SomHe said the era of hiding is over. Here is what happened next

"The launch of the World Watch List enhanced my ministry's visibility. As a result, more people are praying for me and the persecuted church." -Aweis, Somali believer 

Dear Roxann, 

Earlier this year, we introduced you to Aweis, a Somali believer who has paid an extraordinary price to follow Jesus. His father threatened to kill him. He spent seven years following Christ completely alone. He watched as his closest friends were martyred, one by one, until almost no one remained. 

And yet Aweis refused to hide. 

"The era of hiding is over," he told us. "We refuse to be intimidated. We refuse for our existence to be denied." 

Today, I want to share an encouraging update from our field team on what has happened since we first told his story. 

Somalia ranked No. 2 on Open Doors' 2026 World Watch List, making Somali Christians among the most persecuted believers anywhere on earth. For Aweis, participating in the World Watch List launch was not about recognition. It was about prayer. 

He asks for two things from the global church: pray for his safety as he travels, and pray for the Somali believers he serves, who need discipleship and spiritual formation to take root and grow. 

What began with one man following Jesus alone in Mogadishu is now a ministry that stretches across a region. God is building His church, even where it costs everything to be part of it. 

Please pray with us:

Thank you for standing with persecuted believers. Your prayers and faithfulness make this ministry possible. 

In Christ,

Ryan Brown

CEO, Open Doors US