PERSECUTION International Christian Concern | February 2013
IN THIS ISSUE:
Issue 3/4
STRENGTHENING THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH IN SOMALIA page 1
YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK page 3
Read how your gifts have provided for a suffering wife and mother living in poverty.
Your Bridge to the Persecuted Church
AFRICA
STRENGTHENING THE
UNDERGROUND
CHURCH IN SOMALIA The Christian community of Somalia is one of the most persecuted and secretive populations in the world. Because of intense levels of persecution, it is estimated that the numbers of Christians in Somalia may be as little as 550 individuals. Most are forced to worship at clandestine Bible studies conducted at the homes of other believers. Living in a failed state and in a society that is openly hostile towards Christians, underground churches are in desperate need of educated leaders, Bibles in the Somali language and other basic Christian resources. CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN SOMALIA In 1991, Somalia’s government collapsed. The power vacuum that followed created the failed state that exists today. This vacuum was especially troublesome for Christians because it allowed Islamic extremist groups to gain control
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over much of Somalia. In 2006, al-Shabaab, the Islamic terrorist group, took control of most of Southern Somalia, including the capital of Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab imposes a strict version of Islamic law (Sharia) over the people it rules, including Christians. According to al-Shabaab, all people who are ethnically Somali are by default Muslim. Anyone who is not Muslim is therefore persecuted and punished. Because of this persecution, underground churches in Somalia had to retreat even further underground or flee Somalia altogether. “Being Muslim is part of the Somali culture,” an ICC contact said.
“When you are no longer Muslim, you become an infidel and, according to [al-Shabaab’s] teachings, you are to be killed. To become Christian is very difficult because you have to separate yourself from everything—your family, your friends and your culture—or risk being killed.” NEED FOR TRAINED LEADERSHIP This intense persecution has left the Somali underground church needy. Among the most important needs of the underground church is that of trained leadership. Many fellowships are led only by lay pastors. This lack of trained leadership is a legacy of al-Shabaab’s campaign to wipe out everything it considers “un-Islamic.” Scores of leaders have been killed in the last decade.
TNG) and informally (by al-Shabaab), Christian leaders in Somalia have very little resources for training. MISSIONS TO SOMALI CHRISTIANS There is something being done to assist to growth of the underground Church in Somalia. ICC supports two ministries that are focused on bringing the Gospel to Christians in Somalia and on training Christian leaders. ICC is working within Somalia itself. However, since this is a public newsletter, it is too risky to share what we do.
ICC also supports Christian radio/internet broadcasts in the Somali language. These broadcasts not only reach Christians living in Somalia, but also the millions of Somalis that have Missionary work within Somalia is also very difficult. Not fled the country due to civil war and famine. A recent convert from Mogadishu said, “[Through only does al-Shabaab oppose any this ministry] I am able to read sort of Christian evangelism, the “TO BECOME CHRISTIAN IS VERY the Bible. Someday I would like Transitional National Government DIFFICULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE to be well-known for spreading (TNG), backed by the United TO SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM Christianity [in Somalia].” Nations, is opposed to Christian EVERYTHING; YOUR FAMILY, YOUR evangelism as well. This is eviFRIENDS AND YOUR CULTURE. ” Although small and secretive, the denced by Article 29 of the proposed underground Church in Somalia constitution. It reads: should be counted among the most -ICC CONTACT resilient Christian populations. “Every person shall have the right Praying for Somali Christians is to freedom of conscience and freely to profess his own religion and to worship it subject to any a good place to start helping for anyone looking to get inlimitations which may be prescribed by law for the purpose volved. The next step is supporting ministries that reach out of safeguarding morals, public health or order. However, it to this highly persecuted group willing to risk their lives to shall not be permissible to spread or propagandize any reli- follow Jesus Christ. gion other than the religion of Islam.” With Christian evangelism illegal both formally (by the
Because persecution in Somalia is so severe, it is estimated that as little as 550 Christians are currently part of the underground Church in Somalia.
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YDAW
YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK Ameena, pictured with her children, received financial aid from ICC for basic needs, as well as money to visit Younis in prison, the first time they will be reunited in over a year.
AMEENA BIBI IN PAKISTAN Suffering Wives and Children Younis Masih, a Pakistani Christian, was arrested in September 2005 on charges of blasphemy. In May 2006, Younis was sentenced to death in accordance to one of Pakistan’s most strict Penal Codes—often used against Christians— for allegedly “insulting” the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Though Younis has appealed the decision (and there is hope of his eventual release) he continues to languish in prison while suffering severe abuse by fellow inmates. Ameena, Younis’ wife, has lived in extreme poverty ever since her husband’s arrest, trusting the Lord every day that He will provide for her and her four children. During a recent visit to Ameena’s home, ICC saw the extent of her suffering. Ameena and her children are living in a one-room, brick home that they rent for roughly $15 per month. There is no heating or electricity, their cooking is done on a clay
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fire pit outside, and their only toilet is an outdoor latrine that they share with several other families. During the visit, we noticed the daughter mashing green vegetables to put into a soup—the only food the family can afford. During the visit, ICC purchased clothes and Christmas gifts for Ameena and her children and provided enough money so they could visit Younis in prison for the first time in over a year. Moreover, we are enrolling the children in a Christian school, moving the family to a better home, and helping Ameena open a small shop where she can earn money by selling food and other household goods. The small business and Christian education of Ameena’s children will give the family a new start. At the time of this issue going to print, Younis suffered a severe heart attack in prison. He is recovering in the hospital.
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