At least 30 Christians arrested in Eritrea

A large group of Christians have been arrested in Eritrea in a sobering reminder of why Eritrea is number four on the latest World Watch List.

Thirty Christian adults, plus an unknown number of children, have been arrested in Eritrea. They had gathered to celebrate the first birthday of a Christian family's firstborn child.

The incident happened in the country’s capital, Asmara, on 20 January. According to an Open Doors source, whilst believers from the gathering were taken to a nearby police station, ‘unbelievers were sent home’.

Cost and courage

Eritrea is number four on the latest World Watch List, which was released last month. It’s known as the ‘North Korea of Africa’ because of its intense authoritarian rule.

Only three Christian denominations are allowed – Orthodox, Lutheran and Catholic – and they are subject to heavy monitoring. Those who gather outside these recognised groups risk raids, fines and even long-term imprisonment, where conditions are notoriously awful.

This latest incident is a stark reminder of why Eritrea is so high on the World Watch List. But despite this, believers continue to courageously stand firm in their faith and many more are coming to know Jesus, too.

Top image by David Stanley

please pray

• That God's Spirit will provide for the persecuted church, and give them wisdom and discernment in everything they do
• That many people on all levels of government will be moved by what so many imprisoned Christians go through
• That prison guards will start asking questions about the ‘crime’ these Christians have ‘committed’, prompting questions about their own belief systems.

please give

• Every HK$210 means an isolated believer could hear God speak through a regular radio broadcast.
• Every HK$440 provides a food package to a North Korean believer to keep them alive.
• Every HK$670 trains a Christian to withstand persecution in one of the world’s darkest places.

*Any excess funds will be used to strengthen other persecuted Christians where urgent help is needed.