As we prepare for Sunday’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, let’s remember Christians facing extreme violence, persecution and hunger in 99.6% Muslim Somalia, ranked #2 on Open Doors’ World Watchlist of most dangerous countries in the world for Christians to live.
“Christians in Somalia live in one of the harshest environments in the world, a place where openly following Jesus is impossible. In Somalia as a whole, it is illegal to convert from Islam to Christianity under the 2012 Provisional Constitution. Sharia (Islamic law) is upheld in all regions and this, coupled with social and clan pressure, forces Christians to practice their faith in secret and isolation,” writes Open Doors.
“Conversion to a different religion is seen as betrayal and a dishonouring of country, clan and family. This can lead to violence, being disowned by family (which in clan-based Somalia leaves individuals highly vulnerable) and even execution, often by family members.”
In addition, “The militant extremist group Al-Shabaab … wishes to eradicate Christianity and openly executes anyone suspected of being a Christian.”
In addition to such terrible persecution, parts of Somalia have reached famine status. Those suffering from acute hunger surpassed the numbers from 2011’s famine, in which more than 260,000 people died.
Somalia has been in an ongoing civil war since the 1980s, with an estimated 400,000 to 1.2 million dead and millions more displaced. At least 20 unreached people groups in the turbulent Horn of Africa nation have yet to hear the good news about Jesus.
- “Somalia is one of the most dangerous places to live as a Christian. Pray that the small number of believers would find shelter and safety in the arms of Jesus.
- “Al-Shabaab, the Islamic extremist group, target anyone they suspect of being Christian. Ask God to protect Christians and keep them from death or attack.
- “Pray that Somali believers would know they aren’t alone, even if they are forced to worship in secret.
- “Somalia is traumatized, and Christian Somalis more so. Pray that God’s Spirit will minister to them and that He would bring healing to their minds and spirits.”
Lord, please have mercy. Bring an end to the violence and drought. Heal, protect and provide for the needs of those facing malnutrition or starvation, especially the children. Open the doors wide for Christians to come in bringing stores of food along with a clear message of Your love and salvation. Multiply Somali Christians’ provisions so abundantly they will have more than enough to share with their neighbors, along with such over-abounding love, the lost will see You as You truly are and know You are the One they’ve been longing for. Don’t let even one more person in Somalia die without the chance to know You. Meet them in their dreams. Appear to them in visions. Bring Christians into their path who will boldly share Your Good News. For every Christian martyred, bring 10,000 more to faith. Make the hidden churches bulge with converts, multiplying by the thousands all across the land. Make this violent, hungry time in Somalia’s history an open door for Your love to overtake every heart. Lift the darkness, Lord, and pierce the lost with Your light, breaking chains that bind terrorists and child soldiers to Satan’s plans. Let them see Your angels guarding Christians, so they tremble in fear and fall to their knees before You. Let them hear Christians speaking out forgiveness and truth, and choose to believe in You. Surround believers and their families as their mighty, impenetrable Shield. Psalm 91. Hide them beneath Your wings and don’t let the enemy’s weapons come near them. Make a way for Christians to safely communicate and meet together. Guard and fill those gatherings with Your mighty angels and presence. If ever someone finds out where a church meets, cut them to the core with Your truth and overwhelm them with Your love and grace immediately, so they repent and choose to walk in the Light. Awaken all the peoples of Somalia to You, Lord. Give them a hunger so deep, they will seek You with all their heart and find You. Jeremiah 29:13.
Don’t let your prayers for the persecuted stop today.
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About the author: Mikaela Vincent and her husband have served the Lord for many years in a dark area of the world where Christians are persecuted and few have heard the good news about Christ. They are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through giving a donation, shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, praying for them or inviting them to speak at your church, retreat or other event, click the buttons below:
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