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Eritrea

• High School Students Suffer Severe Hardship

  Eritrean authorities are punishing 39 high school students for their Christian faith, excluding them from a graduation ceremony and subjecting them to beatings and hard labour. After completing a four-month military training required in Eritrea, the students (including 11 girls) have been arrested for their "Christian beliefs and for their commitment to Christ."

  According to a recent press statement, "The youths are now enduring beatings, forced hard labour and insufficient food and water" at the SAWA military training centre. Sources add that "authorities are also threatening the students with long imprisonment and exclusion from university should they 'fail to renounce Christ.'"

  The Marxist-leaning architect of repression of religion and free speech in Eritrea, President Isaias Afewerki, has been in power since Eritrea's separation from Ethiopia in 1991; the National Assembly elected him as president in 1993. An estimated 3,000 mostly Protestant Christians were incarcerated for their faith by the end of 2010. (It is estimated that the figure is now about 1,200.)

  The prisoners are held in shipping containers in desert camps, with some kept in underground cells. "The conditions are inhumane: Children and the elderly are amongst the prisoners sharing skin diseases, dysentery and other horrors in confined, unventilated spaces," reports Elizabeth Kendal of the Religious Liberty Commission. "Torture is routine.... Several Christians have died in custody, and others have perished in the desert trying to escape."

  As mentioned in a previous alert, the Eritrean military has reportedly made a business of Christian refugees, kidnapping them out of refugee camps in Sudan and selling them to traffickers in Egypt's Sinai. There they are sold to Bedouin gangs who ransom them for tens of thousands of dollars...electrocuting, raping, starving and murdering the Christians as they threaten their relatives. For a previous report on this serious situation, click here.

  May the God of justice swiftly come to the defense and rescue of these victimized believers who desperately need His intervention. According to Romans 12:19, such cruel and inhumane treatment of His people will not be taken lightly, for His Word states that vengeance is His...He will repay. Pray that He will not only safely deliver these Christians from bondage and suffering but that He would also make the reality of His presence and conviction known to those who are instigating and inflicting the various acts of persecution, before it's too late.

• Modern-Day Victims of Forcible Slavery Tortured

  An Eritrean torture victim Photo: CBN News

  From the west coast of Africa to the deserts of Sinai, Bedouin tribes are conducting a human trafficking trade on a massive scale. According to CBN News, the trade reaps millions of dollars and deals with human misery. It could be stopped, but so far no one has dared.

  “Philip,” one Eritrean torture victim, explains how he lost the sensation of his hands: "It was a result of the accumulated torture but mainly because (both) of my wrists were tied up so tightly. (As I was hung) from the ceiling for three days, the blood was cut off from my hands...."

  A 35-year-old Eritrean woman named Segen, who is five months pregnant, speaks of her own horrific experience. The news reporter interviewing her said that you could hear the strain in Segen's voice as she recounts what took place: "They are asking for money every minute and they hit us.... They hang us the way (Jesus) was hanged.... "

  These are just two examples of this widespread modern-day slavery, kidnapping and torture trade in the Sinai desert. Shahar Shoham, director of Physicians for Human Rights, has documented more than 1,300 cases of torture. And the vile treatment of these victimized refugees is considered diabolical. Thankfully, there are survivors who have eventually made it to Israel. (To learn more about the hardships facing fellow believers in Eritrea, go to the Eritrea Country Report.)

  In addition, what the Bedouin tribesmen demand from the Eritrean victims' poor families is an unattainable amount. "The ransom fees can go up to $40,000 for an individual and even $50,000," the news report states. "And until the ransom fees (are) paid, the people will not be released." Shahar surmises that "the financial burden on the families is devastating." Many of the captured Etritrean refugees, like Segen and Philip, are Christians. Sadly, many don't survive.

  May God mightily intervene on behalf of these Eritrean believers who are going through much tribulation while fleeing persecution in their own troubled country. Ask the Lord to place a hedge of protection around them and their families, keeping them safe from the evil one who roams about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Pray that their perpetrators will experience an encounter with the Living God so they will have the opportunity to turn from their wicked ways...and instead discover the joy of serving Him and His people as instruments of blessing.

• More Than 20 Church Leaders Recently Arrested

  It has been reported by Release International ministry partners that more than 20 Christians have been arrested in the Eritrean capital of Asmara within the past few weeks. The arrests took place at the homes of the accused, indicating that they were planned in advance by the city's authorities. These government officials have been targeting church leaders of various denominations, including the Full Gospel Church and the Mesret Kristos (Mennonite) Church.

  Since this East African nation's independence in 1993, and the repressive leadership of President Isaias Afewerki, there has been a notable increase in political uncertainty. Relations with its neighbouring country of Ethiopia have become even more strained since the death of Ethiopian Premier Meles Zenawi in August of 2012. More recently, a group of non-conformist soldiers tried to gain control of the Ministry of Information, in an attempt to bring about political change. To learn more about Eritrea's history, check the Eritrea Country Report.

  Pray for God's peace and protection over His people during Eritrea's politically uncertain times. As these spiritual leaders earnestly seek His wisdom and guidance for their congregations and communities, may they find themselves drawing closer in relationship with Him and, as a result, in unity with one another. Overall, may there be a greatly needed breakthrough in the struggle for increased religious freedom.

• Muslim convert dies in prison

  Adris Ali Mohammed has recently died after spending two very difficult years in prison at the Aderset Military Camp in Eritrea. The 31-year-old was confined to a small dungeon-like cell where he was denied medical treatment for malaria. Despite the fatal outcome, Christ's victory over death has freed Adris from his suffering and he is now experiencing the glorious promise of eternal life.

  In 2010, Adris was arrested in the town of Tesenai after the Eritrean police learned of his conversion to Christianity. Sources state that he bravely withstood horrific persecution and held steadfastly onto his faith. It is estimated that there are about 100 other believers currently imprisoned in Aderset.

  Please lift up in prayer the family members and friends mourning Adris at this time. May the example of his unwavering faith serve to be a source of encouragement to them. Please pray that Adris' relentless love for Jesus Christ will be vividly remembered by those who so harshly mistreated him, resulting in the softening of their hearts. Also pray that the gospel will be effectively proclaimed throughout Eritrea.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in this country, go to the Eritrea Country Report.

• Update: Church leader in urgent need of medical care

  An imprisoned church leader in Eritrea is in desperate need of medical attention as he is diabetic and his health is rapidly deteriorating without treatment. Patriarch Antonios, head of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, was detained for asking the government to stop interfering with the church and to release members of his church who have been held in prison for their faith (for more information on his arrest, click here). "It is a miracle that he remains alive without medical care," said an Eritrean Orthodox priest in the United States.

  Since 2002, the government has jailed, tortured and killed numerous Eritreans for political and religious reasons, and tortured and killed many of them extra-judicially. Today, it is estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 Christians are in Eritrean prisons. Believers face deplorable conditions, including torture. Many are held in metal shipping containers with no ventilation or toilet facilities.

  Please pray that the Lord will continue to protect Patriarch Antonios' health, astounding those who imprison him and causing authorities to recognize the one true God. Pray that imprisoned Eritrean Christians will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in Eritrea, go to the Eritrea Country Report.

• Three Christians die in military camps

  Denied their most basic needs for survival, three Christians have died in Eritrean military camps.

  Two Christian women died in the Adersete Military Camp in western Eritrea, according to a local source, as they were confined in a dungeon-like cell intended for religious prisoners. Twenty-eight-year-old Terhase Gebremichel Andu and Ferewine Genzabu Kifly, 21, both employees of a wholesale store, were arrested during a prayer meeting in 2009 at a private home. After two years of physical military torture and the denial of medical care, the women succumbed to starvation and poor health.

  Within weeks of these deaths, Angesom Teklom Habtemichel, a 26-year-old Christian, also died in an Eritrean military camp after serving two years. He contracted severe malaria but was denied medical treatment because of his written refusal to recant his Christian faith. He died one week later.

  Eritrea has a history of severely mistreating Christians and is known as one of the worst nations for Christian persecution.

  Please pray that the unwavering faith of Terhase, Ferewine and Angesom will be an example of Christ to unbelievers. Pray that those mourning will trust that, in Jesus, even death has lost its sting (1 Cor. 15:55). Pray that other Christians imprisoned in Eritrea will soon be released.

  For more information about suffering Christians in Eritrea, go to the Eritrea Country Report.

• Mass arrests of Christians continue

  The Eritrean government bans all Christian groups that do not belong to a state-approved church.

  Eritrean officials have arrested at least 90 Christians in recent months, including many college students. In May, authorities detained 64 believers in Adi Abeyto, a village near the capital, Asmara. Only six of the 90 arrested have been released. The others are thought to be held at a police station or in the notorious Mitire military prison. It is not clear why the Christians were detained, but college students have reportedly been arrested in recent weeks for refusing to take part in celebrations for the country's Independence Day (May 24). For example, 26 students from the Mai-Mefhi College of Technology were arrested in June and detained at an unknown location.

  In 2002, the Eritrean government banned all Christian groups that do not belong to a state-approved church. Since then, thousands of Christians have been imprisoned. Sixteen are known to have died in custody.

  Pray that Eritreans imprisoned for Christ will be released. Pray Eritrean Christians will remain steadfast in faith, lovingly proclaiming Christ both inside and outside of prison walls. Pray that those who persecute Christians in Eritrea will repent of their ways and come to faith in Christ.

  Find out more about the persecution of Eritrean Christians at the Eritrea Country Report.

• Mass arrest of Christians

  Eritrean officials arrested 30 Christians on January 2 for praying at a private house in Asmara, the nation's capital. Some of the Christians were just recently released after being detained for their faith. International Christian Concern (ICC) reported that security officials arrested the Christians and took them to the police station. The detained Christians are members of the Philadelphia Church, an evangelical church outlawed in Eritrea.

  Several churches have been forced to go underground in Eritrea since 2002, when officials required all religious groups to register. The officials only recognize four religious groups: Islam, the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Eritrea.

  Currently, more than 3,000 Eritreans have been detained for their faith in Christ. Most are kept in underground dungeons, metal shipping containers and military barracks. Several Christians have died while imprisoned due to torture and lack of medical attention.

  Please pray for church unity and genuine religious freedom in Eritrea. Commit to the Lord all believers in this nation, especially those suffering in prison. Pray for the Lord's strengthening presence, and pray for their release.

  Read more about the persecuted Church in Eritrea at theEritrea Country Report.

• Christian woman dies in prison

  Senait Oqbazgi Habta (28) died on April 23 in the Sawa Military Training Centre in Eritrea after suffering severe abuse and being denied medical treatment for malaria and severe anemia. Senait was arrested in 2008, along with 15 other university students, for attending a Bible study group. She and the other students were imprisoned in large metal shipping containers where they suffered suffocating heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night. They were also deprived of fresh air, sanitation and medical attention. Sawa officials reportedly offered Senait her freedom and medical attention if she would recant her Christian beliefs, but she refused. Camp officials eventually relented and allowed her to be moved to the prison's medical centre. She died shortly after her transfer, however, due to her prolonged illnesses. (Source: Open Doors)

  Pray for God's comfort, peace and encouragement for Senait's family and friends. Pray that God will continue to strengthen imprisoned Eritrean Christians by His grace. Pray that their persecutors will be convicted by their testimonies of faithfulness and seek salvation in Christ.

  Find out more about the suffering of Eritrean Christians at theEritrea Country Report.

• Dozens of Christians imprisoned

  On March 27, military officials arrested 17 young men gathered for prayer in the town of Segeneiti, Eritrea. The Christians, who are reportedly soldiers carrying out their compulsory national military service, were being held at a local police station at last report. Twenty-five other Christians, all members of the Asmara Full Gospel Church, were arrested on April 2.

  Approximately 2,200 Christians remain in prison in Eritrea for their refusal to stop practicing their faith outside of the government-sanctioned churches. (Source: Open Doors USA)

  Pray that these believers will be released. Pray that the strength and grace of Jesus will abound in them as they suffer for their faith. Pray that the Word of the Lord will continue to spread throughout Eritrea, even in the midst of great trials and challenges for Christ's followers.

  For more information on the severe persecution facing Eritrean Christians, go to theEritrea Country Report.