This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the imprisonment of six Eritrean pastors. They are being held incommunicado (without contact with their loved ones or the outside world) and indefinitely (without charge, trial or any indication of when they will be released). This week Church in Chains together with CSW, Release Eritrea and several other ministries is encouraging prayer for their release, and for Eritrea.

Rev Haile Naizghe, arrested May 2004

Dr Kiflu Gebremeskel, arrested May 2004

Meron Gebreselasie, arrested June 2004

Dr Futsum Gebrenegus, arrested November 2004

Dr Teakleab Menghinsteab, arrested November 2004

Rev Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis, arrested November 2004

Ask God to rescue and deliver the prisoners of conscience. “In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me.” (Psalm 71:2)

Pray for an outpouring of hope for the prisoners and their families. “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)

Ask God to strengthen and comfort families whose loved ones are detained incommunicado. Pray particularly for the mental health of children forced to grow up without their parents.

Pray that the pastors and other prisoners of conscience would be suddenly freed by God’s divine power, having miraculously survived often lengthy incarceration.

Pray Psalm 126 over Eritrea, that the Lord would restore the nation’s fortunes, bringing freedom, justice, healing and reconciliation.