Stories

*Representative photo used to protect identity

Just a few days ago, 88 Eritrean Christians were kidnapped by the Islamic State (IS) in Libya. Of this group that has been kidnapped, it is reported that there are numerous children and at least 12 women.

We recall similar events from earlier this year of the kidnapping and later killing of the 21 Egyptian and 28 Ethiopian Christian martyrs.

IS does not seem to be slowing down in force, but rather seems to be reaping further destruction and death to those that fall in their path.

The Islamic State is growing in influence in Libya and throughout this region. Throughout North Africa, the Middle East and even parts of Asia, unprecedented persecution has been occurring. To create a way for you to advocate for those throughout this region, Open Doors has a petition for you to sign, asking President Obama to take action and address the urgent security concerns of believers in this region by appointing a Special Envoy.

These Christians were fleeing Eritrea, ranked #9 on the Open Doors World Watch List, due to persecution and human rights violations (as noted by the just released UN report), only to be kidnapped by the Islamic State.

As we reported the news of these 88 believers through Facebook early this week, your prayers flooded in, grieving on behalf of these brothers and sisters. Open Doors is in this region helping believers who are facing the same uncertain and terrifying circumstances that these 88 have fell victim to.

Would you give to help support and provide emergency resources and programs for believers in this region, who are facing brutal persecution at the hands of the Islamic State?