Background
Eritrea is one of the most secretive and isolated countries of the world. It is also one of the worst violators of Christian persecution in the world. There is no freedom of religion and except the four government sanctioned religions. All other religious groups are illegal, and the government heavily controls approved churches. Eritreans, including evangelical believers have been fleeing their country in droves.
Evangelical churches in Eritrea are highly persecuted and must meet secretly. The government actively seeks to infiltrate these underground churches and imprison their leaders. Over the past decade and a half, hundreds of Christians have been imprisoned because of their faith. Imprisoned Christians are not given a trial, nor are they allowed to see their families. Many of these families do not know where their loved ones are located or if they are still alive. Christian prisoners are provided meager rations, treated very poorly and, in some areas, held inhumanely for years within metal shipping containers amid extreme desert conditions. Despite hardships, the underground church in Eritrea continues to grow due to the grace of God and the faithfulness of church leaders both inside and outside the country.
Evangelical churches in Eritrea are highly persecuted and must meet secretly. The government actively seeks to infiltrate these underground churches and imprison their leaders. Over the past decade and a half, hundreds of Christians have been imprisoned because of their faith. Imprisoned Christians are not given a trial, nor are they allowed to see their families. Many of these families do not know where their loved ones are located or if they are still alive. Christian prisoners are provided meager rations, treated very poorly and, in some areas, held inhumanely for years within metal shipping containers amid extreme desert conditions. Despite hardships, the underground church in Eritrea continues to grow due to the grace of God and the faithfulness of church leaders both inside and outside the country.
Mission
Enduring Hope Network (EHN) exists to make known the injustice taking place against the persecuted churches in many parts of the world and in particular in Eritrea; and to provide encouragement and relief to those suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3
"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3
Vision
Enduring Hope Network (EHN) exists to encourage Christians to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in the face of persecution by rescuing the afflicted, restoring the broken, sustaining the faithful, empowering the church, and bringing hope to all for the glory of the Lord.
Our vision originates from Apostle Paul’s hope in the midst of pain and suffering:
Acts 16:22-34 depicts the story of Paul and Silas’ imprisonment for preaching Christ, and their sufferings are similar to the plight of Eritreans suffering for their faith today:
Our vision originates from Apostle Paul’s hope in the midst of pain and suffering:
Acts 16:22-34 depicts the story of Paul and Silas’ imprisonment for preaching Christ, and their sufferings are similar to the plight of Eritreans suffering for their faith today:
- They were “stripped and beaten with rods… After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.” (vv 22-23)
- “[The guard] fastened their feet in stocks.” (v 24)
- “[They] were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (v 25)
- “The jailer… rushed in and fell trembling… and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” (vv 29-30)
- “The jailer… was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God – he and his whole household.” (v 34)
