Open Doors USA
The Children of the Persecuted Church
Wasihun smiles—knowing he's not alone
Seven-year-old Wasihun didn’t imagine his life could be more difficult in his village in western Ethiopia.
His family was the only Christian family in their area. And they bore the brunt of insults and threats. The villagers didn’t understand why they’d abandoned the gods of their people. Even though Wasihun’s father tried to explain—and even share his faith—they’d just ridicule and curse him.
But soon their threats turned deadly…
Wasihun's family was attacked
The rain tapping lightly against the roof of the house lulled Wasihun to sleep, only to wake up to a shrill voice shouting, “Stab him! Stab him!”
Wasihun jumped from his bed and ran toward the noise.
The scene he witnessed sent shock waves up his spine—three intruders were beating his father. Wasihun couldn’t move. The chaos, the noise, the panic had bolted his feet to the ground.
It wasn’t until the attackers started dragging his father out the door that Wasihun launched after them. Grabbing his father’s feet, Wasihun refused to let him go. Together, the whole family yelled for help.
The attackers made a quick escape into the bush. Leaving as quickly and as silently as they came.
They’d accomplished what they’d intended. Wasihun’s father was near death…
"Be strong...Take care of the family."
Wasihun held his father. He tried to stop the bleeding from his stab wounds—but there were too many.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be okay," his father told Wasihun. "Be strong. Take care of your mother. Take care of the family.”
Stolen fathers, broken families
This story is difficult. Admittedly, I find it hard to even share it. But it’s important for all of us. Because this is the reality for many persecuted children throughout Africa, in Iraq and Syria, and in the most dangerous areas to be a Christian around the world.
Fathers are stolen from their children. And broken families are forced to endure unimaginable sorrow and loss. But that’s only the beginning…
When Wasihun lost his father, he lost more than his hero. His family lost their way of life—all their provisions and their protection.
Suddenly, they were more vulnerable to attacks, to poverty and to hunger than ever before. All because they believe in Jesus.
Release International
Seven SCOC church leaders in Omdurman were arrested and held for several hours, before being released on bail. Their arrests have been linked to their refusal to hand over church leadership to the government’s committee.
Let us pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.
The Children of the Persecuted Church
Wasihun smiles—knowing he's not alone
Seven-year-old Wasihun didn’t imagine his life could be more difficult in his village in western Ethiopia.
His family was the only Christian family in their area. And they bore the brunt of insults and threats. The villagers didn’t understand why they’d abandoned the gods of their people. Even though Wasihun’s father tried to explain—and even share his faith—they’d just ridicule and curse him.
But soon their threats turned deadly…
Wasihun's family was attacked
The rain tapping lightly against the roof of the house lulled Wasihun to sleep, only to wake up to a shrill voice shouting, “Stab him! Stab him!”
Wasihun jumped from his bed and ran toward the noise.
The scene he witnessed sent shock waves up his spine—three intruders were beating his father. Wasihun couldn’t move. The chaos, the noise, the panic had bolted his feet to the ground.
It wasn’t until the attackers started dragging his father out the door that Wasihun launched after them. Grabbing his father’s feet, Wasihun refused to let him go. Together, the whole family yelled for help.
The attackers made a quick escape into the bush. Leaving as quickly and as silently as they came.
They’d accomplished what they’d intended. Wasihun’s father was near death…
"Be strong...Take care of the family."
Wasihun held his father. He tried to stop the bleeding from his stab wounds—but there were too many.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be okay," his father told Wasihun. "Be strong. Take care of your mother. Take care of the family.”
Stolen fathers, broken families
This story is difficult. Admittedly, I find it hard to even share it. But it’s important for all of us. Because this is the reality for many persecuted children throughout Africa, in Iraq and Syria, and in the most dangerous areas to be a Christian around the world.
Fathers are stolen from their children. And broken families are forced to endure unimaginable sorrow and loss. But that’s only the beginning…
When Wasihun lost his father, he lost more than his hero. His family lost their way of life—all their provisions and their protection.
Suddenly, they were more vulnerable to attacks, to poverty and to hunger than ever before. All because they believe in Jesus.
Release International
Seven SCOC church leaders in Omdurman were arrested and held for several hours, before being released on bail. Their arrests have been linked to their refusal to hand over church leadership to the government’s committee.
Let us pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.
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