Children are targeted by the Eritrean government as persecution of Christians continues.

Eritrea (MNN) — The Eritrean government’s persecution of Christians has now targeted children, according to Voice of the Martyrs, Canada. In the capital city of Asmara, police took 131 children between the ages of 2 and 18 from their Christian classes to a police station where they registered their names and addresses.

While detained, the children began singing in a loud voice, “I am not afraid of persecution, hardships and even death. Nobody can separate me from the Love of Jesus Christ. He died on the cross and he gave me new life.”

Despite threats to stop singing, the children continued to sing. When the policemen turned on a television to drown out the singing, the children protested. The policemen responded by beating them.

The children were kept at the police station from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The younger children, under 15 years old, were released and told to come back with their parents next week. But 30 older teenagers remain in custody, and were transferred to a different police station.

They join the hundreds of other Christians who are currently detained throughout Eritrea. Pray for all those being held, but especially these young people, that they would remain faithful to Christ despite whatever they may be enduring for His sake. Pray for their faithful witness and for a speedy release.