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Somalia

• Christian Merchants Killed by Suspected Militants

  

  Six Kenyan merchants, all of them professed followers of Jesus, were killed in a border town between Kenya and Somalia on March 29th. The perpetrators of the crime then fled the Somalian town of Dhobley and travelled further into the country. It is believed that those responsible for the attack are members of al-Shabaab, a militant Islamic group based in Somalia.

• Al-Shabaab "Peace" Offer Poses Threat to Christian Minority

  

  For years, the nation of Somalia has been in a state of political turmoil caused by rival factions that are fighting for control of the country, including the al-Qaeda affiliated group known as al-Shabaab. While this militant terrorist group frequently conducts indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians in general, it is particularly known to target Christians.

• Arrested Couple Released

  

  On September 21st, police in the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland detained a Christian couple. They were described as "apostates and evangelists spreading Christianity." To view a previously published report on the arrest, go to this page.

• Christian Couple Arrested

  

  At an October 5th news conference, police in the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland announced that a Christian couple had been arrested for being "apostates and evangelists spreading Christianity." On September 21st, the two were taken from their home in Hargeisa where police also found Christian literature in their possession.

• Spreading God's Light to the Somali People

  

  Paul, a Somali Christian brother, is faithfully recording messages of his faith to be posted on YouTube. Another Somali man recently came to faith in Christ after Jesus appeared to him in a dream. And yet another dreamed that Jesus told him to read the Bible; he has since accepted Christ as his Saviour! These are only a few of the numerous praise reports coming from Somali Christian Ministries, with whom VOM Canada has the privilege of partnering in ministry.

• Al-Shabaab Increases Terrorist Attacks

  

  The Somalia-based terrorist group, al-Shabaab, has overtaken Nigeria's Boko Haram as Africa's deadliest militant group, according to new figures from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

  The data, compiled by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, showed that al-Shabaab was responsible for 4,281 casualties in 2016, compared to 3,499 committed by Boko Haram. The third group on the list was the Islamic State militant group which was responsible for 2,350 deaths that year.

• God's Light Shining through Spiritual Darkness

  Children in Somalia Photo: Flickr / Robbert van der Steeg

  Pastor Andrew, the leader of a VOMC-partnering ministry that's diligently proclaiming God's truth in Somalia, has requested prayer for his team's vital ministry efforts.

  The ministry recently began broadcasting radio programs via shortwave radio into Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and surrounding areas. The program features Scripture readings, Christian music, a short message of encouragement, and a time of prayer. Through this and other such outreach programs, many spiritual seekers have connected with the ministry to learn more about Jesus. Some of these men and women are now receiving lessons about the Bible and discipleship training.

  Please join us in praying for Pastor Andrew and his team, specifically asking God to further strengthen and equip them, while also encouraging the hearts of the individuals desiring to learn more about the Lord. May these seekers be shielded from all harm, and may their lives be transformed by the awesome power of the Holy Spirit. Also ask God to meet the needs of Pastor Andrew and his team so they can effectively continue with their vital outreach work. In addition, please pray for supernatural healing for Pastor Andrew's daughter, Liz, who is currently contending with very serious health issues.

• Young Christian Woman Murdered

  Yet another Christian was murdered in Mogadishu earlier this month. "Sufia" was killed by a group of armed men who burst into her home and dragged her outside, shooting at neighbours who tried to rescue her. The suspects then fled, and police are still searching for them. Sufia's parents, who were present at the time of the assault, were physically unharmed but are now mourning the devastating loss of their daughter.

• Christian Man Killed for 'Spreading Wrong Religion'

  Abdikhani Hassan, a Christian Somali man, was shot and killed on October 20th by two young men. The assailants shot Abdikhani seven times as he was walking home after closing his pharmacy. Before his death, one of the gunmen told Abdikhani's neighbour, "We have information that (he) is spreading wrong religion to our people, and we are looking for him."

• Islamic Militants Abduct Christian Mother of Two

  Islamic militants suspected to be from Al Shabaab have kidnapped a Christian mother and threatened to attack her husband because of their faith. Three masked men abducted Shamsa Enow Hussein, 28, outside her home in Bulo Marer, Lower Shebelle Region, on August 5th. Her husband, 31-year-old Mohamed Isse Osman, received a text from her that night urging him to evacuate. "Please leave immediately because of what we believe," she said in the text. "They have abused me sexually, saying I am an infidel."