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Somalia (MNN) — While the Gospel faces severe restrictions in Somalia, Somali Christian TV is bringing hope to Somalis at home and abroad.

For Somalis, following Jesus often comes with persecution from family members or neighbors, both in their homeland and abroad, as communities seek to preserve their Muslim traditions. The founders of Somali Christian TV, Shino and Shania, know this reality all too well.

They recently shared the story behind the ministry on a podcast with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada. For Shino, it started with the word from God.

Unsplash

Group of men, Somalia (photo courtesy of
Abdullahi Mohamud via Unsplash)

“I had like this small voice, the Lord saying, ‘I’m building my church among the Somalis, and no one can stop,’” they say.

With the help of other believers, the couple released their first video. It drew significant attention, followed by a fatwa calling for the converted couple to be killed. Despite the threats, their outreach continued, and Somali Christian TV was launched.

“We’ve been making videos talking about Christ and our salvation, our testimonies,” they add.

Today, the ministry is actively reaching Somalis with the Gospel. Every day, people call to learn more, and more are added to God’s Kingdom.

Hearing the Gospel through TV also provides greater privacy for seekers at home and abroad. Converts can face persecution from Muslim family members and neighbors.

“The community, the Somalis, are controlling each other, policing each other,” they explain.

Somali Christian TV, on the other hand, introduces Somalis to a God who loves and accepts them: “When they hear the loving God, salvation, when they hear the good news, they love it.”

This is a time of opportunity, they add: “The Somalis are more open than ever before.”

Pray that more Somalis will hear and respond to the Gospel. Pray also for the protection of evangelists reaching the Somali people.

Visit The Voice of The Martyrs Canada to learn more about Gospel projects bringing hope to people in different parts of the world.

 

Header photo: Somali crowd (photo courtesy of Abdulhafid Hassan via Pexels).