Muslim extremists torch churches in Zanzibar, Tanzania

The remains of Pastor George's church
building in Zanzibar. (Photo: Compass Direct)

On the island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania, the Evangelical Assemblies of God-Tanzania (EAGT) church has been reduced to ashes by Muslim extremists. Compass Direct News (CDN) reports the July 30 attack comes just days after another church on the island was burned down.

The assailants were heard shouting, “Away with the church – we do not want infidels to spoil our community, especially our children,” said Leonard Massasa, overseer of the EAGT churches in Zanzibar.

The church’s pastor, Paulo Magungu, said he and his 40-member congregation did not have a place to meet for worship on Sunday.

 “We have reported the case to the police station. I hope justice will be done,” Pastor Paulo added. He went to police immediately after he found out about the attack.

A few days earlier, Pastor George Frank Dunia of the Free Evangelical Pentecostal Church in Africa found his church building in ashes as well.

 “The members are afraid, not knowing what other plans the Muslims are out to do. We request prayers at this trying moment,” said Pastor George.

These attacks come on the heels of recent persecution on Zanzibar’s neighbouring island of Pemba, where Muslims have reportedly openly vowed to not befriend “infidels.”

Muslims have challenged the existence of a church there and Muslim landlords are making it difficult for their Christian tenants to even sing and pray.

Pray for Christians in Tanzania!

• Pray the congregations targeted in these recent attacks would be able to meet despite their destroyed buildings.
• Pray the hearts of the Christians in Tanzania would be overwhelmed with love for their Muslim persecutors.
• Pray that Muslims in Tanzania will come to faith in Jesus Christ.