May 2015
Dear praying friend,
In my travels, I sometimes have to spend the night in unsafe places – some even with barbwire on the windows. And yes, I confess that fear has gripped my heart. But the redemptive stories, and the exuberant joy of the women I met during the day, by far offset my concern with safety. Maybe you too are fearful to go to dangerous and hostile places. Believe me, I understand. Nonetheless, I am inviting you today to come with me to a place that is neither safe nor friendly – Somalia, one of the darkest places in the world.
Somalia is in great need of HOPE. Somalia needs Jesus in the midst of its great chaos. Thousands are dying of starvation, clans clash in unending hate, and brutal warlords paralyze the rule of law. Christians are severely persecuted, even killed. In the midst of it all, our prayers impregnated with faith and hope in God have the power to pierce Somalia’s thickest darkness. No religious, political, social, or spiritual darkness stands a chance of surviving in the presence of Jesus Christ – the Light of the World!
People say that Somalia’s chaos is “beyond repair.” Isn’t it so, though, that in God’s eyes every one of us would be beyond repair had Jesus Christ not come to seek and to save us? He is still seeking to save the suffering Somali women. Let’s stand in the gap with prayers for them, assured that “when we pray, God works!” His light will prevail in millions of precious Somali women’s hearts.
When I visited our courageous Somali team members, they told me of the great joys but also the death threats they sometimes receive in response to sharing Christ in the Women of Hope programs. “Aren’t you afraid?” I asked. “Not really,” they said. “We will die when God says so.” Looking at their childlike faith and their broad smiles, listening to their prayers and happy songs, Isaiah 9:2 came to mind: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” They are walking in God’s light and faith! And Jesus is shining through these dear sisters.
So, beloved, come! Let’s pray for them – for endurance, faith, and salvation to overspread the land of Somalia.
Believing with you.
Marli Spieker
Global Ministry Director/Founder
Project Hannah
TWR