News / Thoughts

Ethiopia: Widow’s home burnt down…

The house and crops of Christian widow, Tutu*, and her son Biruk*, have been burnt in a strict Muslim-dominated community in Ethiopia’s southwestern SNNP (Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region).

Tutu tells Open Doors workers visiting them, “I thank the Lord for sparing our lives. We cannot complain about the loss of material things.”

All but one room of their house has been totally destroyed, and they have lost most of their belongings including clothing, bedding, furnishings, kitchenware, food and cash.

The family – who converted from Islam to Christianity – has already suffered much at the hands of extremists because of their conversion.

After Tutu’s husband, Haile*, died around 18 months ago, local Muslims displayed their anger by exhuming Haile’s body and dumping it next to one of the village roads.

Local authorities stepped in, but it has taken a long time for Tutu and her son to recover from the shock.

And in January this year, another man from the village assaulted Biruk and told him he would continue to cause trouble until Biruk and his mother returned to Islam.

Open Doors is providing financial aid and food to Tutu and Biruk, and will continue to help them regain their livelihood.

Where did this happen?

Source: Open Doors

Pray now…

• For the Lord’s encouragement and comfort to Tutu and Biruk, and for His protection over them in the midst of repeated attacks
• The church in the SNNP and other areas of Ethiopia is coming under increasing attack. Please pray for the Lord’s protection over believers here, and for wisdom for church leaders as they pastor these believers.