Somalia (MNN) ― Somalia is almost exclusively Sunni Muslim, with less than one percent of the population Christian.
Lee DeYoung with Words of Hope says they beam hope in. "The wonderful message of Jesus Christ is unknown to most Somalis. The Gospel radio programs are a lifeline in very troubled times."
Somalia ranks fourth on the Open Doors World Watch list, a compilation of the 50 countries where persecution is the worst.
Last April, Parliament voted unanimously to institute Islamic law. It was a disastrous move made with the hope that it would undergird support for the government. Instead, Christians find themselves closely monitored by both the government and the Islamic militias.
More than 20 Somali believers were martyred publicly in 2009. Most recently, on January 1 members of the militant group al-Shabaab shot and killed Mohammed Ahmed Ali, a 41-year-old underground church leader. The group also threatened to kill his family, but they fled to Nairobi, Kenya January 20.
Christians know they run a risk when following Christ. DeYoung says, "Somalis who believe in Christ are relatively few and lonely, meeting quietly in homes as they can. Somali Bibles are a rare treasure." Even with the isolation, DeYoung goes on to say, "Believers are sharing their faith. People are coming to the Lord, and there are responses to the broadcasts."
Keep praying. "Praise God for the faithful witness of martyred believers, for their hope in Christ. Pray for the physical and spiritual protection of Somali believers and their families."
Pray too, that in the midst of challenges, Somali Christians will remain unshaken from the work the Lord has given them, trusting Him to bring eternal results
