This week our Lent podcast tells the story of Helen Berhane, an Eritrean gospel singer whose story is challenging, inspiring and deeply moving. She was arrested in a 2003 raid on a house where she was teaching young Christians. Beaten and imprisoned, she spent 32 months in a shipping container without adequate ventilation, light, sanitation or food. While in prison Helen was regularly tortured, and a severe and sustained assault by a prison guard almost killed her and left her unable to walk. Helen was released in November 2006 and escaped to Sudan, where she had to keep a low profile. She was finally granted asylum in Denmark, where she recovered from her injuries.

• 5 March 
  

Many Eritrean Christians just like Helen are still suffering in horrific conditions after being arrested because of their faith. Please pray that God would grant them endurance and that one day, they would have the same opportunity as Helen to live freely.

• 6 March
  

Give thanks that though the conditions in Eritrea are extremely repressive, people like Helen still hold fast to their faith. Pray that God would strengthen and protect them.

• 7 March
  

Despite considerable resistance, in October 2016 the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea presented the findings of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee. This brings the prospect of an international investigation into human rights abuses in Eritrea a step closer! Let’s give thanks for this and pray it brings real change in Eritrea soon.

• 8 March
  

Today, please pray for CSW’s team that works on Eritrea: for creativity, perseverance, energy and wisdom as they continue to raise the human rights situation in Eritrea at the UN and beyond.

• 9 March
  

Pray that the many thousands fleeing Eritrea would find somewhere they are able to live safely and peacefully, and that God would protect them on their journey. 

• 10 March
  

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9 Pray this verse over Eritrea today.

• 11 March
  

Father God, today we pray for the nation of Eritrea and the hundreds of people that are suffering in truly horrific conditions. We know that you hear them, Lord, and that their suffering pains you greatly. Draw close to them we pray, watch over them and deliver them. Amen.