A Fool for Jesus

A Fool for Jesus Abdi Mohammed (alias), was a devout Somali Muslim and graduate of a local Quranic school. The more he studied the Qur’an from beginning to end, the more his conviction grew that something central was missing from Islam. His quest for truth, and that missing element, led him to his uncle, a teacher at a Catholic school. Abdi’s thirst for truth grew throughout the long hours of conversation with his uncle. He was given Bible verses to study privately, and after several months he moved in with his uncle. Abdi begged him to share his knowledge. Curiosity quickly turned to belief, and Abdi gave his life to the Lord. A year later, his uncle passed away. Going through his uncles’ belongings, the family discovered Christian books in his personal library. They burned all of the books so they would not bring shame on the family. “I then embarked on a long journey to find other Christians,” Abdi said. Finding other believers proved to be difficult until God brought an unexpected man across his path. Pretending to have a mental illness, this man would loudly preach Christian principles in the open streets. Dismissed as mentally ill, he was left alone by the authorities.  One day, Abdi followed him home. Just before the man disappeared into a small building, Abdi quietly said, “I am of your family.” The man ignored him at first, wanting to test if Abdi really was setting a trap for him. After several failed attempts at conversation, Abdi finally succeeded; the man was convinced that he was trustworthy. He told Abdi that he was not suffering from mental illness, but that he faked the condition to get in touch with other Christians. A deep friendship formed between the two men. Together, they built a network of underground fellowships for the scattered secret believers. Sadly, in 2000, Abdi’s beloved friend was murdered, believed to be at the hands of the Islamic rebel group now known as al Shabaab. One With Them Believers in Somalia often live in isolation and fear. Be One With Them as you give thanks for the opportunity that you have to freely gather with other believers to pray and study the Word of God. Pause today and pray for our brother and sisters in Somalia.   4/11/2013

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18