To be Somali is to be Muslim. This is the fundamental principle of Somali culture. Since the 1991 civil war that toppled the dictatorship of Mohamed Siad Barre, unrest has prevailed and as a consequence Somalia has had 14 governments in 14 years. Today instability abounds in what is Africa’s most failed state.

While Sunni Islam is the official religion of the land, it is not the only religion. There are Christians in this nation and also among the Somali diaspora throughout east Africa and the world.

The Islamist agenda of radical group al-Shabab, particularly in the south/central area of the country, has led to untold suffering and the martyrdom of many Christians. Many other believers have been forced to flee their homes along with their Muslim neighbours, to the relative safety of refugee camps in neighbouring nations.

Pray:

• That the Underground Church across this land might be encouraged and emboldened and that their network might grow and be strengthened.
• Pray for those who have lost loved ones through persecution.
• Pray for Somali Christian women who have endured degradation and humiliation because of their faith in Jesus.
• Pray for Christians now forced to live as refugees.
• Pray that the Church in the West would take more of an interest in the plight of the Somali Church.