ContextGideon, an evangelical Christian from Eritrea, was imprisoned seven times for his faith. From a young age, he led a growing youth ministry, but in 2002 the Eritrean government intensified religious persecution, closing churches and arresting Christians. Gideon was serving in the military when he was detained again.
The TrialDuring a prison term in Assab, Gideon hid a Bible among his clothes. After three months, informants discovered the book. He was chained and beaten with wooden logs in front of 700 prisoners, in 45°C heat. Soldiers offered him painkillers if he renounced his faith, but he refused.
Faith and OutcomeGideon cried out to Jesus while being beaten, and suddenly the pain vanished. The soldiers left him for dead, but he survived. Today, he remains steadfast in his faith and testifies to God's power amidst persecution.
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