There are over 2 billion Christians in the world, with the majority in the Global South. When one part suffers, every part suffers with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). While there are some positive indicators toward healing, the Christian community in Ethiopia is in the middle of a significant conflict. Ripples of the conflict are felt by the Ethiopian community in the United States. 

Pastor Solomon Telahun, executive director of the Ethiopian Evangelical Churches Fellowship in North America (EECF), shared, “The nation is suffering from a protracted conflict…. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has declared a nationwide prayer for three days followed by a call for a nationwide peaceful protest…. We need the Prince of Peace to prevail.”   

The EECF is a member organization of the National Association of Evangelicals and invites us to join with them and the Christian community in Ethiopia in three days of fasting and prayer February 16–18.  

The conflict started as an internal dispute within the leadership of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, but has evolved into a nationwide protest. In the past three weeks the church has undergone a split of leadership along ethnic lines, and the division has caused unrest and turmoil. What began as peaceful protests has tragically led to several deaths in the region. 

Please join us in praying: 

  • that the gospel would break down racial and ethnic barriers (Ephesians 2:14–18); 
  • that the Lord would protect and shield Orthodox Ethiopians in Ethiopia; 
  • that God would bring peace, unity and healing in Ethiopia; 
  • that priests, pastors and missionaries in Ethiopia would have wisdom beyond understanding; and 
  • that members of the Ethiopian diaspora would be comforted.  

The EECF also encourages American evangelicals to check on members of the Ethiopian diaspora and to connect with missionaries who are based in Ethiopia to learn more about the conflict and how to support fellow believers in this time of trouble.