Eritrean Christians Abducted in Libya

Last Wednesday, 88 Eritrean Christians were abducted in Libya by fighters from the terrorist group ISIL.  According to the Libya Herald, the Christians were seized when a people-smugglers’ convoy was ambushed near Oum Walid.

Earlier this year in Libya, groups of 21 Egyptian and 28 Ethiopian Christians were kidnapped and later executed by ISIL.

The Libya Herald reported: “When IS first stopped the truck, the terrorists demanded that Muslims should make themselves known. All who responded were quizzed on the Quran and their religious observance. It appears that the terrorists discovered at least one Christian who was pretending to be a Muslim.”

The Muslims were free to leave.

Human rights activist Meron Estefanos said that the Christians were migrants, and were trying to make their way to Europe. Of those kidnapped, a number were children and at least 12 were women.

In an interview with the Libya Herald, Estafanos added that many migrants are now trying to avoid Libya en route to Europe because of ISIL’s growing influence. She also said that a number of Eritrean Christians were also killed at the same time as 28 Ethiopian Christians were beheaded in April.

Speaking to Radio France Internationale in April, Eritrean Catholic Priest Father Mussie Zerai said that Ethiopians and Eritreans were a key target for militants in Libya because the majority of them are Christians.

• Pray for the Eritrean Christians who have been abducted, and for their families. Pray for peace that passes understanding, protection, and for them to be released without harm.
• Pray that their witness will cause many in ISIL to recognise Jesus and the Truth of His Gospel.
• Pray for the huge numbers of migrants crossing into Libya each week, hoping to find a route to Europe. Many of them never  make it. Pray that they will find life and hope in the Gospel of Jesus.
• Pray for peace and stability to return to Libya and the Middle East.

Psalm 74 vs 20 – 21: “Have regard for your covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the haunts of violence.  Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.”

Source: https://www.opendoorsusa.org, www.libyaherald.com