There were two new attacks against Ethiopian Christians over the past few weeks, according to a report from VOMC sources.

On November 5, Semu Hailu -- an elder of a Mennonite Church in Jimma, Ethiopia -- was imprisoned after a group of Muslims accused him of insulting the prophet Mohammed. The accusation came after Hailu refused to move out of his house and sell his property to a nearby mosque. The Muslims responded by telling him that "kafirs" should not live around mosques and threatened him repeatedly, demanding that he leave his property. When he refused, they eventually accused him of insulting Mohammed, resulting in his arrest. During Hailu's November 9 court hearing, Muslims brought in false witnesses to testify against him. The court ordered him to be imprisoned for an unspecified period of time.

On November 17, the house of Jemal Tasisa was burned by Muslims in the village of Tongo. Tasisa, an elder in a local Lutheran church, has fled to Assosa, Benishangul state with his five children. VOMC is providing him and his family with aid through our Relief and Development Fund.

Ask God to comfort Semu in prison. Pray that, like Paul, his imprisonment will result in the advancement of God's kingdom (Philippians 1:12-14). Ask the Lord to keep Jemal and his family safe from harm. Pray that increased persecution in Ethiopia will result in increased boldness among the believers (Acts 4:29-31).