Eritrea

Key Facts:

Leader:
President Isaias Afewerki
Population:
4.9 million (47% Christian)
Majority Religions:
Islam/Christianity
Type of Government:
One party state

Border struggles with Ethiopia have made life difficult for millions. Almost half of the population belong to the Orthodox Church, but other denominations are marginalised. Small evangelical churches have been closed and cannot be registered. More than 2,000 Christians are imprisoned for their faith, some held in windowless shipping containers. Sometimes a church group is rounded up and imprisoned. One believer was tortured to death when she refused to renounce her faith.

Prayer

• Praise God that many soldiers are turning to Christ while doing national service.
• Pray for young people expelled from their homes, that churches will show them God’s love.
• All evangelical churches were closed in 2002 and have not been reopened. Ask God to move powerfully in this situation.