ERITREA: At Least 30 Arrested at a Birthday Gathering

Source: VOMC
Sources: Open Doors, Church in Chains

On January 20th, 30 Christian adults, plus an unknown number of children, were arrested in Eritrea when police raided a party that was held in celebration of an infant's first birthday. The incident took place in the capital city of Asmara at the home of a Christian couple who was hosting a gathering of family and friends to celebrate the birthday of their firstborn child.

Police specifically targeted evangelical Christians at the event. Although authorities sent home those who were not, all adult male evangelicals had immediately been taken into custody. The evangelical women, many of whom happened to be mothers, were told to appear at the police station two days later. When these women arrived, they had also been taken into custody, along with some children who needed to accompany their mothers.

Dr. Berhane Asmelash, who presently serves as the director of Release Eritrea, states that there are now more Christians in Eritrea than ever before in the country's history. "Twenty years ago, the number of evangelicals was very small, but now it has multiplied several times because the Gospel can never be in chains," he explains. "Christians cannot stop worshipping because their hearts will not allow them to stop. They meet for Bible study and prayer despite the risk of arrest because they are in love with their Lord."
To learn more about the country of Eritrea, and/or read additional reports addressing the suffering of Christians in this East African nation, go to our country report.

Please prayerfully uphold the Eritrean Christians who were recently arrested at the birthday gathering because of their faith in Christ, asking the Lord to mediate on their behalf. 

While waiting for their hopeful soon release from custody, may these believers – including their accompanying children – experience His perfect peace, as well as greatly needed comfort and strength. 

Specifically pray that as the children grow to maturity, they will acquire a full understanding of the spiritual freedom that's available to all who trust in Jesus. 

Also continue to remember the many other believers throughout Eritrea who are currently being held without charge, asking that they too will receive needed courage, hope and endurance from the abiding presence of our loving Heavenly Father who promises to never leave them nor forsake them (Deuteronomy 31:6)