ETHIOPIA

During the past three years, hundreds of Muslims have come to Christ through the ministry of missionaries serving quietly in Ethiopia. Early this month, however, the identity of one of these missionaries in northeastern Ethiopia was discovered by those opposed to the spread of the gospel. According to a VOM-Canada source in Ethiopia, a large mob formed on July 8th, intending to kill the missionary "Stephen" (not his real name). His house was burned, and he was dragged into the bush. Police managed to intervene, but the mob turned on the police, wounding two of them. Stephen was taken into custody where police beat him and allowed other prisoners to attack him. He was finally released after paying 2000 Birr ($285.00 CDN). The authorities released him during the night because of threats against his life. Mission leaders are presently appealing his case to the high court in Bahir Dar.

Pray our omnipotent Father will protect Stephen, giving him His compassion for the lost and a burning desire to boldly proclaim the gospel. Pray the Lord will give wisdom and guidance to all Christians as they follow wherever their Shepherd leads. Pray Muslim leaders will seek the Spirit of truth and come to know their Savior.

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Five Churches Burned - VOM Sources/persecution.com
VOM’s contact in Ethiopia has reported that five churches were burned recently. Religious conflicts in Dembi have taken the lives of Christians. International Christian Concern (ICC) reported on Thursday that it had just been informed of a brutal attack on Christians on July 20 in Henno, Ethiopia. Seven Muslim clerics in southern Ethiopia angry over the conversion of two prominent Muslims in 2005 brutally attacked at least 50 Christians, seriously injuring 12. However, many Muslims in the region have condemned the violence against Christians and some have refused to go to mosques. According to ICC, 47 Muslim leaders became Christians and renounced Islam stating, "If Islam means killing innocent brothers and sisters - we do not want to follow it!" Pray God will use these conflicts to lead more and more Muslims to His love and peace. Genesis 50:20-21

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Attacks on Christians in Western Ethiopia - VOM Canada
VOM is providing aid for Semu Hailu and his family after he was imprisoned on November 5. Hailu, an elder of a Mennonite Church in Jimma was imprisoned after a group of Muslims accused him of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Hailu had refused to move out of his house and sell his property to a nearby mosque. The Muslims responded by telling him that "kafirs" (infidels) should not live around mosques and threatened him repeatedly, demanding that he leave his property. When he refused, they eventually accused him of insulting Muhammad. During Hailu's November 9 court hearing, Muslims brought in false witnesses to testify against him. The court ordered him to be imprisoned for an unspecified period of time. In another incident, November 17, the house of Jemal Tasisa was burned by Muslims in the village of Tongo. Tasisa, an elder in a local Lutheran church, has fled to Assosa, Benishangul state with his five children. Pray these believers will remain faithful to Jesus. Romans 12:19

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Homes of Christians Burned, Christian Man Killed - VOM Sources
On January 8, the homes of three Christian families were burned by Muslims in the village of Begge. Even though the family belongings were burnt, no one was injured in the attack. At last report, the police had not yet investigated the incident or taken any action to bring the arsonists to justice. In the same area, 10 Christian youths have been living in a church building in Begge three months after fleeing from their homes. They were chased from their homes after their families threatened to execute them for converting from Islam. In a separate incident, a Christian man was killed by an unknown person in the town of Kofele. The father of five was hit on the head with a metal iron rod. His family believes he was killed by Muslims, since the Kofele area is dominated by Muslims. Pray God will comfort this brother's family in their grief. Ask God to encourage the Christian families who are homeless, so they can have deep assurance of God's love in the midst of tough times. Ephesians 3:14-19

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Bible Students Arrested; Church Leaders' Houses Raided - VOM Sources

JIMMA - On March 22, two Bible school students were imprisoned on the accusation of attempting to kill an imam. They were released one week later with after paying a fine. A court hearing was scheduled for April 2, 2007.
BAMBASSE - April 2, the home of evangelist Tolosa Megersa was raided by local Muslims. 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 students. Pray those who have lost property will be encouraged and rest in knowing they have "better and lasting possessions." Hebrews 10: 34-37

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.