Perseverance and Faithfulness in Eritrea

This past week I had the great opportunity to meet a brother originally from Eritrea. He now lives in North America and works with Christians and brings awareness of persecution in Eritrea. What was amazing about him was his passion to tell the stories of Christians who have suffered persecution in Eritrea, and his excitement over the people who are coming to Christ in the midst of persecution. This dear brother reiterated one of my beliefs—that one of our greatest responsibilities as Christians is to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world as they face beatings, imprisonment and other forms of persecution.

When I heard that persecution in Eritrea started increasing in 2002, I also heard that the church increased in number, as well. I got excited to hear about the growth. No one can limit the movement of God’s Spirit. The brother shared that the motto for non-believers in Eritrea is, “The nation is above all, glory and honor be to our martyrs forever and ever” (meaning those who have died for the country). In contrast, he said the motto for Christians is, “The Lord is above all. No one and nothing will rule my life except Jesus Christ.”

Wow, what a perspective to have! Courageous believers in Eritrea choose to stand for Christ, even though they know that suffering will probably be unavoidable. Hearing these stories about my brothers and sisters in Christ encouraged and challenged me to keep them in my prayers consistently. Thank God for the Holy Spirit that ministers to them, and watches and protects them in the midst of great persecution. Remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in Eritrea, because prayer surely changes things and circumstances. God will be faithful to meet them at their time of need.