News / Thoughts

Ethiopia: Evangelist arrested – Update

Sources have reported that Somali convert and evangelist Nur Hussein* was released from jail on the morning of 30 March.

“Police allowed him to pay bail and leave. He is very grateful to the Lord,” our contact says.

Police can keep those suspected of terrorism locked up indefinitely according to the antiterrorism law implemented in Ethiopia in 2009. Nur was released after just 21 days, which is regarded a miracle!

Church leaders and Nur thank those who have been praying about his situation. Police will continue their investigation against Nur, so we ask that supporters continue praying for him.

Pray now…

• Thank the Lord that Nur is free!
• For the Lord’s continued provision in wisdom and resources as the legal process continues.

Originally published on 14th March

Police have arrested a prominent evangelist to Somali people in the Horn of Africa.

Nur Hussein*, who is a believer from a Muslim background, lives in Jigjiga in Muslim-dominated eastern Ethiopia, but travels all over Somali dominated regions to share the gospel and disciple new believers. “Nur is one of the very few converts and evangelists among the Somali community in Ethiopia,” reported a source.

He was arrested on Tuesday 8 March around 9pm shortly after he had returned from a visit to Somaliland, the region north of Somalia. Police accused Nur of terrorist activities. At the time of his arrest he explained that he visited the region for the sake of evangelism, but officers still took him into custody without telling his family where they were taking him.

Nur later convinced officers to let his family know where he was. However, when his wife went to the location the following day to take him some food, police said he was not there. Nur informed his family and church via text message that he had been moved to a police station in central Jigjiga. When she arrived there, police told her not to bring him any food.

Meanwhile we have learnt that policemen are carrying out surveillance at his home, a situation that is very distressing to his family.

Local church leaders are concerned over Nur’s arrest and are engaging with the government over this matter. “The Somali tribe is the least reached people group in Ethiopia. The arrest of Nur Hussein will shock many Somali converts and underground believers who risk their lives to follow Christ,” our source says.

Where is this happening?

*name changed for security reasons

Pray now

• For God’s grace to Nur Hussein and his family during this difficult time
• For the Lord’s intervention in this situation and that justice will be done
• That the Lord will protect the MBB community in this area and that the Lord will provide spiritual strength.