Some weeks ago, we completed the Somali translation of our evangelical catechism. Soon after, we received the audio edition of both the more lengthy version of the book (Simple Truths for the New Believer) and the abbreviated version (God’s Story, Our Story) in Somali. We engaged in the work to assist a group of our Converge partners in reaching Somalis, who are living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in Minnesota. 

As with many of these projects, the books and the audio have become of interest to others who are working among the Somalis as well. 

Abdi and his wife, Kawser, are Somali Christians. They minister to Somalis through their primary work, the Somali Believers Fellowship. Abdi describes the ministry this way:

We are Somali Christians whose vision is: Firstly, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with their fellow Somalis in obedience to our Lords’ command to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Secondly, we are committed to encourage and build up the Somali church. (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

For the past 18+ years, they have been living in Belgium. But they have recently moved back to East Africa (Ethiopia) “to share the gospel with our people there.” According to the Un Refugee Agency (UNHCR), since 1989, more than 800,000 Somalis have moved to Ethiopia. Approximately 160,000 continue to live in one of five refugee camps in the Malkadida region of Ethiopia.

In addition to their primary online presence at www.somalibelievers.com, Kawser founded an organization that focusses on reaching Somali women. Somali Christian Women (www.somalicwomen.org) is a group of Somali women “whose goal is to offer sisterly love to women in need of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and to share his gospel with Somali Muslim women.” 

After an introductory set of emails, Abdi wrote:

I have looked at your websites and materials and liked them. I welcome any materials in Somali. I am sure that the other materials you develop are very good.

Let me know any way I can help and if there is an opportunity to help each other to share the gospel with the Somalis – one of the least reached population in the world.

After this initial conversation, we have sent Abdi the complete Somali translation of both of our books and the Somali audio as well. Abdi will do some additional field-testing with his community there and provide feedback in the days ahead.

Please pray for all of those who are seeking to reach Somalis for Jesus. Pray specifically for Abdi and Kawser in Ethiopia. And pray that God will continue to allow the people who would be helped by our material to find it – or help us to find them.