SHALOM GOSPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH

21 Years of Faith and Perseverance in Eritrea

For more than two decades, the gospel of Jesus Christ has continued to shine in Eritrea — even through intense persecution, suffering, and silence. The gospel is not bound (2 Timothy 2:9). No government, no prison, and no oppression can stop God’s Word from moving forward.

📖 A Turning Point in 2002

In May 2002, a critical chapter began in the history of the Eritrean church. Most evangelical and Pentecostal churches were forcibly closed by the government. What started with what seemed like small demands quickly turned into widespread persecution. Overnight, worship gatherings were banned, leaders were arrested, and believers were forced to meet in secret homes and underground churches.

This marked the beginning of a long and painful journey — one that continues even today.

🕊️ A Story of Suffering and Faithfulness

Over these 21 years, countless lives have been deeply affected:

• 🙏 Believers have been imprisoned for their faith — many without trial, for years or even decades.
• 💔 Some have died in prison, choosing faithfulness to Christ over freedom.
• 👶 Children have been orphaned as their parents were taken away for worshipping Jesus.
• 🏚️ Tens of thousands have fled their homes and become refugees in Africa and beyond, seeking safety while holding on to their faith.

This is a story of suffering, but also one of unshakable courage. Even behind bars, believers continue to worship, pray, and share the gospel. Even in refugee camps, churches are planted. Even in exile, hope is alive. The gospel cannot be stopped.

✝️ Christ’s Suffering Is Worthy

The suffering of the Eritrean church reminds us of the words of Jesus:

“If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” – John 15:20

Persecution is not the end of the story — it is part of following Christ. And through it all, God is raising faithful servants who serve day and night, even in silence and secrecy. The blood, tears, and prayers of the saints are not wasted. They are the seeds of revival.

🙏 Our Call: Pray, Support, and Stand Together

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we cannot remain silent. Now is the time to remember, pray, and act.

• 🛐 Pray for the church fathers and leaders who are still in heavy prisons. May God strengthen them, sustain them, and bring their release.
• 📖 Pray for the church in Eritrea to understand that Christ’s suffering is worthy — and to continue producing faithful ministers who preach the gospel boldly.
• 🤝 Support the victims of persecution — families of prisoners, widows, orphans, and believers in exile. Let us share what God has given us to help them rebuild their lives.
• 🌍 Pray for evangelical refugees scattered across Africa and other parts of the world. May they remain strong in faith and continue to be light wherever they go.

✨ Hope Beyond Persecution

One day, this chapter of history will be told — a story of courage, endurance, and God’s unshakable love. The prisons will open. The displaced will return home. The gospel will continue to spread across Eritrea and beyond.

Until then, we hold on to this truth:

“The word of God is not bound.” – 2 Timothy 2:9

Even in chains, the gospel runs free. Even in darkness, the light of Christ shines. And even in suffering, God is building His church — a church that the gates of hell cannot overcome.

✝️ May we never forget our brothers and sisters in Eritrea. May we carry them in our prayers, support them in their trials, and join hands to see God’s kingdom advance — no matter the cost.