persecution
Ethiopian Believer Trusts Jesus Amid Ongoing Persecution
By commsmanager at International Christian Concern
· June 15, 2026
· 3 min read
When Juhar Bekele became a Christian in 2016 while living in Hurumu, Illu Ababora Zone, in Ethiopia, he knew his life would change dramatically. Now a minister, husband, and father, Bekele said his life changed most when he had to trust in Christ as he faced rejection, threats, and violence for leav
Key takeaway Now a minister, husband, and father, Bekele said his life changed most when he had to trust in Christ as he faced rejection, threats, and violence for leaving Islam.
Why this matters
The persecution faced by Juhar Bekele is a stark reminder of the risks many Ethiopian Christians take when choosing to follow their faith. Bekele's experience of being forced to flee his home and facing violence in multiple locations highlights the widespread nature of anti-Christian sentiment in Ethiopia. The fact that he has continued to minister in underground house churches despite the dangers underscores the resilience of Christian communities in the face of adversity. Bekele's story also illustrates the human cost of persecution, with his family and daily life deeply affected by the constant fear of attack. As a minister, Bekele's courage in the face of persecution has inspired others, demonstrating the power of faith to overcome even the most daunting challenges. His trust in God despite the dangers is a testament to the enduring nature of Christian faith in Ethiopia, where believers continue to risk everything to spread the message of Christ.
About this story
Original reporting by International Christian Concern . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit International Christian Concern . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: persecution ·
Published: June 15, 2026 ·
Source: International Christian Concern ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When Juhar Bekele became a Christian in 2016 while living in Hurumu, Illu Ababora Zone, in Ethiopia, he knew his life would change dramatically. Now a minister, husband, and father, Bekele said his life changed most when he had to trust in Christ as he faced rejection, threats, and violence for leav
When was this published? This article was first published on June 15, 2026 by International Christian Concern and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by commsmanager at International Christian Concern. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more persecution coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .