Church in Somalia grows despite turmoil
ICC Note
Many Muslims are coming to Christ in Somalia despite the persecution that they face for becoming Christians.
07/27/2009 Somalia (MNN)-The country of Somalia is in a dire state. The terrorist group Al Shabaab, linked with al Qaeda, wants to overthrow the government there and become the most extreme version of Islam.
"Politically, it's still just an absolute vacuum. Anything that goes into Somalia , whether it's human aid or relief supplies or some attempt to provoke stability, just seems to get sucked up in chaos. And in today's reality, Christians are bearing the brunt of that," said Carl Moeller, president and CEO of Open Doors USA.
On July 10, members of al Shabaab beheaded seven Christian men in the town of Baidoa , Somalia . Just ten days later, they also hunted down another Christian and killed him by firing squad.
Unfortunately, it seems al Shabaab and the other extreme groups in the area are the ones making progress. Yet, "At the same time, the church is expanding, and the church, because of the reality of Jesus Christ, is providing a measure of hope for some who are turning from Islam to Christ," Moeller said. He called these two forces in opposition a lethal combination.
Because of this extreme tension, Moeller said it is vital for organizations in the U.S. , such as Open Doors, to recognize this strategic area of Africa and the danger of it becoming controlled by extremists. Then, organizations must take action.
"If you follow Jesus, you will be persecuted," he said. And that is just how the Christians in Somalia are responding.
"Most Christians in extreme persecution are not asking to be permanently removed from persecution, to become refugees in some other country; but they are actually asking for the strength and the capacity to stand strong in the midst of that persecution," Moeller said.
Thus, the role of Christians in the U.S. and other free countries around the world should be to support these Christians.
"When the church is growing and the Holy Spirit is moving, the enemy is moving against it," he said. "When persecution comes, it is a sign to us that the church is growing, the church is strengthening, and it is becoming a target of the enemy."
To partner with Open Doors as they provide resources and encouragement to Christians in Somalia , visit opendoorsusa.org
