The Gospel Prevails Despite Persecution

Contrasting Religious Freedom: America vs. Ethiopia 

In America, religious freedom is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution, allowing individuals to practice their faith openly without fear of persecution. In contrast, in Ethiopia, the task of spreading the Gospel comes with significant risks for our Petros Network church planters.

A Story of Resilience Amid Persecution

Recently, two of our Petros Network church planters experienced severe persecution while sharing the Good News of Jesus in a rural village but God used it for good. Check out their story:

One day, while preaching in the streets, we attracted a sizable crowd. As we shared God’s story of love and redemption, some people in the crowd were receptive to the message and expressed a desire to accept Jesus. This was exciting and encouraging because we were preaching in a village known for resisting the Gospel. However, as we continued to preach, the local police arrived to see why such a large crowd had gathered. Displeased with the public assembly and the message being shared, the police attacked us. They pushed us to the ground, kicking and beating us. During the chaos, much of what we carried was stolen from our pockets. We were then arrested and thrown in jail for over a day. But while we were detained we found God’s favor and grace amidst the persecution. We heard several people from the crowd accepted Jesus that day, and during our time in jail, we had the opportunity to share our faith with other prisoners. This led to two more people accepting the Lord as their personal Savior!

This outcome reminds us that even amid persecution, God is at work changing hearts and lives through those who are willing to accept the risks.

The Reality of Christian Persecution in Africa 

Persecution of Christians in Africa is not uncommon. According to Open Doors, a non-profit organization tracking persecution of Christians worldwide, many African countries are listed as high-risk areas where Christians face violence and discrimination due to their faith. The report highlights that such incidents are particularly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

What our church planters in Ethiopia experienced illustrates the broader challenges faced by Christians across the continent. In many African countries, law enforcement is inconsistent, and church planters often find themselves targeted by both governmental authorities and local communities. 

We All Have a Role to Play

Despite these risks, these fearless men and women boldly and courageously venture into uncharted territories, eager to share the Good News with their people who have yet to hear about the transforming love of God. 

You can play a role in sharing the Good News of Jesus with those who have yet to hear by supporting our church planters on the front lines through prayer, financial support and serving on a missions trip! Click the link below to learn more and take the next step.