God’s Word – The Bread Of Life

God’s Word – The Bread Of Life   Somewhere inside Somalia, secret believers arrive at the agreed meeting place. Carefully, reverently, the leader opens a folded piece of paper and begins to read from it. This is the only copy of the written Word they have. In Somalia, wracked by famine, crime and hopelessness, these believers cling to His Word.  But there is hope! In 2012, Somalia held its first democratic elections after almost two decades of descent into unbridled violence, corruption and chaos. In addition, the international community has joined in supporting the rebuilding of the country. As Somalia looks toward the future, they see an increase in Somali nationals returning home from exile. Among them are a generation born, bred and schooled in western countries. Many have thrived living abroad, and are bringing back entrepreneurship and a higher level of education. “They have seen the benefits of living in freer societies that follow the rule of law, and they have enjoyed freedom of religion, freedom of associations, freedom to live their lives as they see fit without interference. We pray that living in the free world opened their minds and transformed their worldviews and that they have become religiously tolerant,” commented an Open Doors’ East African leader. For now though, Christians are cautious about celebrating. A new constitution, though not yet completed or ratified, names Islam as the national religion. Religious freedom is granted, but with some limitations, including the prohibition of evangelizing any religion other than Islam. The doctrine of Islam is named as the main source of the laws of the nation. Threats linger for believers living in the tightly knit communities bound by strong family and clan ties; taking seriously the Hadith instruction, “The Messenger of Allah said, ‘Whoever changes his (Islamic) religion, kill him.’” Because of this danger, and until things change, many Christians have chosen to keep their faith secret.  One With Them Stand One With Them, these struggling and suffering believers, praying that soon their nation will be tolerant of all faiths and that there will be a revival of Jesus, the Bread of Life, in Somalia.  2013.07.13

“Jesus said to them …‘it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.’” (John 6:32)