Eritrea
Do you know where your brothers and sisters in Christ of Eritrea are located on the globe? If not, I encourage you to look and find out. Research the history of the country so you know how to pray. Also, note that Eritrea is in a location where conflict surrounds its borders. Pray for peace and protection for the entire land. There has recently been a rise in arresting non-recognized members of Protestant churches. Many of these people are still awaiting trial after 2 years. The country seems torn over religion. Notice that the Christian population is quite large. Pray that the Christians, no matter what denomination, will unify and stand together for their religious freedom.
Population: 4.9 million
Christian Population: 45%
Leader: Isaias Afewerki
Prayer Requests:
1) Pray for comfort and provision for the families of those in prison. Many of these families have not heard from their loved ones since the religious round-up of October 2008.
2) Pray for those in prison to know God’s peace, grace, and hope as they long for freedom. Help them to feel his presence continually.
3) Pray for the church members who are pastoring the churches in the ministers’ absence. Pray that they may be strong and wise amid persecution.
*In May 2002, all religious groups other than Islam, Orthodox, Catholic, and Lutheran churches were outlawed without proper (and difficult) registration. Many believers of unregistered churches (such as Baptists, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventist, etc) have been arrested and tortured. Three were killed in 2009. In October 2008, there was a great round-up of unregistered Christians, many of whom still await a proper trial. Pray that the government recognizes all denominations and that those in prison for their love of Jesus Christ would be released… TODAY!
Eritrea is a diverse land made up of several ethnic groups. There are also several religious factions as well. Pray for unity of tribes and unity of denominations as God continues to work in this land.
Top Ten Most Persecuted Countries Recap!
1) North Korea- remember those in labor camps. The government puts three generations at a time in prison in hopes to let Christ die out in families. But our God lives forever. Pray for their release!
2) Iran-remember the Christians who live under constant surveillance. Pray that they still shine brightly and that fear would be replaced by love.
3) Saudi Arabia- Pray God uses media tools like internet and Christian Satellite TV to draw Saudis to him.
4) Somalia- Pray for peace to take over the land and that it could recover from war. Also, remember to pray for the physical and spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters there.
5) The Maldives- Pray that Bibles and Christian literature would reach the citizens of the Maldives.
6)Afghanistan- Pray that Christians there that are either serving in armed forces or trying to set up businesses there would be a witness for Jesus Christ.
7) Yemen- Pray that God uses the internet and Christian Satellite TV to reach those curious about Jesus as well.
8) Mauritania- Pray that the hearts of the people would be softened toward the Gospel and for God to reveal himself.
9) Laos- Pray that the scattered and small churches would unify in their beliefs and continue to grow.
10) Uzbekistan- Pray that the church of Jesus Christ would continue to grow despite persecution. Remember Pastor Salavet and his family in your prayers. Pray that his ministry grows.
Dear Lord, I come before you lifting up 11 countries. Your word says “For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” All these countries belong to you. I pray that you would move and work in these countries. Comfort all those who have been persecuted. Put a hedge of protection around the Christians there. Lord, be with the Christians of Eritrea and help them not to lose hope in you. Please comfort the families of the imprisoned. Provide for their needs. Please comfort those in prisons. Surround them with your glory. Give them hope, grace, and peace. Lord, release them today! Soften the heart of their captors to release them so that they may return to their families and churches. Work a miracle there like you did for Paul and Silas. Release their chains today! Strengthen and enlighten your church and their interim leaders as they wait for their leader to come home… today! Lord, TODAY work a miracle in this land. Help all the denominations of this land to unify and grow together. Let Kingdom continue to grow there! Lord, today I also remember the lands of North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Yemen, Mauritania, Laos, and Uzbekistan. You know the needs of your children in this country. I pray that you meet them. Lord, send missionaries and Bibles into these lands. Bless those who are in prison for their faith. Strengthen those who face persecution. Lord, change the hearts of their leaders. Soften the heart of the people toward the Gospel of Chirst. Also, please bless Maur and Anon with salvation. Move in all these countries and be a force. Lord, you are strong. You are stronger than any god. Show your love and power in these lands. Release these lands from the claws of the devil. Fill these lands with peace and love. Amen.
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