Another way to help is by passing along the testimonies of those still practicing the presence of God in Eritrea.
"We heard some great stories while we were there," Nettleton said. "One woman, who was persecuted, spoke of how in prison God had built her up and she came out a better person. As one pastor said, 'Persecution is not sweet, but it is useful.' It's not sweet when you're going through it, but at the same time, they see results and like what they see."
That's not to say they would not prefer to enjoy more religious freedom.
"The last night we were there, one of the pastors made popcorn for us," Nettleton said. "He made coffee for us, and he had a little baby. Now he's in prison and they don't know why. It's just frustrating to know he's in there."
Frustrating, too, that more do not know.
An estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors, celebrating 50 years of service to the Persecuted Christians in 2005, serves and strengthens the Persecuted Church in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (524-2535) or go to their web site at www.odusa.org.
