelash from Release Eritrea was interviewed by Closer to the Fire podcast host Greg Musselman about the ongoing arrests and persecution of Eritrean followers of Jesus. To view this informative video interview, visit VOMCanada.com/video/Asmelash.
Praise God for the recent release of these nine believers! As they now adjust to life outside of prison, may each of them (and their respective families) experience the Lord's protection, restoration and joy. Please remember to also pray for strength and comfort on behalf of the hundreds of other Christians who have been arbitrarily detained in Eritrea for their faith – including the 30 newly arrested worshippers. Ask the Lord to intervene in the lives of President Afwerki and the country's other governing leaders as well, so that the tyranny controlling this nation would abate. In fact, please pray that the Holy Spirit will work mightily within the hearts and minds of every Eritrean who comes into contact with a follower of Jesus – whether it be on the streets or within the country's notorious prisons.
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