Despite the signing of a peace accord last year, war crimes have continued in Ethiopia, especially against women and girls. A recent estimate counts more than 10,000 people have been traumatized by rape and other sexual violence.
With a population of 126 million, Ethiopia is not only the most populous country in East Africa; it is also one of the most dangerous in the world for Christians. Although more than 58% of Ethiopians profess Christianity, those who convert from Muslim backgrounds are often attacked, killed or forced to flee their homes because of Islamic extremists. Christian women, like the Ankara girl in the photo, face the threat of rape, forced marriage to a Muslim, and separation from their children. In tribal areas, Christians are expected to take part in tribal conflicts. If they refuse, they could face violent backlash from the community. (See Open Doors' 2023 World Watchlist.)
Lord, we ask You, please, to be a Shield around every woman and girl in Ethiopia, especially Christians. Protect them from harm. Send Your angels to guard them and to crush every evil intention of assault. For those who are in danger, hide them from those who seek to do them harm, and provide the way of escape. Make it such that their persecutors actually forget about them and never follow through with their evil plans. For those women who have experienced terrible trauma at the hands of brutal men, please, Lord, heal their wounded hearts, minds and bodies. Break them from the chains the enemy has sought to bind them with, and set them free to feel Your great love and know how precious and beloved they are. Please, Father, we ask You for Awakening in every heart. For revival among the churches. For You to raise up a generation of Jesus-followers who walk out in Truth and Love, changing the face of that nation forever. Wash over all of Ethiopia with Your cleansing flood and catch every heart up in Your loving arms to finally understand who You are and what Your sacrifice on the cross means. Father, please make a way where there seems to be no way for the violence to stop and Love to reign. Whenever people cry out to You, hear them, O Lord, and answer in miraculous ways. Perform signs and miracles and wonders in the sight of everyone, so every heart will know that You alone are God and You are good. Lift the veil from their eyes so they will see You as You truly are, and open wide their hearts to know Your grace and be saved.
Come join us November 5, 2023 for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Let's gather together as a mighty army and push back the darkness with the Light!
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