In some parts of Africa, Christians face hostility and violence because of their witness for Christ. Even where Christianity is widespread, believers serving in areas with strong opposition to the gospel can face threats, attacks, and persecution.
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Recently, two evangelists were attacked by Muslim extremists while preaching in an open-air market in central Ethiopia. Both men suffered head injuries and required medical treatment.
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Beaten for Sharing the Gospel (Ethiopia)
Despite the dangers, these brothers boldly proclaimed the gospel. Their example reminds us of Christ's call to make disciples of all nations and challenges us to remain faithful in sharing our faith.
PRAY...
...For Christians in Ethiopia and across Africa who face opposition while sharing the gospel, that they would continue to witness with courage and wisdom.
...For healing and strength for the two evangelists as they recover from their injuries.
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PRAY...
...That God would use their testimony to advance His kingdom in Ethiopia.
...That the Lord would soften the hearts of those who attacked these men, and that they would come to know and accept the gospel they currently oppose.
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Across parts of Africa, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to abduction, violence, forced marriage, and exploitation by extremist groups. Christian families often live with the fear of loved ones being taken because of their faith. Yet even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, many believers continue to trust Christ and remain steadfast in their witness.
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Leah Sharibu was abducted at the age of 14 from her school in Dapchi, Nigeria, in 2018. While many of the other girls were released, Leah remains in captivity because she refused to renounce her Christian faith.
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Leah Sharibu
(Nigeria)
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Dr Gloria Samdi-Puldu, a friend of Leah's family and founder of the Leah Foundation, asks us to pray for Leah and for the many women and girls across Africa who have been, or remain at risk of, abduction, violence, and exploitation.
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PRAY...
...For women and girls across Africa who are vulnerable to abduction, violence, forced marriage, and exploitation, that God would protect them and keep them safe.
...For Leah Sharibu, that God would protect, strengthen, and sustain her in captivity, and that she would be safely reunited with her family.
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PRAY...
...For families affected by kidnapping and persecution, that they would know God's comfort, peace, and provision.
...For survivors of abduction and violence, that they would experience healing, restoration, and hope.
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Across Africa, some Christians have been arrested, detained, or imprisoned simply because of their faith, ministry, or public witness for Christ.
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Augustinos Samaan (Egypt)
Augustinos is a Christian apologist and researcher who was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with hard labour after publishing online content explaining and defending the Christian faith. He is appealing his sentence.
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Christians Currently
in Prison
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Pastor Haile Nayzgi (Eritrea)
Haile has spent more than 20 years imprisoned without trial because of his leadership in the Full Gospel Church of Eritrea. He has been denied access to family, legal representation, and medical care.
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Jamaa Ait Bakrim (Morocco)
Jamaa has been imprisoned since 2005. Although originally sentenced to 15 years, he remained imprisoned beyond his expected release date. Many believe his continued imprisonment is linked to his faithful and public witness for Christ.
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PRAY...
...For their families as they wait and hope for justice and reunion.
...For Augustinos, Haile, Jamaa, and other Christians imprisoned because of their faith, that they would know God's presence, peace, and strength.
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PRAY...
...For the release of those unjustly imprisoned because of their commitment to Christ.
...For fair treatment, legal representation, and greater religious freedom across Africa.
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For many Christians across Africa, following Jesus can come at a great personal cost. Believers may face rejection from family members, loss of relationships, and pressure to return to their former beliefs. Despite this opposition, many continue to stand firm in their faith.
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Moussa, a 65-year-old man from Djibouti, came to faith in Christ after his daughter was miraculously healed when he prayed to Jesus. For many years, his wife Safia had faithfully prayed for his salvation despite facing opposition because of her own Christian faith.
When Moussa shared his new faith with his Muslim family, they disowned him. Though deeply hurt by their rejection, Moussa remains steadfast in his faith and full of the joy of the Lord.
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Moussa (Djibouti)
PRAY...
...For Safia, thanking God for her faithful prayers and witness over many years.
...For Moussa, that God would comfort and strengthen him as he experiences rejection because of his faith.
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PRAY...
...For reconciliation in divided families, and that many would come to faith in Christ through the witness of believers like Moussa.
...For Christians across Africa who have been rejected by family or community because of their faith, that they would know God's love, comfort, and presence.
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Across the Horn of Africa, many Somali believers are coming to faith online but remain cut off from fellowship. Legal restrictions, family pressure, and significant risks to their life and safety leaves them practising their faith alone.
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An OM worker in the Horn of Africa says the biggest challenge for those following Jeus followers is a lack of fellowship with other believers.
�“As a result, they often become discouraged, feel lonely and are tempted to return to Islam, the cultural norm. We would like to see these isolated believers meet other believers and to be followed up by a mature believer who can disciple them.”
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Isolated Believers
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God is providing ways for believers to meet.
The same worker shared about two young women who each came to faith through Somali Christian TV’s TikTok livestreams. When one shared her testimony, the other instantly recognised her voice: it was her sister. Neither knew the other was a believer. Now they support each other and attend an online discipleship course every Monday.
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PRAY...
...For those ministering through social media, that God would provide for their ministries, give good connections with those on the ground, and grant perseverance.
...For mature believers who can follow up with and disciple believers scattered across the Horn, providing fellowship and opportunities to grow.
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PRAY...
...For isolated believers across the Horn of Africa, that they would meet other believers and stand firm in their faith
...For the two sisters, that they would grow in their faith and know God’s protection over their lives, and that God would bring their whole household to Himself.
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Learn more. Pray. Get involved.
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