ETHIOPIA: Authorities Demolish Church Building
Sources: Christian Post, International Christian Concern
Local authorities in the Muslim-majority city of Harar destroyed a church building on November 28th. Heaven's Light Church, which served approximately 100 congregants, had ministered in the area for five years. At last report, these Christians are now meeting in the homes of individual believers.
In the days preceding the destruction, officials forcibly removed the church's exterior sign and warned believers not to worship there, citing complaints by a local Muslim. Authorities also told church members who had previously congregated at the church "not to gather under what remains of the church building." Furthermore, Christian leaders who protested the mistreatment were illegally detained, released only after community members called for their immediate release.
According to religious freedom advocates, there are numerous ongoing battles over land rights occurring between churches and local governments across the country. Efforts by the Muslim-majority populations to "eliminate the public presence" of churches has resulted in the forceful closure, destruction and demolition of several church buildings in recent years.
In the aftermath of the destruction of their church building, may these Ethiopian brothers and sisters in Christ be strengthened and encouraged through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Intercede for these dear believers, requesting that another suitable building will soon be found. Until that time, pray that each one of them would be able to continue meeting together for worship without any further opposition. Also remember the authorities and local Muslims involved in this case, asking God to use the witness of His children in Harar to draw many to our Saviour and Lord Jesus.
To post a prayer for these believers during this difficult time, go to our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
Recent Prisoner Update
IRAN: Prisoners of Faith Persevere Despite Hardship
Sources: Mohabat News, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
As Christians continue to face imprisonment in Iran due to their faith in Jesus Christ, we ask that you specifically remember the following believers in your prayers this week.
In mid-November, authorities arrested 32-year-old Ebrahim Hossin-Zadeh, a house church leader in the city of Shirza, after raiding his residence. Many of Ebrahim's personal belongings were confiscated -- including his books, cell phone and computer. The church leader, who converted to Christianity several years ago, was interrogated before being transferred to a detention centre. At last report, no further information had been provided to his family regarding his whereabouts or condition.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased Farshid Fathi's sentence by one year. Farshid, a house church leader who has already served more than four years of his original six-year sentence, will now have to endure three more years of incarceration. The increased sentence is reportedly related to a controversial security raid at Evin Prison that left the Christian man hospitalized with a broken leg and damaged joints. (For more information on these injuries, read a
previous prayer alert.)
On a positive note, six-year prison charges placed against three Christian men were revoked in early December. Behnam Irani, Matthias Haghnejad and Silas Rabbani were initially charged with the capital offence of "spreading corruption on earth." Behnam and Matthias were later accused of "enmity of God." These charges were dropped and the men were instead tried for "action against national security" and "creating a network to overthrow the system." Matthias and Silas were released after the charges were dropped; however, Behnam remains imprisoned in Karaj where he is serving a previous one-year sentence for "action against the state" and a five-year sentence for "action against national security." (For more information on the trials these men have faced, go to
this page.)
While praising God for the release of Matthias and Silas, let us remember in prayer the many others who remain imprisoned in Iran because of their faith. In particular, lift up Ebrahim, Farshid and Behnam to our gracious Heavenly Father, asking that He sustain and protect them as they languish in prison. Pray that the charges placed against them will be dropped and, as a result, they would soon be released! In the meantime, may they follow the Lord faithfully even while in chains, interceding for their fellow inmates and serving as effective testimonies. Additionally, ask God to encourage the hearts of these believers' loved ones as they navigate the legal system and try to go about their daily lives with His ongoing help and strength.
To write a letter of encouragement to Farshid or Behnam, please visit VOM's letter-writing site at
www.PrisonerAlert.com.
