Tags

Eritrea

  • Government Issues Confiscation Order to Protestant Church

    The Eritrean government has ordered that the Kale Hiwot Church surrender all of its property and physical assets to the government, according to a September 20 report from Compass Direct.

    The written confiscation order by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs targets possessions of the church's relief department, which has functioned as a legally recognizable non-governmental organization (NGO) under the Eritrean Relief and Rehabilitation Commission for more than twenty years. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has been closing down NGO operations in Eritrea for the past two years.

    According to local Christians, the government has no legal authority to enforce such an order. If carried out, the confiscation order would include all of the denomination's church buildings, schools, vehicles and other assets.

    The central offices of the Kale Hiwot in Asmara's Paridizo District were raided and closed last October. During the raids, security police arrested all of the administrators, staff and a few visitors. The church's computers, office equipment and files were also confiscated.

    This order follows previous steps of imprisoning pastors and key church leaders and raids on various church buildings. "[This confiscation order] is a direct attack upon the church," one source told Compass. "It is the final act of banning this church."

    Pray that the order against the Kale Hiwot Church will be rescinded. Ask God to move in the hearts of government leaders that they would recognize religious freedom for all of Eritrea's citizens. Pray that those who have been arrested will be released. Pray that those in Eritrean prisons will be encouraged by the examples of other men and women who have remained faithful in the face of terrible opposition (Hebrews 12:1-3). Pray that Christians throughout Eritrea will take comfort in the fact that God commends those who suffer for doing good (1 Peter 2:20-21).

    For more information on the severe persecution facing Eritrea's Christians,click here. Video testimonies from Eritreans who have been forced to flee their country are also available on VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.
  • One in Ten Evangelicals Imprisoned

    New information obtained by Compass Direct suggests that at least 1,918 Eritreans are presently in prison for their religious beliefs; ninety-five percent of them Christians. They are being subjected to torture and forced labour because of their faith. According to Release Eritrea, these numbers mean that approximately one in ten Eritrean evangelicals are presently being detained. One fourth of those in prison have been there for two or more years. None have been brought before a court of law to be charged or tried

    During the month of August, at least twenty-nine Christians were arrested. Authorities have also clamped down on relief and development efforts of the Kalehiwet Church and are threatening to close an Anglican elementary school in Asmara.

    Pray that those in prison will remain faithful to the Lord. Pray that they will be encouraged in the fact that God is with them in their afflictions (Isaiah 63:9). Pray that God will move the hearts of Eritrean authorities to stop the oppression of God's people.

    For more information on Eritrea and the persecution of Christians there,click here. Testimonies of Christian Eritreans who have been forced to flee their country have recently been added to VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.  Log on to hear their stirring accounts.
  • Christian Prisoners Escape from Military Camp
    Many Christians, including those who escaped recently,
    have been held in shipping containers like this one.
    In the early morning of May 16, fifteen Christians escaped from a military training camp in Asabe, Eritrea and attempted to escape across the desert into neighbouring Djibouti. According to June 23 report from Open Doors U.K., the men had been detained in metal shipping containers for the past two years because of their faith in Christ.

    Military police pursued the men when they were discovered missing. After two days, the bodies of five of them were found dead from exposure. At last report the other ten had not been found and there was no indication if they were successful in crossing the border into Djibouti. If they remain in Eritrea, their lives are in grave danger. More information will be released if it becomes available.

    Pray that, if there are survivors, the Lord will bring them safely to a place where they can recover from their ordeal. Pray that the families of the deceased will find comfort in the fact that Christ is victorious over death, and their loved ones will be raised with Him. Pray that, in view of this promise, they will continue to give themselves fully to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Continue to pray for the safe release of the many Christian prisoners in Eritrea.

    For more information on the severe persecution facing Christians in Eritrea,click here.
  • Baby Dies While Mother and Others Are Imprisoned
    To hear the testimonies of individuals who have suffered for their faith in Eritrea, log on towww.vomcanada.com and watch the newest videos.
    On May 8, three women from the Full Gospel Church in Nefasit, Eritrea were detained on allegations of "actively witnessing about Christ." According to a May 19 report from Compass Direct, all three women had to leave young children in their homes when they were detained by authorities. Ghenet Gebremariam's six-month-old baby, Hazaiel Daniel, was desperately ill at the time. Two days later, the baby died. When security police heard the news, they released Ghenet on bail. The other two women, Meslale Abraham and Alganshe Tsagay, remain in custody. No reason is given for their arrest other than their involvement in a church banned by the government.

    In a separate incident, fifty evangelical students are reported to have been put under harsh military punishment at the Mai Nefhee Educational Institution, a military service centre in Asmara during the first week of May. According to relatives, the thirty-three women and seventeen men were found to be evangelical Christians as part of a campaign by the Defense Ministry to identify all students at the institution who are involved in "illegal" Protestant activities.

    Compass Direct also reported that the persecution of Christians in Eritrea has even extended into the officially-recognized Eritrean Orthodox Church. Sixty-five key members and coordinators of the Medhane Alem Sunday School movement within the Orthodox Church were excommunicated on March 28. Three of the members, identified as Samson, Michael and Naemen, were arrested a week later, accused of instigating open resistance to the excommunications. At last report, the three remain in custody. For the past nine months, the Eritrean Orthodox Church's Holy Synod has effectively been under government control.

    Pray that the Eritrean believers will remain faithful and unashamed of the Gospel, knowing that the power of the gospel will continue to affect lives for eternity despite the government's concerted efforts to control or destroy the Church (Romans 1:16). Pray that the mother who has lost her baby will be comforted in the fact that she will see him again (2 Samuel 12:23). Ask God to protect the children who are left without their mothers' care, and that the mothers will have the joy of knowing that the Lord is caring for them in their absence (Psalm 68:5). Ask God to encourage the military students in Asmara and give them His wisdom as they face their accusers (Matthew 10:19). Ask God to comfort and strengthen those within the Eritrean Orthodox Church who are facing repercussions for their involvement the Sunday School movement.

    For more information on the suffering facing Eritrea's Christians,click here. Two new video reports on Eritrea are available on VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/. The videos give testimonies of Eritrean Christians who have been forced to flee their nation because of their faith. The feature article of the May edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter features the testimonies of these Eritrean believers who have suffered for their faith. You can read this article online by subscribing to our free newsletter today on our newsletter page.
  • Military Conscripts Detained
    Sawa Military Training Camp
    According to a February 2 report from Compass Direct, military authorities in Eritrea have placed seventy-five recent conscripts in jail for "reading Bibles and praying during their free time."  The evangelical Christians were primarily youths serving compulsory military service at the Sawa Military Camp.  According to reports from Eritrea, none of those detained had attempted to conduct a Christian meeting. They were only carrying out normal Christian activities during their free time.  In contrast, Muslim conscripts are allowed to read the Quran and pray five times each day.  According to confirmed reports, the Christians have been placed under "military detention and punishment."  It is believed that nearly 1800 Christians are presently being detained in Eritrea because of their faith in Jesus.

    Pray that the Lord will continue to embolden these young believers to remain true to Christ. Ask God to move the hearts of the government leaders in Eritrea to acknowledge the religious freedom of all of their citizens.  Pray that God will use the VOMC weekly shortwave radio broadcast to Eritrea, "Voice of Light," to minister to those who have little access to Christian fellowship.  To listen to this program online, click here.

    For more information on the persecution facing Eritrea's Christians, go toclick here. To view video reports on Eritrea are available on https://www.vomcanada.com/.
  • Patriarch Deposed and Arrested

    Since May 2002, the Eritrean government has been actively trying to destroy any religious community in the country that they do not officially recognize.  The evangelical community has been particularly affected as hundreds have been arrested and tortured. Left alone, for the most part, has been the officially recognized Eritrean Orthodox Church.  However, in August 2005, the Orthodox patriarch, Abuna Antonios, was removed from his administrative duties under pressure from the Eritrean government, apparently because he has been critical of government interference in the affairs of the church (click here for more details).  Antonios refused to accept the restrictions that were illegally placed on him and a struggle for control ensued between the patriarch and the government-appointed administrator, Yoftahe Dimetros.  On January 13, a letter was sent to Antonios, informing him that he had been removed from the position of patriarch.  According to a January 20 report by Release Eritrea, Antonios has also been placed under house arrest.

    Pray that Abuna Antonios' message of religious freedom will reach the ears and hearts of government leaders.  Pray that God will grant him all that he needs during these difficult days.  Pray for the release of all Eritrean Christians who are in detention because of their allegiance to Christ.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Eritrea,click here.  A video news report from Eritrea is also available on VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.
  • Leaders from Five Churches Arrested

    Last week, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on a series of arrests made against Eritrean Christian businessmen, starting on December 22.  Recent reports from Compass Direct and Strategic World Impact have provided further details on the arrests and the continuing oppression of Christian leaders in Eritrea.

    During the initial police raids, one pastor named Simon from the Church of the Living God managed to escape from security forces shortly after his arrest and, at last report, he is still in hiding.  His family and his congregation have suffered greatly as they attempt to protect him from harm.  Simon's family has faced almost daily threats and harassment from officials.  One member of his board, a government worker named Mr. Tesfagabiet, has been arrested.  Another member of his congregation and the owner of Gazella Shoe Factory named Mr. Yemane was also arrested.  Police are also reportedly searching for Pastor Simon Tekie of the Philadelphia Church.

    Pray that the gospel will continue to go forth despite the government's intense effort to silence it. Ask God to surround Pastor Simon and Pastor Simon Tekie with His protection. Ask the Lord to work in the hearts of officials to release not only Mr. Tesfagabiet and Mr. Yemane, but also the thousand plus believers suffering in prisons across Eritrea.

    For more information the persecution of Christians in Eritrea,click here.  Video reports from Eritrea are also available on VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.
  • Christmas Raids on Christian Businesses

    During the Christmas season, Eritrean police raided a number of businesses owned by evangelical Christians and arrested the owners and staff and closed the businesses.  As many as 150 people were arrested in this latest wave of persecution. The human rights organization, Release Eritrea, also reports that Pastor Georgo, one of the few Full Gospel pastors still free, has been arrested.

    Pray that the Eritrean government's attempts to extinguish the Gospel will only serve to fan the flame of Christ's light. Pray for boldness and peace for those arrested as well as their friends and family members. Pray that the spate of arrests will stop and that Eritreans will have religious freedom.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Eritrea,click here.  A video report on Eritrea is available on VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.
  • Latest Developments in War on Christianity

    Eritrean believers continue to face strong opposition as they seek to follow Christ. On October 5, The Voice of the Martyrs Canada reported that over 200 Christians had been arrested in early October in coordinated raids on churches, workplaces, homes and off the streets. (Click here for more). Release Eritrea reported on November 1 that several detainees had been reported released without charges. Of those who had been imprisoned in early October, all of the female prisoners have been released as well as at least two males. However, the fate of most those taken into custody in early October remains unknown.

    In another development, Compass Direct reported on October 26 that the only Anglican priest in Eritrea had been ordered to leave the country. Rev. Nelson Fernandez, pastor of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Asmara, received a phone call from a government official on October 4 telling him that for reasons of "higher security" his visa had been reduced to only fifteen more days. The following day, his visa was reduced to only ten days. The priest told Compass Direct that he believed that the main reason for his expulsion was the rapid growth of the churches' Sunday evening congregation. This year an average of 250 predominantly young Eritreans have been attending these open worship services.
  • Over 200 Christians Detained More than two hundred Eritrean Christians have been arrested in coordinated raids on churches, workplaces, homes and off the streets since September 30.  The primary concerns are for the safety of those arrested, as well as families left at home.  Sources in Eritrea consider this to be the worst action of its kind to date.

Page 9 of 13