“Save Eritrea for the sake of Your name, O Lord!”
For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.(Psalm 143:11,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 6.21 million
Area | 117,600㎢, Located on the Red Sea coast in northeastern Africa.
Capital City | Asmara (1.07 million people)
People Groups | Total 17 groups, Tigrinya 50%, Tigre 30%, Saho 4%, Afar 4%, Kunama 4%, Bilen 2%, Beja 2%, Nara 2%
Unreached People Groups | 9 (38.9% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Tigrinya, Tigre, Arabic
Total Languages | 17
Bible Translations | Completed 7, New Testament 2, Partial 5
Religion | Christianity 50.9% (5% independent church, 41% Orthodox), Islam 45.8%, Non-religious 1.8%, Ethnic religion 1.5% Evangelical 2.7% (180,000 people)
》 About Eritrea
Eritrea was an Italian colony from the 1880s and was first named “Eritrea” in the 1889 treaty between Italy and Ethiopia. It gained independence in 1941 but was later ruled by Britain until 1952. After becoming part of the Ethiopian Federation, resistance movements emerged, leading to a civil war in the 1970s. Eritrea secured independence in 1993 through a referendum, and Isaias Afwerki became president, remaining in power without elections. A border war with Ethiopia broke out in 1998, lasting two years, and the conflict officially ended in 2018 with a peace agreement.
Eritrea’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with 80% of the population engaged in farming. However, war, drought, and land degradation have forced the country to import or receive aid for 70% of its food supply. Decades of conflict and socialist rule have severely damaged infrastructure and industry. Despite efforts toward economic reform and privatization, progress has been slow. Nearly half the population lives in extreme poverty, and one-third depends on international aid for survival.
Eritrea’s GDP per capita is approximately $566.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalm 143:6-12(NIV) 6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. 7 Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. 8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 11 For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. 12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Eritrea, often called the “North Korea of Africa” due to its severe persecution of Christians, ranked 4th on the 2023 Christian Persecution Index. Since taking power in 1993, President Isaias Afwerki, a supporter of socialism, has enforced strict religious laws, leading to the imprisonment, torture, and martyrdom of many believers and church leaders. Only Sunni Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, and Lutheranism are officially recognized, while all other religious practices face heavy restrictions. Despite intense persecution, Eritrean Christians remain steadfast, holding onto their faith and continuing their spiritual race.
Let us pray that their unwavering perseverance will proclaim to Eritrea and beyond that darkness cannot overcome the light. May the Lord’s presence be with those suffering for His name, and may His mighty hand sustain the church so that it remains faithful until the end.
2. Since the expulsion of Christians in 2002, most missionary work in Eritrea has been halted under strict government surveillance. However, young Eritreans are responding passionately to the gospel, a testament to God’s work among them. Let us give thanks for the Lord’s saving hand reaching these students. There is a great need for missionaries and workers to bring the gospel to the Tigrinya, Tigre, Jabarti, and Afar peoples. Although direct evangelism is restricted, Christian ministries through satellite TV, radio, and translated literature continue to grow. Bibles and Christian books are being translated into multiple languages, providing a lifeline to believers.
Let us pray that God’s word will spread even further in Eritrea, raising up a new generation of devoted followers who trust in Him and give their lives fully for His kingdom.
3. According to UN statistics from 2019, over 500,000 Eritrean refugees have fled their homeland. Many young boys and girls risk everything to escape forced conscription under the brutal dictatorship of President Afwerki. Scattered across Germany, Sudan, and Ethiopia, these refugees face the constant threat of abduction by armed groups, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
Let us pray for their protection, that they may find safety and hope in the midst of their suffering. May these displaced souls encounter Jesus Christ, who endured pain and rejection for our sake, and may they experience the deep comfort and peace that only He can provide.
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