Somalia - home of the queen of Sheba
Somalia
I and Somalia against the world.
I and my clan against Somalia.
I and my family against the clan.
I and my brother against the family.
I against my brother.
Somali Proverb
Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa and wrapped around Ethiopia like a bandage, was formerly British Somaliland in the north and Italian Somaliland in the south. They became an independent nation in 1960, forming the country of Somalia. Even only if by name, the north still remains a self-declared state which is unrecognised by the international community.
Somalia was Punt
1000 years ago Somalia was a great nation known as Punt. It was the home of the Queen of Sheba, and traded spices with many countries, even as far as China. It is now one of the poorest countries in the world, with few natural resources. Somalia has been brought to its knees by dictators, civil wars, clan warfare and self- acclaimed leaders wanting to take power.
There has been no central government since 1991, however in August 2000 a new Somali president was elected. Northern Somaliland challenged the president's claim to represent the entire country. Until recently, clans were the governing body in Somalia. Most of the factions are simply extended families engaged in blood feuds. Where clans did not rule, bandits did. Slowly the power is shifting from the warlords to business leaders, who support and bankroll the new government. Most Somalis despise the warlords. Loyalty lies wherever the best deal comes from, regardless of their clan.
Khat or qat
Although technically not dangerous by itself, most Somalis, including children, are involved in chewing qat (or khat), an amphetamine-like stimulant. When chewed, it provides a mild "high" and numbs their feelings. Those who don't fight battles or raise camels grow qat. It is big business and can also be used as a form of currency. 50% of Somalis are nomads and the camel is the principal form of transport.
Background information on khat (qat) is on our site here ...>>
Radicals in Somalia
They believe that their first ancestor was a member of the Koreish tribe, to which the prophet Muhammed belonged. Local tradition and past law make changing your faith a crime for any religion except to Islam. The number of adherents of radical Islam is growing.
Aware that their meeting together could cost them their lives, there are a few small groups of local believers in both the south of Somalia and in the north (Somaliland) who get together to pray and read the Scriptures. They share a real hunger for God.
Prayer Guide for Somalia
* That the Somali people would come to recognise their need of Jesus in their lives.
* Isaiah 42:12 Let them give glory to the Lord and declare His praise in the coastlands. Pray that God would reveal His glory to them so that they can share it with other Muslims.
* Pray for the thousands who have been affected by the wars, that God would meet them and heal their hearts of all their brokenness (Isaiah 61:1).
* Pray that God will move supernaturally (some years ago, many people saw Jesus in a sand storm).
Background information on Somalia can be found here.
God has called me into ministry with Somalis. I believe a great harvest is to come over the next 50 years among Somalis worldwide. May God continue to raise up workers and build His church. I have had a burden on my heart to see at least 500,000 Somali Christians in the world before I die. Whether that vision is prophetic or not, only time will tell.
Amen to that! I have prayed specifically for the people of Somalia for almost 7 years! I am keen to connect with like-hearted people. Come Lord Jesus in Somalia!
This is your dream, but the reality is far from words. The whole world might gather together to dismantle Somali Nation or it's people but you will not succeed. You might name your name and take Somali name, you might learn Somali language, you will never successful in this cause because I know Somali people.
It is very entertaining to see that the christian churches have become almost empty and out of desperation some christian evangelists are trying their best to almost beg muslims, create false information (e.g. such number of Somali christians in hiding) or entertaining themselves with prayers that they do not believe even themselves. I do not however, think that a credible christian person would do that. Dear friends, i would advice you not to waste your time any more. We Somalis have strong identity and culture which is very strongly inter-twinned with Islam. There have always been one or two Somali christians which were seen as misguided, unfortunate and unworthy.
For your information before the war there were hundreds of christian missionaries working in Somalia publicly or hiding through the names of human care. What have they achieved you might ask your self? well, nothing at all from what we see. Now that many Somalis fled their country, it became even more important to adhere to their tue values and believe of Islam.
As muslims, we also believe in all prophets including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Issa and the last prophet for the whole of humanity prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him).
Please question your faith which has been riddled with child abuse scandals, profit making of priests and lack of meaningful guidance in this life and the one after (hence why most intellectual westerners left churces).
I would now like to pray to ALLAH for all those of you who have been turned to the wrong path, to study, question, reflect and analyze the true meaning of Islam. Ameen inshallah.
Pray for the Somali:
* for the few known Somali Christians worldwide, especially in Somalia
* for more Christian workers and prayer warriors for the Somali
* for the breaking of the power of radical Muslims in Somalia
* for many Somali to meet Jesus in dreams and visions
* for the Bible to be made avliable in Somali
* for the use of Christian radio, literaturue, etc. in Somali
* for whole Somali families to come to Christ
* for strong and triumphant Somali Church for the glory of His Name!