Religious tension continues to generate severe violence against Christians in Western Ethiopia (for information on recent attacks in this area, click here).
On October 11, local Muslims burned seventeen churches in the town of Begge and killed an evangelist named Mekayel Kena, according to VOMC sources. Three other Christians were also injured in these attacks. Many Christians had their houses burned down and were forced to flee to neighbouring towns for refuge. These attacks were initiated after a tape urging local Muslims towards jihad was officially circulated in the area. VOMC is providing emergency aid to those affected by this attack.
Over the weekend of October 14-15, five people were killed in the city of Jimma as a result of violence between Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and Muslims. A Federal Police spokesman said, "The crisis was touched off by a few individuals who were attempting to create discord between the people of Jimma by using religion for their cheap political ends." Police have made several arrests and are continuing to search for more suspects.
Ask God to give wisdom to those in authority as they seek to restore peace to Jimma and the surrounding region. (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Pray that Mekayel's Christian friends will be comforted in knowing he is with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). Pray that Christians will have the courage to share Jesus' love with Muslims in the area (Matthew 5:43-48).
For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in Ethiopia, click here.
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