Christians risk violent attacks by extremist groups and family members.
bottom“We were all dead, but Jesus came to save us and give us new life.”
– Momina*, a Somali believer
For more than 25 years, Somalia has been a safe haven for Islamic militants and extremist groups like al-Shabaab. These groups operate with little pushback and control large parts of the country. They view Christians who have converted from Islam as high-value targets.
Christian converts are intensely pressured by their families. Their new faith is seen as a betrayal of family and community. Suspicion of conversion can lead to harassment, intimidation, and even murder.
While no part of Somalia is safe, the areas under the control of al-Shabaab are the most dangerous for Christians. But all Christians who have converted from Islam are in grave danger in Somalia—from their family, their community, and society at large.
Young female Christian converts are some of the most vulnerable. It’s common for a Somali woman suspected of Christianity to be sexually assaulted in public, kept under house arrest, abducted, forcibly married to an extremist, or even killed.
– Continue to pray for peace in Somalia and success in establishing democracy.
– Pray that God would continue to build up His people despite there being no room for Christians.
– Pray for God’s wisdom and discernment over Christians as they seek to share their faith.
