As you may remember, in 2023 we asked you to pray for a group of around 103 Christian students who had been arrested while trying to record and upload worship songs to YouTube. The students were taken to the infamous Mai Serwa prison – notorious for its overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.
Most of them have since been released. However, 15 students remain in prison, while those who were released are not allowed to continue their studies. Their ID cards have been confiscated, which effectively confines them to their homes. Many of the students are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, one of the four denominations recognised by the Eritrean state.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/eritrea
Sunday 9 February
Please pray for the release of the remaining students held in Mai Serwa prison, as well as for an end to the discrimination that the students have faced upon their release.
Monday 10 February
By August 2024, at least 400 Christians from every denomination were estimated to be detained arbitrarily. Among them are several children and a significant number of women. Pray for the protection of Christians across Eritrea and for the immediate release of those who are detained unjustly in inhumane conditions.
Tuesday 11 February
Jehovah Witnesses continue to be arrested and imprisoned arbitrarily. On 27 September, 24 were arrested following a raid on a private meeting. Give thanks for the release of two minors who were among them, and pray for the others, including an 85-year-old woman, who have been sent to Mai Serwa prison.
Wednesday 12 February
By the end of 2023, over 623,000 Eritreans – a devastating 17% of Eritrea’s population – had fled the repressive regime. As the humanitarian and security situations in the Horn of Africa deteriorate, pray for Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in neighbouring Sudan and Ethiopia. They are increasingly vulnerable due to war in Sudan and a rising hostility towards them in Ethiopia.
Thursday 13 February
CSW board member Helen Berhane, who endured torture while detained in metal shipping containers in Eritrea for 32 months, has been threatened and harassed by a Canada-based YouTuber, who has encouraged his Eritrean audience to ‘deal with her.’ Ask God to protect Helen and others like her who speak out against the Eritrean regime, and to bring those threatening them to justice.
Friday 14 February
Military service is compulsory and indefinite. Young female recruits have been subject to sexual harassment and gender-based violations by senior officers, while minors have been seized and forcibly conscripted. Pray for the protection of women, minors and vulnerable individuals who have been conscripted for military service.
Saturday 15 February
Almighty God, we pray for peace across the Horn of Africa region. Lord, protect Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers who face hostility in neighbouring countries, and deliver women and girls in Eritrea who are targeted so horrifically for sexual violence while serving in the military. We pray for deliverance, freedom and healing for the nation of Eritrea. Amen.