Somalia
There is no more lawless country on the planet than Somalia. Al-Shabaab, a well-organized Muslim terrorist group in control of much of Somalia, has sworn to kill all Christians and bring Somalia under Sharia law. Based on the teachings of the Koran and the sayings of Muhammad, draconian brutalities—death by stoning for adultery, execution of converts from Islam to Christ, and chopping off hands and feet for stealing—are commonplace.
A Christian man in Mogadishu was accused of trying to convert a Muslim boy and executed. Another believer refused to betray his teacher in the faith, and his young sons were beheaded. An evangelist bringing Bibles into the country was discovered and shot. Other Christians and converts have lost their families, jobs, and homes. Christians are forced to hide their faith since even owning a Bible is punishable by death. Yet, despite all this, believers still gather, and there is a great desire for the gospel.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Somalia
Christian Teen Beheaded
In SOMALIA this autumn, a 17-year-old believer was beheaded by the Islamic group al Shabaab. His family had been holding secret Bible studies in their home. His parents have since fled for their lives.
Pray that they will find strength in God. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Believer Decapitated
In SOMALIA a Muslim background believer's decapitated body was found on September 2. Because people feared al Shabaab, the Islamic group which likely committed the murder, the believer’s body remained unburied for two days.
Pray that other Christians will not be intimidated. “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast.”
Christians Denied Food Aid
During the famine in SOMALIA, the Islamic group al- Shabaab is intentionally preventing food aid from reaching Christians and friends of Christians. Eighteen believers have been confirmed dead, but the number of starvation victims is suspected to be higher.
Ask God to provide for the Christians. “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Former Muslims Come to Christ
A Muslim background believer in SOMALIA has faced pressure from her Muslim family since her conversion five years ago. But recently she reported that her husband and children have also turned from Islam to Christ.
Praise God! Pray that He will help them to trust in Him courageously and fearlessly. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
Prisoner Escapes
Praise God for the escape of a Muslim background believer who was imprisoned by Al-Shabaab, an Islamic terrorist group in SOMALIA! Muslims arrested him in January and repeatedly interrogated him about his faith and ministry.
Ask God to continue to protect him. “I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”
Christian Martyred
Muslims in SOMALIA killed a Muslim background believer on January 26. The victim was accused of spying and fitna (religious discord, or shaking the faith of a Muslim). His wife and family were informed of the murder two weeks later.
Ask God to comfort the widow and children. “Be gracious to me, O LORD! See my affliction…”
Farms Confiscated
Earlier this year Al-Shabab, an Islamist group in SOMALIA, confiscated farms belonging to five MBBs and to three Muslims who had attended Bible studies to learn more about Christianity. The believers and those interested in Christianity are now in hiding.
Pray for provision for their needs and salvation for the Muslims. “He delivers and rescues…”
Mother of Four Martyred
On January 7 in SOMALIA, Muslims arrested a Muslim background believer and publicly slit her throat. Her four children, ages 12, 8, 6, and 4, are traumatized.
Ask God to comfort her grieving children and husband. “I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
Children in the Persecuted Church
Normally we tend to think of the persecuted church as comprising adult believers, but children can be equally hit by persecution, and their stories can be especially heartbreaking. A surprising number of the persecution incidents that Smyrna uncovered this past month (and that will be in the March prayer guide) involve kids and teens.
Christian Library Burned
In SOMALIA on December 16, an Islamic terrorist group discovered a secret Christian library. They burned its Bibles, Christian books, and audio/video materials in the city center.
Pray for the believers, who are determined to continue studying the Scriptures. “And every day...they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”