If you’re new to Exploring with Jake, be sure to read the introduction.
Today in Sunday School, we learned about three countries in eastern Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. All three of them are dangerous places for Christians to live. A ministry called Open Doors put together a World Watch List of the 50 countries where Christians are persecuted and suffer the most. Egypt is #25, Eritrea is #10, and Ethiopia is #15.
But what does that mean? It means that Christians in those countries aren’t free to practice their faith and share their faith with others. Each country is different, and sometimes Christians in one part of a country are more free to share their faith than they are in other parts of the same country. In all three countries, Christians face strong persecution for loving Jesus.
Sometimes the persecution is violent. Christians might be attacked or thrown into jail. Other times, the persecution is quiet, but just as painful. Your entire family might stop speaking to you. They might throw you out of the house and not allow you to come back.
When you look at a map, Egypt, Eritrea, and Ethiopia might seem very far away, but if you are a Christian, then the Christians who are suffering there are just like the Christians in your own family or your own church.
“Dear God, please help the Christians in Egypt, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Please help us to remember to pray for them every day. Please take care of them and comfort them when they are hurting, scared, or lonely. Please help them know that You are with them, even if their family turns away from them. Thank You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”
Read more of the Modern Witnesses series.
Enjoy more from the Exploring Jake series.
Leave a Reply