Eritrea

Leader: President Isaias Afewerki
Population: 5 million (2.4 million Christian - mostly Orthodox)
Main Religion: Islam/Christianity (Orthodox)
Government: One-party state
World Watch Rank: 12

All evangelical churches remain closed following the ban on all religious groups (other than Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran or Islamic) in 2002. Arrests appear to have continued throughout 2010. As many as 2,200 believers remain in prison for their faith, while at least 13 have died under the harsh incarceration conditions. Many of their families have had no news from the prisoners in months. Eritrean refugees in Sudan and Ethiopia continue to face the threat of repatriation.

Please Pray:

• That God's people in prison and their families would be given strength to remain faithful
• That international pressure would bring an end to the government's repressive policies
• For wisdom for church members now leading congregations following the arrest of their pastors.