On 21 September, police in the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland detained a Christian couple. They were described as “apostates and evangelists spreading Christianity.”
The couple, who are the parents of three children, appeared in court several times after their detainment. In the wake of pressure from European governmental representatives, the regional court ordered on 1 November that they be released and deported from the area. The couple is now living in a different region of Somalia.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, although it remains internationally recognised as part of Somalia. The constitution of the region specifies ‘freedom of belief’ but this area is being governed by strict Islamic law, barring the propagation of any religion other than Islam and prohibiting Muslims from converting to another religion.
Sources: Middle East Concern, Barnabas Fund
- Praise God that this couple have been released without charge and reunited with their children. Ask Him to supply the provisions they need after being forced to resettle in another area.
- Pray that this family will be truly safe and free to practise their faith without opposition.
- May their most recent trial serve to strengthen and deepen their commitment to God, giving them the boldness to share His love with their new neighbours.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Thank you Lord for the release of this young couple from prison and reuniting them with their children. I pray for peace for them as a family and joy in each other as they spend time together. Lord I ask that they would be reimbursed for their relocation expenses and treated well in their new place. I pray for your provision of work and you would supply all their needs amen.
Thank you again Gloria for a concise and clear prayer to which all can say Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for this young family. Please strengthen their bonds of love and heal the wounds caused by persecution. May they each one grow closer to You and know the comfort of your strong presence in their lives. May their new lives together bring both blessings and fruitfulness for your kingdom. Bless them as they have been bold for you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
I praise you, Lord, the Somali couple has been released and will rejoin their children. I ask for God’s people in the new area to help them adjust to the resettlement. Most of all, please keep them strong in their faith in Jesus. May the recent persecution cause their faith to mature (James 1:2-4).
Please, Lord, encourage them to continue to be promoters of your Gospel in Somalia.
Thank You Lord for moving the hearts of certain European governmental repentance’s to pressure the release of the unnamed couple. Sovereign Lord, we ask for the softening of hearts of those who have tried to bend and twist their government laws for their own means. Lord God I also ask that Your boldness will accompany the couple who had been falsely accused and arrested. That their testimony be used to encourage others to speak out in Your boldness with signs and wonders as in Acts 4::29-30.
Thank You Father for the release of this couple. Thank You that they have their children with them. I ask Father that You supply them with all they need as they settle in a new area. Keep this family safe and help then to find fellow believers to fellowship and worship with. May all they have been through prove to be a source of growth and help them to see what You have done for them through this experience. May they be bold to live the love life with new neighbours.
Praise the Lord for answered prayer and His Holy Spirit at work!
Psalm 138
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down towards your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.[b]
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.