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
Convert Murdered in Somalia
Zakaria Hussein Omar was beheaded by members of the Islamic group al Shabaab on January 2. They left his body lying in the open, where it was found 20 hours later. The friend who identified the body said, “We have been communicating with Omar, and he was sharing with me his life as a Christian. Last year he mentioned to me that his life was in danger when the NGO [Non-Governmental Organization] he worked for was banned by the al Shabaab.”
Convert Beheaded
A Muslim background believer in SOMALIA was beheaded by members of the Islamic group al Shabaab in January. News had spread that he converted to Christianity years ago while staying with relatives in Ethiopia. He is survived by his wife, parents, and five siblings.
Ask God to comfort his family. Pray that his testimony will lead others to Christ. “To You, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy.”
Convert Publicly Flogged
A Muslim background believer in SOMALIA was imprisoned for a month and then publicly flogged and jeered for her conversion. She is now recovering in another location.
Pray for healing and courage. “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.”
LEARN MORE: THE CHURCH IN SOMALIA
The Church in Somalia
Sofia Osman, a convert in her late 20s in Somalia, was charged with embracing a “foreign religion.” She was a member of the underground church in the region.
For a month Sofia was imprisoned in one of al Shabaab’s camps. Then, in front of a crowd of hundreds of jeering onlookers, she was given 40 lashes. Due to her blood loss and fainting, one eyewitness said that he thought she had died. For days she was dazed and would not speak with anyone. Now she is recovering elsewhere.
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…”