ERITREA: Police Arrest 13 Believers During Gathering

SOURCES: Open Doors Canada, Voice of the Martyrs Canada

Many Christian prisoners are kept in shipping containers, a form of torture with the heat of the day and freezing temperatures at night.

On Sunday, 15 March, Eritrean police arrested 13 Christians at a gathering held in an undisclosed location. The Believers were then taken to a prison in the capital city of Asmara. While the identities of the arrested individuals have not been publicly released, a recently received report indicates that one of the detainees was freed less than a year ago, after previously spending 15 years in prison. No further information regarding the arrests is currently available. In the interim, considering the longstanding patterns of persecution in Eritrea, there are concerns that these Believers may be held without any formal charges or court trial.

• Pray that God's protection, strength and sustaining presence will be with each of these recently arrested Believers and all other followers of Christ who are currently being detained.

• Pray for significant changes to take place within Eritrea's political system – opening the way for positive reforms that will result in freedom of religion and dignity for all citizens.

• Lift up the loved ones of those who were recently arrested, asking God to also comfort them with His perfect peace, sustaining hope, and the wonderful assurance that He sovereignly sees all, cares deeply and responds justly.