Security agents have reportedly arrested Peter Masanja, an evangelist in Zanzibar's southeastern town of Paje. Earlier this year, Peter invited fellow members of the Pentecostal Church in Zanzibar to hold religious activities in his home. Local Muslims grew angry, believing that he was planning to establish a church on his land.
In early August, Peter failed to return home and his wife grew concerned. After several days of searching for him, his wife learned that he had been arrested and imprisoned in Kilimani. Local pastors have tried to meet with prison authorities about Peter's arrest, but were told that the person in charge of the prison was away on business. (Source: Compass Direct)
Pray that Peter will be released. Pray also for his family, that their faith in Christ will grow stronger during these difficult days. Ask God to equip Christians in Tanzania through His grace to demonstrate His love and forgiveness amid great opposition.
Country Information
Population 62,092,761(July 2021 est.)
Ethnicity (%) Mainland - African (99) (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes), other (1) (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, African, mixed Arab and African
Religion (%) Christian (63.1), Muslim (34.1), folk religion (1.1), unspecified (1.6) Note: Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim
Leader President Samia Suluhu Hassan (2021)
Government type Presidential republic
Legal system English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation
Sources: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Tanzania
Pray that the gospel will be well received by unreached tribal groups. Ask God to influence government leaders tostand strong against the influence of Islam. Pray that pastors in Zanzibar will continue to stand strong despite efforts to eliminate Christianity.
Bishop Daniel Kwileba Kwiyeya Photo: Morning Star News
A Pentecostal church in Kisauni, which is located in Zanzibar (a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania), has been facing pressure from local Muslims about its presence in the community. The annoyed community members lobbied the local authorities, w
A pastor and several church members in a southeastern Tanzanian village had all of their belongings and cash confiscated after refusing to contribute towards a ceremony involving witchcraft. Village leaders, who entertained fears of "curses" being placed upon the area, called upon wit
On June 16th, three Christians were arrested in Zanzibar for cooking food in a private home during the Ramadan fast. Emmanuel Yohana, his wife Katherine, and a woman identified as Khadija, were arrested at the couple's home. Local police, led by the area district commissioner, forcefully and unlawful
A church being burned in Tanzania. Photo: World Watch Monitor
Another church in Tanzania's extreme northwest corner was burned to the ground on May 2nd in a suspected arson attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the fire that destroyed the church in Nyarwele, located within the Kagera regio