An Obedient Disciple in
Tigray, Ethiopia
Day 23: An Obedient Disciple in Tigray, Ethiopia
If you love me, obey my commandments. – John 14:15
Every phone call from her twin sons in Addis Ababa fills *Amina’s heart with joy. For two long years, she had no contact with them. Her home in the northern Ethiopian province of Tigray was completely cut off during the brutal civil war between the regional government and the Ethiopian army—a conflict that claimed more than half a million lives and devastated the region.
As the war broke out, Amina made the heartbreaking decision to remain behind in a region torn apart by violence and famine while her sons found safety in the distant capital. Hardship has marked much of Amina’s life. Born into a Muslim family, she was married off young to a much older man. Her life changed forever the day she was given a Bible. She began reading it secretly, drawn to the words of hope and truth within its pages. When her husband discovered her new faith, he disowned and divorced her.
Yet even in her pain, Amina found purpose. She chose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and has never looked back. Despite hostility, rejection, and persecution, she continues to boldly share the Good News with those around her. Many have come to faith through her courageous witness.
“My journey has been hard,” Amina says quietly. “Following Jesus has brought much suffering. But God is faithful! He has given me a mission—to share the gospel with Muslims.”
In Tigray, most people identify as Orthodox Christians, but in the eastern region where Amina lives, only about 5–10% of the population is Muslim. Historically, this area has been Islam’s gateway into the region and even into the rest of Africa. Evangelical believers are few, but through faithful witnesses like Amina, the light of Christ continues to shine brightly in dark and difficult places.
*pseudonym
HOW WE CAN PRAY
- Pray for hearts open to the gospel: Ask God to soften hearts among Muslims in Tigray, that despite years of hardship and conflict, many would be drawn to the truth and hope found in Jesus.
- Pray for peace and healing in the region: The war has left deep wounds—loss, trauma, and division. Pray that God would bring lasting peace, reconciliation, and restoration to the people of Tigray.
- Pray for bold and compassionate witnesses like Amina: Lift up believers who share the gospel in Muslim communities. Pray for courage, wisdom, and protection as they bring the light of Christ into spiritually dark and often hostile places.
- Pray for strong, disciple making fellowships: Pray that new believers would be discipled well and connected to small groups or house churches where they can grow in faith and experience true community.
- Pray for provision and hope amid hardship: Many in Tigray still face poverty, hunger, and displacement. Pray that God would meet both physical and spiritual needs, showing His love through the care and compassion of His people.