Eritrea

Eritrea: Finding Joy in Prison

Pastor Kidane Gebremeskel Gedion says it was a great privilege to suffer for Jesus during the two-and-a-half years he spent in three different Eritrean prisons because of his evangelistic work. Pastor Kidane tells VOM Canada's Greg Musselman that being separated from his wife and children was much worse than the imprisonment itself. He also explains why the Eritrean government continues to persecute followers of Christ in his East African nation and what he has learned about God during the ordeal. This episode is a reunion of sorts, as Greg initially met with Pastor Kidane in Eritrea 17 years ago.

Date: June 11, 2021
Length: 62 minutes

Show Notes
The Persecution of Evangelical Christians in Eritrea

An interview with Dr. Berhane Ashmelash of Release Eritrea about the release of numerous Christian prisoners.
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada

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Country Information

Designation
Persecuted

Population
6,147,398 (July 2021 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Tigrinya (50), Tigre (30), Saho (4), Afar (4) Kunama (4), Bilen (3), other (5)

Religion (%)
Islam (47.4), Christianity (48.8), other (3.8)

Leader
President Isaias Afworki (1993)

Government type
Presidential republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of civil, customary, and Islamic religious law

Sources: CIA World Factbook, Operation World

Pray for Eritrea

Ask the Lord to provide imprisoned Eritrean believers a means of escape and a place of safe refuge. Pray for Him to also work deeply in the hearts of the country's governing officials so they will grant His people the freedom to worship Him and glorify His matchless name. Mindful of their own human frailties, may these political leaders realize the need to make Jesus their own personal Saviour and Lord by accepting His gift of eternal salvation.

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Eritrea News

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