ContextHelen Berhane is a Christian singer from Eritrea, a country where religious freedom has been severely restricted since independence in 1993. She felt called to preach the gospel on the streets, in cafes, and even on buses, knowing it would put her at risk. In 2002, churches were closed and only four religious communities are tolerated, but Helen continued to share her faith.
The TrialIn 2003, Helen secretly recorded a Christian music video that became popular among young people. During a police raid, the DVD was found, and she was arrested without trial. Taken to a military camp, she was placed in a dirty metal container where she suffered torture for months. Guards repeatedly beat her head, trying to erase the Bible from her mind, and she remained isolated for years.
Faith and OutcomeEven in the container, Helen maintained her faith by singing praises, which gave her strength to endure the torture. She believes God sustained her during those moments of crisis. Today, Helen is free and continues to sing about Jesus, inspiring other Christians in Eritrea and around the world, despite ongoing persecution in the country.
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