Christian Couple Beaten and Chased from Mosque

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia On February 10, Jemmal Abdo (30) and his wife, both Muslim converts to Christianity, were beaten and chased out from a mosque where they both worked in the capital city of Addis Ababa, according to VOMC sources. Two months ago, Jemmal and his wife both came to faith in Christ. Soon after their conversion, one of Jemmal's friends saw him talking with Christians and told the imam of the mosque. On February 10, Jemmal and his wife were interrogated in the mosque during a meeting called by Muslim leaders in an attempt to persuade the couple to recant their faith. The couple refused to do so, even after the leaders offered them higher positions and salaries if they denied Christ. The couple was then beaten and dragged out of the mosque. Jemmal and his wife were able to flee to a new location for safety.

Pray for the recovery of Jemmal and his wife, who were injured in the attack. Ask God to strengthen them by His grace as they stand in their new found faith in Christ (Philippians 1:29).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Ethiopia, go to the Ethiopia Country Report.

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

Christian Workers Attacked While Constructing Church

This man was attacked while building a church.
Photo: VOM International

On April 7th, a group of Christians were working to construct a church building when they were violently attacked by a mob of Muslim militants. Armed with machetes, the attackers attempted to stop the construction, wounding several of the workers who were present.

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Open-Air Evangelists Attacked

These Christian evangelists were attacked
while preaching the Gospel.

On February 9th, two Christian evangelists were attacked by Muslim militants while preaching within an open-air market in central Ethiopia. As a result of the incident, both men suffered severe head injuries and thereby had to be transported to a local hospital. Details surrounding their current conditions have not yet been released at the time of publishing this report.

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

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

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