Bible Students Arrested, Church Leaders' Houses Raided

11 April 2007 0 minutes read

This week, VOMC sources reported three recent incidents of persecution in Ethiopia.

On March 22, two Bible students were imprisoned in Jimma on the false accusation of attempting to kill an imam. They were released one week later with a fine of 1000 Birr ($135 CAD). A court hearing was scheduled for April 2.

On April 2 in Bambasse, a town in southwest Ethiopia, the house of evangelist Tolosa Megersa, was raided by local Muslims and six of his cattle and sheep were killed. Five days later, the home of Full Gospel Church leader, Lemmu Abdissa, was also raided. All of his property was destroyed, including 4,000
kilograms of grain.

Thank God for the release of the two Bible students. Pray that those who have experienced property loss will rest in the fact that they have "better and lasting possessions" (Hebrews 10:36, 37).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Ethiopia, click here. The April edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter features the persecution of Christians in Ethiopia. To subscribe and to read this month's feature article, click here.

Ethiopia

Current Ministry Project
VOMC has partnered with a ministry to strengthen the witness of the local church by equipping evangelists with the means to build sustainability through the development of a small business in a tentmaker project.

Project Fund: Relief and Development
Country Information
Population
116,462,712 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Oromo (35.8), Amara (24.1), Somali (7.2), Tigray (5.7), Sidama (4.1), Guragie (2.6), Welaita (2.3), Afar (2.2), Silte (1.3), Kefficho (1,2), Other (13.5) (2022 est.)

Religion (%)
Ethiopian Orthodox (43.8), Muslim (31.3), Protestant (22.8), Catholic (0.7), traditional (0.6), other (0.8)

Leader
President Sahle-Work Zewde (2018)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Civil law system

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Ethiopia
Ask the Lord to direct Ethiopia's governmental leaders as they continue to work toward solutions to the ongoing religious tensions in the country. While this is taking place, pray that His people will not become weary in doing what is right. Rather, may they be further strengthened and encouraged to boldly proclaim the Gospel, overcoming hatred with the powerful love of Christ.