(Map credit Wikipedia)
Ethiopia (MNN) — Heaven’s Light Church, an evangelical church in Ethiopia, was recently destroyed by local officials. International Christian Concern says the attack came after a Muslim complained to authorities about the church’s presence in the community.
Police confiscated church property and tore off the church building’s siding and roof.
“Sadly, it’s becoming more and more common to see attacks like this, specifically against the Church,” says Emily Fuentes of Open Doors USA.
Ethiopia sits at #17 on the Open Doors’ World Watch List, a compilation of 50 countries where Christian persecution is most severe. Fuentes says Ethiopian believers face the most pressure from loved ones.
“When it comes from your family or your local community, it’s almost that ‘extra sting,’ rather [than] from the government as a whole,” she adds.
Along with providing practical help for persecuted families, Open Doors cares for the widows of persecuted church leaders.
(Photo credit Open Doors)
“These widows are left with, many times, big families to care for, and they don’t have the resources,” explains Fuentes.
“So, Open Doors helps provide resources and job skills training; we do a lot of ‘Letters of Encouragement’ for these widows.”
While there are currently no letter-writing campaigns underway for Ethiopian widows, you can still help families by providing for physical needs here.
Most importantly, surround persecuted Christians in Ethiopia with your prayers.
“The #1 thing that persecuted Christians around the world, including Ethiopia, ask for are [our] prayers,” Fuentes notes.
“Pray for their encouragement and [for them] to stay strong in the face of this adversity.”
What do you mean? How many believers have been prosecuted in Ethiopia? Come on, it doesnt make sense at all to say this to ethiopia that is being led by a prime minister from this church.
It’s ok! passing througn such challenges in this world is nothing when we compare it with life which we live with Jesus christ in the coming world!!!!!!!!!!! Let’s pray for all christians who are suffering through out the world b/c of they believe Jesus christ the saviour!
Hey Katey,
Thank you so much for writing about this terrible instance of persecution! I so appreciate seeing the Christian community working together to make the global body of Christ aware of the suffering of our brothers and sisters–even in an overwhelmingly Christian nation!
Please feel free to reach out anytime about persecution news across Africa. I’m always available to share the stories of those ICC serves and to highlight the work that we’re doing to combat injustice by bandaging the wounds of and building the persecuted Church.
Sincerely,
Cameron Thomas
Regional Manager for Africa
[email protected]
I feel sad for these persecutions on my fellow belivers but my joy is when the persecuted stand firm in the faith surely they will be rewarded by our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s continue to pray for the persecuted. Katiie
Praying tor our brothers and sisters in Christ. I love them and it breaks my heart that they are having to go through this. I truly believe a special reward awaits them.
John 16:33 (KJV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV)
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 Corinthians 15:19 (KJV)
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Please would you mind to give us more information, how many people were displaced and where this is happening