Teens Detained for Distributing Christian Literature

Three young teenage Christian girls have been arrested following the distribution of a Christian book in the town of Babile. The three girls -- Eden, 15, Gifti, 14, and Mihiret, 14 -- first appeared in court on September 28th with an 18-year-old woman known to her friends as Deborah. Police and governing officials have continually asked for extensions in the case.

This case involves the distribution of a Christian book written in Ethiopia's main language: Let's Speak the Truth in Love: Answers to Questions by Ahmed Deedat. The book, which was written by a local author, answers questions posed by the late South African Islamic scholar (and former head of the Islamic Propagation Centre International) about the Christian faith. Local Christians decided to distribute it following their cross-cultural evangelism training.

Threats against the girls' church leaders have since arisen. On September 21st, a group of about 20 militant Muslim youths reportedly visited the home of one of the leaders, warning him to leave the area or risk losing his life and property.

There is also concern over the well-being of the girls. Eden suffered a beating on her first night of imprisonment. But according to a source who was able to visit the girls in prison, their faith is unshaken. "This (suffering) is an honour for us," Eden says. "We should expect persecution. We are not afraid. We are singing and praying here in prison."

Ethiopia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and in most cities people of different faiths co-exist peacefully. However, evangelical Christians (including those who formerly adhered to Islam or to Ethiopia's Orthodox church) are subject to discrimination, threats and sometimes attacks. To review previous reports on persecution in Ethiopia, visit this page.

Please pray that Eden, Gifti, Mihiret, and their friend Deborah, will receive justice, mercy and protection from potential harm. Thanking God for their steadfastness in the face of persecution, let us pray that they will continue to speak His Word with great boldness and conviction (Acts 4:29). May their witness inspire others to grow in the Christian faith and to live more courageously -- despite whatever obstacles or opposition they encounter. Ultimately, may God's message of salvation and peace prevail throughout Ethiopia.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC has partnered with a ministry to strengthen the witness of the local church by equipping evangelists with the means to build sustainability through the development of a small business in a tentmaker project.

    Project Fund: Relief and Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    116,462,712 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Oromo (35.8), Amara (24.1), Somali (7.2), Tigray (5.7), Sidama (4.1), Guragie (2.6), Welaita (2.3), Afar (2.2), Silte (1.3), Kefficho (1,2), Other (13.5) (2022 est.)

    Religion (%)
    Ethiopian Orthodox (43.8), Muslim (31.3), Protestant (22.8), Catholic (0.7), traditional (0.6), other (0.8)

    Leader
    President Taye Atske Selassie (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Ethiopia

    Ask the Lord to direct Ethiopia's governmental leaders as they continue to work toward solutions to the ongoing religious tensions in the country. While this is taking place, pray that His people will not become weary in doing what is right. Rather, may they be further strengthened and encouraged to boldly proclaim the Gospel, overcoming hatred with the powerful love of Christ.

Ethiopia News

  • Attacked Church Seeks New Meeting Location
    The bare remains of a church building.
    The remains of the church building.
    Photo: VOMC Ministry Partner

    On July 29th, a small congregation in Ethiopia was attacked by hostile community members who were opposed to the church's presence in their village. During the incident, the attackers dismantled the simple shelter where the Christians had been meeting, and then they proceeded to steal its structural materials. (For more details about this incident, see this report.)

  • Church Attack Forces Pastor and Wife into Hiding
    The bare remains of a church building.
    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.

  • Evangelist Martyred for Sharing the Gospel
    Ibrahim Mohammed's face is pixelated to obscure his identity. He is standing in front of his home.
    Ibrahim Mohammed
    Photo: Steadfast Global

    Ibrahim Mohammed became a follower of Jesus in 2021 and immediately began sharing the "Good News" of the Gospel with others in his predominantly Muslim community. Within the span of one year, he led 80 people to Christ in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Since then, the passionate evangelist has devoted himself to discipling these new believers. As a result of his Christian witness, Ibrahim began receiving death threats from local Islamic militants.

  • Christians Targeted in Violent Outbreaks
    Property damage from a fire - Photo: Steadfast Global www.steadfastglobal.org
    Fire damage in Shashamene.
    Photo: Steadfast Global

    The Oromia region of Ethiopia is in the midst of turmoil as separatists spread dissent against the government. The murder of prominent singer Hachalu Hundessa on June 29th set off the civil unrest, leaving hundreds dead.

    During the third week of August, a violent outbreak took place in a predominantly Muslim village of Senbete Sinkile. In the attack, which was perpetrated by a youth wing of separatists known as the Qeerroo, it appears that Christians in particular were targeted. While there were no fatalities resulting from this attack, a number of people were injured and damages were done to a church and the homes of various Christians in the village. A number of victims were forced to flee, despite flood conditions, seeking refuge in the mainly Christian city of Awassa.