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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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
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.
According to a recent report, 44 believers have been arrested from private homes in Eritrea by governing officials since the beginning of 2023. The group – consisting of 39 women and five men – are being held at the Mai Serwa prison on the outskirts of
...In 2002, the government of Eritrea outlawed every religion except for Sunni Islam, Eritrean Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and Lutheranism. Since then, the oppression against other religious groups has been severe. Even those within the approved faith groups have been at risk of op
...In May 2002, the Eritrean government closed all unregistered churches and established legislation outlawing any religious community except for Sunni Islam, Eritrean Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and Lutheranism. Government oppression and control was strongly instituted, even within these
...In mid-March, 29 evangelical Christians were arrested when Eritrean security forces raided a home prayer meeting in Asmara. According to reports, 17 women and 12 men were taken to the Mai Serwa prison
...7703 Views
128418 Views
126617 Views
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