On March 27, military officials arrested 17 young men gathered for prayer in the town of Segeneiti, Eritrea. The Christians, who are reportedly soldiers carrying out their compulsory national military service, were being held at a local police station at last report. Twenty-five other Christians, all members of the Asmara Full Gospel Church, were arrested on April 2.

Approximately 2,200 Christians remain in prison in Eritrea for their refusal to stop practicing their faith outside of the government-sanctioned churches. (Source: Open Doors USA)

Pray that these believers will be released. Pray that the strength and grace of Jesus will abound in them as they suffer for their faith. Pray that the Word of the Lord will continue to spread throughout Eritrea, even in the midst of great trials and challenges for Christ's followers.

For more information on the severe persecution facing Eritrean Christians, go to the Eritrea Country Report.