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Published: 00:01 GMT Standard Time - Monday 26 December 2011

Advent Prayer - Martyrs

Project(s): 00-345

Country/Region: Ethiopia, Africa

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them. Revelation 14:13

abraham-solo-4X3.jpg
Abraham Abera, a church worker in Ethiopia, was killed in a machete attack in April 2011. His wife, Bertukan, survived the attack

Abraham Abera (35), a church worker in Ethiopia, was ambushed by six Muslim assailants in April 2011 while on his way to visit a sick friend. He and his pregnant wife Bertukan (25) were brutally attacked with a machete. Abraham was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead that evening. His church is located in a Muslim-majority area of the country where radical Islam is influential.

Every year Barnabas Fund receives reports of Christians who have been killed because of their faith in Christ. And throughout the Christian centuries, many of God’s people have been called to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of their Lord. In some churches the day after Christmas is observed as an opportunity to give thanks for them and to reflect on their example.

Stephen, whose death is especially remembered today, is the first recorded Christian martyr (Acts 7:54 – 8:1). His response to his affliction, of love for his enemies and faith in his Lord, is a model for those who suffer for Christ today. The fruitful Christian mission that follows his death illustrates how the blood of the martyrs can so often be the seed of the churches. And his vision of Jesus in heaven assures those who lose their lives in His service that they will be vindicated before God’s throne.

Barnabas Fund supports Christian victims of violence and injustice, including the families of those who have been murdered or executed for the Name of Christ. Our grants provide practical help that assists them to rebuild their shattered lives.

Give thanks to the Lord for the faithfulness and bravery of those who have died for Christ in the past year. Pray that their example may inspire us in whatever pressure or persecution we may experience because of our faith. Pray too for their families, friends and churches in their grief. Give thanks that Bertukan Abera survived the attack that killed her husband, despite being seriously assaulted, and that she has since given birth to a healthy daughter; pray for them as they face the future without Abraham. Pray that those who persecute and kill Christians will be prompted to believe in Christ by their victims’ patient endurance.

Barnabas Fund projects include:

  • Victims of Violence Fund (Ref. 00-345)

This article is taken from

“Praying for the Persecuted Church in Advent 2011” -  Download .

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Advent Prayer - Martyrs

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christian, persecution, charity, church, persecuted, sookhdeo, Islam

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