ETHIOPIA: Church Attack Forces Pastor and Wife into Hiding

Source: VOMC
Source: Steadfast Global

The remains of the church building. Photo: VOMC Ministry Partner

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada has partnered with Steadfast Global to provide small loans to pastors and other Christian workers so they can establish sustainable businesses in support of their ministries. Among the recipients of this project is Pastor Paul, along with his wife Mary. (Their given names were changed for the purpose of this report due to security concerns.) This couple has been faithfully ministering within a Muslim-majority community in southern Ethiopia. As part of their ministry outreach, Pastor Paul and Mary leased space in a compound where they set up a shelter composed of poles and zinc sheets so they could hold worship services with local converts.

On July 29th, a mob suddenly stormed into the compound, forcibly dismantling the shelter before stealing its structural materials. Although police were present at the time of the attack, they did nothing to intervene. Instead, the authorities arrested Pastor Paul and physically assaulted him while in custody. The church leader was later released without charge. Thankfully, Mary was unharmed during the incident.

The Christian man who had leased the space to Pastor Paul was detained by police following the raid. Soon after the landowner's release, he terminated his rental agreement with the church. For their safety, Pastor Paul and Mary have gone into hiding as they recover from the attack and discern their next steps.

Prior to this incident, the pastor was asked if he had any concerns for his own safety, considering the history of violence against Christians in the area. His response was unwavering: "We are not afraid. We will live for Christ, and we will die for Christ."
To review reports on previous incidents of persecution in Ethiopia, go to this country profile.

• Ask the Lord to grant Pastor Paul and his wife Mary full healing and restoration following this recent attack, also praying that this ministering couple will receive His guidance and provision as they seek direction for the future.
• Praise God for faithful servants across Ethiopia who are reaching out with the "Good News" of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.
• Pray for future opportunities to proclaim the message of God's forgiveness and salvation in communities where the hope of His shining light is needed most.
• Also intercede for the spiritual growth and protection of the converts who had been meeting with Pastor Paul, praying that their faith would deepen and remain strong despite adversity.