Eritrea won its independence from Ethiopia in 1991. Though the economy was shattered, Eritrea has made an amazing comeback. Border conflicts with Ethiopia since 1998 have continued to cause hardship. Thousands of soldiers have become believers during the war, largely as the result of evangelists who were conscripted and Christian radio. The Church is now preparing to receive and mentor them upon their release from service.

SIM entered Eritrea in the early 1950s, emphasizing ministries among children and youth, as well as a medical clinic. Our personnel are identified with the Kale Hiwot Church of Eritrea (KHCE). Their primary focus is to train leaders in the church. The Kale Hiwot Ministry Training Centre had three graduates last year; unfortunately, several students had to leave school early to serve in the military. Thankfully, God has brought 8 more students this year.

The KHCE has more than 1,200 baptized members in its churches and fellowships, but because of national conscription many of these churches lack the pastoring and teaching they need. The church has also been granted permission to open Kindergarten schools in unreached areas. A radio outreach to the Tigrinya is bearing good fruit.

An orphanage begun by SIM missionaries is now run by the church, and thanks to the church's faithfulness and compassion, the graduates continue to fill key leadership positions in the church.

Please pray for:

1. Effective training of church leaders and members, and funds needed to expand training ministries.
   
2. That the churches catch a vision for reaching all eight unreached Muslim ethnic groups.
   
3. The development of Kindergartens in unreached areas.
   
4. Resources for extending the radio ministry to two more languages: Tigre and Beja.
   
5. Spiritual renewal in the churches, and conversion of the lost.
   
6. The deepening of political and economical stability.