Security forces in the Southern Region of Eritrea have started a forceful new campaign to clamp down on Christians in the area. The security forces found a list of people who are involved with the underground church in Eritrea, and this list is now being used in the hunt for Christians and their families. It is estimated that up to 40 men and women have been arrested, and the search continues.

Christians are extremely vulnerable in Eritrea, which is one of the world’s worst persecutors of Christians. Many Christians are arrested and imprisoned for their faith; several have died as a result of torture, disease and malnutrition.

This latest spate of arrests follows a meeting in October where the governor of the area, Mustafa Nur Hussein, ordered an “end of year purge” on Christians in the Region. This has taken Eritrea’s Christians by surprise; the governor was previously considered more understanding and relatively fair in his handling of complaints on behalf of Christians in the area.

• Please pray that our Lord will protect His people in Eritrea, especially those who are living in fear or may even be in hiding. Pray for all those who have been arrested, that they will not be harmed and that they will quickly be released.

                                                                                                                                                     Source: Barnabas Fund