Tribute to Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom - a Martyr for Christ

Jan 18 2011

"May the groans of the prisoners come before you; with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die." Psalm 79:11

In the African country of Eritrea, in a small isolation cell the size of a shipping container, Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom (42), a man who had committed his life to Christ, was denied medical treatment for complications from diabetes and injuries sustained from torture. On January 16, 2009, at the Mitire Military Confinement Center, Asgedom’s earthly life had ended. This week Open Doors and Christian brothers and sisters around the world remember Christ’s servant Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom and the sacrifice he made for his faith. Join with us in praying that Mehari’s family is comforted, that they are strengthened in this difficult time and that their lives become testimonies to the hope that lies within all of us.

“Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison.” Hebrews 13:1.

As of November 2010 church leaders in Eritrea estimate that there are around 1,500 believers in prison specifically for their faith, their families sometimes waiting years to hear any news of their welfare. Eritrean Christians have asked believers around the world to continue praying for their country.

Pray that the newly arrested would remain firm in the faith
Pray for God’s protection and provision for them as they may be facing very trying circumstances
Pray that God would use their testimonies of faithfulness to convict their persecutors of their need for salvation in Christ.

If this story has touched you, please share your thoughts with us below:

Additional Prayer Alerts

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In front of villagers who came out of their houses to witness the event, Islamic extremists killed 36 year old Asha Mberwa because of her faith in Christ. Radical al Shabaab insurgents have embarked on a campaign to rid the country of its hidden Christian population.
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Christian Woman Dies in Eritrean Detention Center

Twenty-seven year old Seble Hagos Mebrahtu was arrested after being caught reading her Bible in her bedroom. In a weakened condition following two weeks of torture and harsh treatment, she died having been denied medical care for malaria.
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Comments

Kirk J
Jan 20 2011 on 10:10

There are many other prisoners unknown to man, but known to God, and precious to Him..."precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.." Please remember this man and other clergy like him: Dr. Kiflu Gebremeskel, a leading figure of Full Gospel Church of Eritrea, founder and senior pastor of Southwest Full Gospel Church and member of the executive committee to the Full Gospel Church of Eritrea, was arrested on May 23, 2004. He was taken from his home in Asmara Gejeret, at approximately 5:00 a.m. Dr. Gebremeskel was a mathematics lecturer, department and faculty head at the University of Asmara until 1999, when he became a full-time pastor at the Southwest Full Gospel Church. He has a Ph.D. in mathematics. His wife and four children have not been able to visit him. Nearly 1,800 Eritrean Christians are now believed to be under arrest because of their religious beliefs, held in police stations)., military camps and prisons in 12 known locations across Eritrea. Dr. Gebremeskel is one of the 28 clergymen being held (as of 2008). The Lord's grace is sufficient even in the most horrific of circumstances..
W. W.
Jan 20 2011 on 11:39

The only way that this painful suffering can stop is when the Kingdom of God comes. The only revenge for these destructive demonic killers and the demonic Muslim religion is the love that the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded us (Matthew 22:37-40), and the prayer of forgiveness that He has taught us (Matthew 6:12). This is the only weapon He has commanded us to use against evil. We glory in the love of Christ who has taught us to do no harm and take no revenge. Amen! Come quickly Lord Jesus, your children are suffering and paying a stiff price. We also know that we will see our loved ones again ... when Jesus comes back to rule and reign ... when the Lamb will become the Lion. Worthy is the Lamb who sits upon the throne ... who reigns eternally ... who is worthy to be praised (Revelation 5:1-14). And under Christ's leadership all nations shall practice justice toward one another. And under His reign, all oppression shall cease. He shall bring love, joy, and peace to all mankind ... and of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end! (Isaiah 9:6-7). Amen!
Laura
Jan 20 2011 on 01:57

The consistent news of believers being tortured for their faith in Jesus Christ grieves me so.Though this situation is so sad and horrific our hope is that their families and especially their children are comforted by the God of all comfort.