Challenges for Prayer

1 Somalia is the most lawless country in the world

2 Islam has failed the people

3 National recovery is the need, but the population is traumatized by suffering, death, famine and the savagery of the fighting

a) Wise administration of aid

b) Refugees and ministry to them in Kenya (500,000)

4 The work of missions has been limited, dangerous and hedged with restrictions, and in 1974 was forced to cease

5 The Somali Church has been driven underground. A number of believers have been martyred, others have been publicly named as targets for execution

6 Strong prejudices against Christianity need to be broken down

a) Muslim association of Christianity with oppression

b) Perceived incompatibility of Christianity with nomadism

7 About 3.5 million Somalis live in surrounding lands

8 Christian specialist ministries:

a) The Somali Bible was published in 1977. Distribution is only possible in refugee camps and among Somalis outside Somalia

b) Bible translation is definitely needed for the Maay Somali

c) Christian radio has been a major means of lessening anti-gospel prejudice and aiding the conversion of Somalis

d) Follow-up Bible correspondence courses are run by CNC

Geography

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Area 637,000 sq.km. The arid Horn of Africa east of Ethiopia and Kenya.

Population (2000) 10,097,177 +4.25%AGR

Capital Mogadishu 900,000; Somaliland: Hargeisa 350,000; Puntland: Garoowe.

Peoples

Somali 97.4%; Northern Somali 77%; Southern Somali 20.4%; Bantu 1.6%; Other 1%.

Literacy 24%, but in decline. Official languages Somali, Arabic (few speak it). All languages 14. Languages with Scriptures 6Bi.

Economy

Subsistence pastoral economy – largely camel or cattle herding; some agriculture in south and north-west.

Politics

United as a single country in 1960 soon after the British (in north) and Italians (in south) granted independence to their respective fiefs.

Religion

Islam is the official religion.

Churches in Somalia

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