Thursday, March 12, 2009

Living their best life now

Since October, three Christians imprisoned for their faith have died in Eritrean military prisons, according to Compass Direct News.

Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom died on Jan. 16 from torture and diabetes while in solitary confinement at the Mitire Military Confinement Center. Asgedom's death followed the revelation in January that another Christian died in the same prison, Compass reports. Mogos Hagos Kiflom was said to have died as a result of torture he endured for refusing to recant his faith, but the exact date of his death was unknown.

In October, Teklesenbet Gebreab Kiflom died while imprisoned for his faith at the Wi'a Military Confinement Center. He reportedly died after prison commanders refused to give him medical attention for malaria.

These latest deaths reflect the Eritrean government's harsh treatment of believers. The Eritrean government targets Christians, often placing them in metal containers that are extremely hot during the day and cold during the night. Nearly 1,800 Eritrean Christians are believed to be under arrest because of their religious beliefs, held in police stations, military camps and prisons in 12 known locations across Eritrea. It is believed more than 28 clergymen are being held.

Jailed Christians are routinely subjected to physical beatings and severe psychological pressure to deny their religious beliefs. Police and military authorities continue to demand the prisoners return to one of the three "official" Christian denominations recognized by the government. But even the legally recognized denominations — the nation's historic Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran churches — have come under government disfavor in recent years, incurring threats and even jailing by security police officials.

The Voice of the Martyrs provides assistance and encouragement to persecuted believers in Eritrea. VOM supports the families of martyred believers through our Families of Martyrs fund. VOM encourages you to pray for Christians in Eritrea. Pray for the families of the deceased believers Ask God to encourage other Christians suffering for Christ's sake in Eritrean prisons.

2 comments:

Ike said...

As I read this post....I am ashamed. We Christians in America are spoiled!

My wife has cancer and has had more body organs removed than I have fingers on both hands. I wonder what she would say to me if I were to purchase Olsteen's book for her?

My wife and I have been broken and humbled. The one thing that "we" can say is that even though there are no guarantees that the cancer will not come back and even though my beautiful wife is scarred emotionally and physically, while "we" were sinners....the lowest of the low...God saved us! And that is enough! Even if the cancer comes back, God is enough! He is good! He is precious! He is our treasure! He will satisfy us!

"Whom have we in heaven but the Lord and in earth there is nothing we desire but Him! Our flesh and our hearts may fail but the Lord is the strength of our hearts and our portion forever!"

Dawg said...

Thank you for your openess and heart felt gratitude for what God has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ.

I saw Osteen on TBN last night spewing more of his venomous prosperity gospel. Arrrrgh.

When I look at what Christians around the world are going through just being Christians and hear the man-centered message that is being preached here in the States to make people feel good about themselves makes me want to spit nails.

Christians are being martyred around the world...dying for their faith and millions in this country don't have clue about it. They are wrapped up in 'Your best life now', 'Become a better you' and 'Love your life' that they have not a clue to what a real Christian life is supposed to look like.
--------------------------
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
-----------------------

But if not........let it be known........

Where are those when adversity strikes that say, "But if not, let it be known..."

These are the ones who stand firm to the end through their faith. These are the ones not worried about their 401k or having their best life now.

They know why they are here.....to worship and give glory to the Creator and do His will.