Imprisoned for Singing About Jesus
In the oppressive heat of Eritrea, where religious freedom is a distant dream for many, the strength of Christian faith shines brightly against the backdrop of persecution. Helen Berhane, a gospel singer, was imprisoned for over two years, simply for her refusal to stop singing about Jesus. Held in a dark, cold metal container with little food or access to sanitation, Helen faced tremendous trials. Yet, she remained steadfast, infusing her suffering with songs of worship, which she said made 'the sadness disappear.' ## Worship Makes the Sadness Disappear
Helen's unwavering faith served as a testament to the power of worship, even in the darkest circumstances.
Another testament to this enduring faith is Pastor Gabriel, who endured multiple imprisonments, beatings, and solitary confinement. Despite these hardships, he clung to the Bible, even when it was banned. 'Sometimes you dispute with God, why you let me go through this hardship?' Pastor Gabriel shared. 'But when you start reading the Bible, when you pray devotion daily, automatically your mind clicks, you are in the main way – the way you are supposed to go.' His resilience and dedication to his faith inspired many, even among his fellow prisoners.
Dr. Berhane also faced imprisonment for nearly a year due to his faith. Instead of succumbing to despair, he saw his captivity as an opportunity to share God's love with those around him, including the prison guards. His daily clapping and sharing of the gospel brought light into a place steeped in darkness.
Remarkably, the faith of these believers has even touched the hearts of those who once persecuted them. Akmed, a prison guard, was moved by the unwavering devotion of imprisoned women, leading him to embrace Christianity. Another guard, Tes, smuggled a Bible into the prison and started a secret church among the guards themselves. 'Those women in the containers taught us that faith isn't about having a comfortable place to worship. It's about having a heart that worships no matter where you are,' Tes reflected.
Through these stories, it's clear that Jesus is at work in Eritrea, transforming lives and sustaining believers through their trials. Their faith is a powerful testimony to God's presence and provision, reminding us that even in the darkest times, Jesus is the light that cannot be extinguished.
