Somalia
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
Teenager Martyred
UPDATE: The 17-year-old Muslim background believer in SOMALIA who was shackled to a tree by day and kept in a small, dark room at night has been martyred. Her family said that if she renounced her new faith they would forgive her, but she remained steadfast. On November 25, she was shot to death.
Ask God to use her faithful witness to spread His Gospel in Somalia. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Daughter Kidnapped, Family Devastated
A family in SOMALIA is devastated. The Islamic terrorist group al Shabab abducted their oldest daughter earlier this year. The parents took their younger children into hiding.
Pray that the family will be reunited. “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Somali Believer Shot
A believer in an underground church movement in SOMALIA was shot and killed this summer. His wife and four children were kidnapped. The wife has been released, but terrorists took the children to be taught the Koran and trained as soldiers.
Pray that the children will be rescued. “He will tend His flock like a shepherd.”
Believer Publically Executed
A Muslim background Believer was publically executed in a soccer stadium in SOMALIA. His crime was believing in Jesus rather than Mohammed. His wife, whom he married earlier this year and who is now pregnant, must live without him.
Pray that God will provide for her and the child. “But I am afflicted and in pain; let Your salvation, O God, set me on high!”
Teen Imprisoned by Family
A 17-year-old MBB in SOMALIA is being held in captivity by her Muslim parents because she refuses to renounce her faith. During the day she is shackled to a tree, and at night she is kept in a small, dark room.
Thank God for her perseverance, and pray that He will release her from this persecution. “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation.”
Church Leader Shot
In SOMALIA, an Islamic group shot a Christian. This schoolteacher and underground church leader leaves behind a wife and three children, ages 7, 9, and 11.
Pray that God will comfort them and provide for their needs. “From oppression and violence he redeems their life.”
Imprisoned Teen Stands Firm
A 17-year-old girl in Somalia is being imprisoned by her own parents. They are Muslim and disapprove of her decision to accept Christ. She has been beaten severely and is forced to take medicine for mental illness, which she does not have. Twice a week Islamic scripture is recited to her in an effort to “cure” her of her faith. During the day she is shackled to a tree, and at night she is kept in a small, dark room.
Believer Shot, Denied Burial
In SOMALIA, a Muslim background believer was executed outside his own house by an Islamic group, who shot him at close range in the head and chest. He has been temporarily buried near his house, since Muslims refused to admit his body to a public burial place. He leaves behind a wife and ten children.
Pray for their comfort, and that his martyrdom will only strengthen the Somali church. “But I, through the abundance of Your steadfast love, will enter Your house.”
Pastor Killed and Refused Burial
In SOMALIA an underground church leader who had previously escaped being kidnapped was just recently killed by Islamic militants. Now the militants say his body may not be buried, but must be left to the dogs.
Pray that the Somali Christians will persevere courageously in the faith. “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.”
Underground Church Leader Killed
On Tuesday morning, Yusuf Ali Nur, a leader of the underground church in Somalia, was shot by members of al Shabaab, an Islamic militant group. Besides being a church leader, Yusuf worked as head teacher at a primary school. He was 57 years old and had a wife and three children, ages 7, 9, and 11.
Martyrs in Somalia
In the violent country of Somalia, Muslim terrorist group Al-Shabaab wants to rid the area of Christians. Just recently they shot to death Madobe Abdi, an underground church leader, and refused his body burial. They say, “Leaving Abdi’s body outside is a warning to all that the murtid [infidel] is a disgrace to Muslims.” Earlier this year another underground church leader, Mohammed Ahmed Ali, was shot by Al-Shabaab militants ten years after he converted from Islam. Last year, more than 20 believers were martyred publically.
Somali Radio Spreading Gospel
The government and Islamic militias in SOMALIA closely monitor Christians, who make up less than 1% of the population and are “few and lonely.” Nevertheless, a Christian radio station has been spreading the gospel and leading people to Christ.
Martyrs in Somalia
Pastor Hunted through Two Countries
A Christian leader in SOMALIA fled to a refugee camp in Kenya. He was tracked to the camp, militants raided his home, and word is circulating throughout the settlement that he is to be murdered. Because of the threat he was forced to abandon his job and now has no way to support his wife and four children.
Pray for their safety as they continue to preach Christ despite the danger. "For the hand of the LORD his God was on him."
Woman Killed for Refusing to Wear Veil
A woman in SOMALIA was suspected of being a Christian. Militants demanded that she wear a veil to show her submission to Islam. She refused. Three Muslims broke into her home and shot her repeatedly.
Pray that her family will be comforted and that the believers in the region will maintain their witness for Christ. "Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life."
