Standing with our brothers and sisters who proclaim Christ amid persecution and unrest. 

In late October and early November 2025, I attended the All Africa Youth Congress in Kenya. Among the many meaningful encounters, I share my encounter with Sister L. from a Unity Province in Tanzania.

Our meeting was filled with laughter, encouragement, and shared faith. Yet behind her bright smile, she carried the weight of a story that I feel compelled to share with you — the story of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters who are enduring trials that test both courage and faith.

A Church in the Midst of Turmoil

Throughout our time together, our sister shared the reality of persecution faced by Christians and human rights advocates in her country. She spoke of clergy who have gone missing or been killed after speaking publicly for justice and protection of citizens. She also shared of the economic and social struggles confronting young people, including widespread unemployment and new restrictions on communication that make even simple connection difficult.  

Sister L. further shared Tanzania's political climate. She noted that opposition leaders have been arrested or silenced, and even critics within the ruling party were abducted or killed by “unknown people.” The citizens of Tanzania call for peaceful reforms and the release of detainees. In the absence of an affirmative response protests have become violent, leaving many dead.

Sister L. expressed deep concern about the situation in Tanzania. She shared that political tensions have escalated within recent weeks, leading to violence and death. Many students are unable to attend school, and national examinations have been postponed due to the unrest. She further shared news of a young brother — the son of our clergy within the Unity — who was shot and killed on October 29th, 2025 while returning home after witnessing violence in the streets. His death, along with many others, has left the church and nation mourning.

As a result of the political protests and national unrest, the Tanzanian delegation to the congress struggled to cross their borders to attend the event. Many were delayed, and some were prevented from leaving altogether. Still, when two-thirds of the group finally arrived, they entered the meeting hall with songs of praise and joyful dancing — a testimony that even in hardship, their faith remains alive.

Faith that Endures

The Unity in Tanzania, and the wider body of believers, continues to serve faithfully despite these conditions. They are not silent. They call for peace, urging people to seek dialogue, prayer, and love over retaliation. Church leaders remind the faithful that true change begins in the heart, and that peace — though fragile — is a gift from God that must be protected even in the hardest of times.  

In the midst of persecution, the Gospel continues to be preached. Young people continue to offer themselves in service as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries, believing that obedience to Christ outweighs every fear.

A Call to the Wider Church

As I reflect, I acknowledge that our call as a church does not end at our own borders.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3, NIV)  

Let us therefore pray earnestly for Tanzania — for the brethren there, for all who suffer, and for God’s justice to roll down like rivers of peace. Let us remember especially the families who grieve, the youth who struggle to learn amid unrest, and the leaders who risk their lives for justice.

Even in suffering, our faith teaches us that Christ remains our Redeemer and Judge. He is the Saviour who sees, the Lord who delivers, and the One who will one day make all things right.

May God stretch forth His righteous right hand, as He envelopes His people into His comforting embrace. May the Gospel of Christ continue to be preached without fear, in the hope of His completed and coming salvation. 

Brothers and sisters, I invite us to join in prayer as an act of faith in the God who still reigns. Let us stand with our brethren in Tanzania. Let us pray without ceasing. And let us hold fast to the hope we share in Jesus Christ our Lord.