This is an urgent update and call for prayer. To protect families from government retribution, I’ll publish the note I just received from my Rwandan friend anonymously. This is a call for Christians worldwide to pray and speak!
Subject: Urgent Request to Pray for the Church in Rwanda!
Shalom, Dear Saint,
I write to humbly ask that you stand with the Church in Rwanda in prayer before our God.
As you may already be aware, many churches across the country have been closed by the government. In obedience to Christ rather than men, the reformed churches in Rwanda have continued to gather eachLord’ss Day, for Scripture commands us not to forsake the assembling of the saints.
Because of this, on Sunday local authorities arrested brothers and sisters who had gathered for worship. About 29 people were meeting when the police arrived. Women and children were sent away, while men and unmarried ladies were taken into custody. Thirteen people were arrested in total on Sunday. Later that day, the ladies were released, but six brothers remain in detention as I write this.
We have been informed that these brothers are being interrogated, with authorities seeking information about other fellowships that continue to meet on Sundays, and especially targeting the elders of these churches.
This has caused much unrest and fear among the saints, and it is a dark season for the faithful churches in Rwanda. We therefore ask you to plead with the Lord on our behalf that He would be our refuge and strength in this time of need. Please pray specifically for:
- The immediate release of the six brothers who remain in custody
- That the Lord would grant these brothers wisdom, meekness, and clarity as they are interrogated, and that He would give them the words to answer their accusations, just as He has promised
- Protection, wisdom, and courage for the elders of the three Reformed churches
- The overall demeanor of the churches in this moment that, despite fear and unrest, the Lord would grant the saints grace to stand firm, remain faithful, and bear a clear witness to Christ
- Comfort, peace, and provision for the families of those who are incarcerated, that the Lord would meet all their needs and uphold them during this trial
- That above all, Christ will be preached, and His glory will indeed fill the nation of Rwanda. Pray that the witnessing of the saints in Rwanda will be a seed of revival in our nation.
As Scripture exhorts us:
“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”
— Hebrews 13:3 (ESV)
Thank you for standing with us before the throne of grace.
What can you do?
- Intercede for our brothers and sisters in Rwanda
- Share this request for prayer far and wide
We are the church of Jesus, and in these last days, we are warned of opposition and even persecution that will come for the sake of His name.Let’ss stand together in solidarity with our brothers who are willing to pay the price for obedience.
Zambia Hunt 
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