While Ethiopia is a majority-Christian nation, Islam is a growing force. Muslims now compose nearly 40 percent of the population, and Islamic extremists actively persecute Christians, sometimes violently, especially in areas close to the Somali and Sudanese borders. Sometimes the extremists destroy churches, and they recently set fire to one in Homosha, located in the far western part of the country near the border with Sudan. “Now the Christians in that area don’t have a place to meet for worship,” said a front-line worker.
Read MoreAbdu grew up wanting to be an Islamic scholar, so he attended schools focusing solely on the Quran. After studying the Quran for 15 years, he became an Islamic teacher. But in 2022, he met an old friend who had become a follower of Christ. The friend shared the gospel with Abdu on numerous occasions, and Abdu began to question his beliefs. Eventually, Abdu put his faith in Christ. His enthusiasm for teaching the Quran waned, and local Islamic leaders noticed.
Read MoreOn Sunday, April 3, 2022, militants from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church attacked a Protestant church in western Ethiopia, the second time in less than a month a Protestant church in that area had been attacked. The attackers injured many Christians and burned buildings. One church leader said, “We were hurt because of our faith in Jesus Christ. We are ready to accept any trial and persecution that comes to us because of our faith.” VOM helped this congregation rebuild as they continue to witness for Christ in their community.
Read MoreThough Ethiopia is a majority-Christian nation, many Ethiopians lack access to Bibles in their native languages. VOM is working with front-line ministers to give Bibles to every Ethiopian Christian, including Bibles in native languages such as Amharic, Omoro and Tigrinya.
Read MoreIn September 2022, Muslim extremists attacked the Bokore Full Gospel church in southeastern Ethiopia. Islamists set it on fire, destroying the building and everything inside; fortunately, no church members were hurt during the attack.
Read MoreTwo years ago, extremist Muslims launched attacks on Christians in the community where Isayas lives. They torched Christians’ crops, homes and possessions and destroyed the church where Isayas and others worshiped Christ. The Christians fled the area but later returned and bought land on which to rebuild their church.
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The Sheikh Who Became an Evangelist The pastor said, “This is Sheikh Semere,” introducing his guest to the believers assembled in a concrete-block church in Ethiopia. “He was a persecutor, and one who wanted to burn churches. I brought him here so you can beat him,” the pastor said jokingly, “because the Bible says you will reap what you sow.” The congregation roared with laughter. Less than two years earlier, a Muslim mob had destroyed their community, killing two evangelists and destroying the homes of 22 Christian families. But instead of fleeing or retaliating, the Christians chose to remain in the area as witnesses for Christ. And when they rebuilt their homes, they painted them vibrant blues and pinks so everyone would recognize the houses rebuilt after the violence. Semere, the target of the pastor’s good-natured joke, represented the very people who had attacked them. As the pastor introduced Semere, he continued using the title the former Muslim had gained as an Islamic scholar. “God has given Sheikh Semere favor,” the pastor said, “and [the sheikh] has done far more after he believed in Christ than the evil he did when he was a persecutor. After he believed, the Muslims
Read MoreOn December 23, 2020, armed groups attacked several villages in western Ethiopia, killing 42 Christians and two pastors.
Read MoreMuslim extremists across Ethiopia have waged a violent campaign against Christians in recent months.
Read MorePastor Dereje came to faith in Christ 20 years ago through his friends’ Christian witness. Once he became a Christian, Dereje felt called to serve the Lord. As he witnessed about Christ throughout his community, a church gradually formed.
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