Aid to Persecuted Believers in Eritrea

Eritrea came to international attention in 2012, when reports highlighted a widespread crackdown that led more than 200,000 people to flee the country. Among those affected were Christians, who faced a targeted campaign of arrests, intimidation, and religious persecution.

Under President Isaias Afwerki, Eritrea has been widely described by human rights organizations as a country with some of the most severe restrictions on religious freedom. Over time, this environment has contributed to imprisonments, prolonged detentions, and documented cases of torture involving religious prisoners.

In response to increasing pressure, many Eritreans attempted dangerous escapes by land and sea. Thousands fled in overcrowded boats, and many lost their lives during these journeys.

Christianity, once the dominant faith in Eritrea, now exists largely in secret. A small but committed Christian community continues to practice their faith—often under surveillance, in hiding, or within prison systems.

Since 2009, we have worked to document these conditions and provide assistance to imprisoned Christians and their families in Eritrea. This includes both practical support and efforts to raise international awareness of their situation.

Even under persecution, people are coming to Christ. The church is growing, even though it is hidden. Many Eritreans are hungry for God’s Word and long to grow in their faith.

Over the years, Door of Hope International has been blessed to help get more than 1,000 solar-powered audio Bibles into prisons and into the hands of persecuted Christians. These Bibles have broughtGod’s Word to people who have no other way to hear it.

The privilege before DOHI is to help strengthen and expand a Christian radio program broadcast from a studio in Ethiopia, Eritrea’s neighboring country. Airing every day for 30 minutes, the program is already reaching Eritreans and Tigrinya-speaking people across the Horn of Africa with biblical teaching, discipleship, and encouragement. For man listeners, radio may be one of the only ways they can receive God’s Word, especially where churches, Christian books, and online teaching are limited or unsafe. The current audience is estimated at 10 million people—and it continues to grow.

Would you prayerfully consider helping us support this radio ministry for one year?

It is estimated that as many as 3,000 believers are currently imprisoned in Eritrea. Many face indefinite detention—without trial, without justice, and without access to the Word of God.

In addition, thousands more gather in secret house churches across the country. They worship quietly, often without a single Bible among them.

As a result, many believers are left without Scripture for encouragement, teaching, or spiritual strength.

We believe there is nothing more painful for a Christian than being separated from God’s Word.

By God’s grace and through the generosity of partners like you, we are delivering solar-powered audio Bibles to persecuted Christians in Eritrea.

These include courageous pastors who are currently imprisoned for their faith.

However, many more believers are still waiting. They remain in prison or in hiding, without access to Scripture that can bring comfort, strength, and hope.

Alongside audio Bibles, we also provide financial support to families of imprisoned pastors and persecuted believers across the country.

This support helps meet practical needs while also offering spiritual encouragement during long periods of hardship.

Therefore, we invite you to stand with our brothers and sisters in Eritrea.

Let’s bring light into one of the most difficult places in the world.

Together, we can respond to their cry.
Together, we can deliver God’s Word.