June 2023 Ministry Highlights
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:7-8
Pentecost! God is at work through the Holy Spirit, enlightening sinners to come to faith in Jesus Christ through the Gospel. So many people have told me that it is very difficult to bring Somali Muslims to the Christian faith, and thereby to Church. That is so true. It is not just very difficult; it is impossible for us to bring people to faith. But thank God for Pentecost! We only proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit can do the impossible; granting faith for sinners to believe in the Savior. The Holy Spirit is at work indeed, bringing Somali Muslims to faith in Jesus Christ, right here in Central Ohio.
Yahya Comes to Faith in Jesus at Pentecost
On Friday, May 26, we were supposed to have our Somali Christians’ regular fellowship at the Church on the east side of Columbus. However, we got an “emergency” telephone call from the North side of Columbus that the Somali Christians should come to the north side. The reason for the “emergency” call to the north side? A new Somali Muslim is going to join our fellowship if we go meet him there. The Holy Spirit was at work. Yahya (in Arabic means John the Baptist) joined Somali Christians that Friday late morning. Yahya is a 25-year-old. He testified that he lost his parents at childhood and was brought to the US accompanied by other Somali adults. When asked why he is interested to join a Somali Christian group, Yahya responded that he wanted the love and fellowship this Somali Christian group shows to each other and to him. The Holy Spirit is at work through the love Christians demonstrate for others, cf. Acts 2:42-47; John 13:35.
Yahya very well knew the love we have is not natural, for there is an inter-ethnic or intra-ethnic divide between the Somalis. But the fellowship of Somali Christians is comprised of Somalis from many tribes. Where did this love come from? How are they able to come together in a unity like this? Our answer was: Jesus loved and died for us all on the cross. The Bible tells us we were enemies of God, but through Jesus’ shed blood, we are forgiven and reconciled to God and with each other, Rom. 5:8-10. I asked Yahya if he admits his sinfulness and if he wants to follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit is, indeed, at work. Yahya was willing to be prayed for in Jesus’ name. We prayed for Yahya as he confessed his sins, and we thanked God that Jesus died to forgive his sins. Then we all celebrated with our new brother dining at Wendy’s.
The Triune God is working among the Somali Muslims here in Columbus. Jesus Christ has secured our redemption from sin through His death on the cross, and He assured our eternal life by His resurrection from the dead. The Holy Spirit is bringing Somalis to salvation in Christ. Many are watching, and we are proclaiming, and the Spirit is working. To God be the glory!
We thank God for COLIM (Central Ohio Lutheran Immigrant Mission) which is actively working and enabling this outreach work to happen. Please prayerfully consider supporting the work of COLIM financially as we continue to reach more Somali Muslims with the Gospel of forgiveness that only comes through the death of Jesus on the cross.
Thank you so much, and the Lord’s blessings to you as you partner with us in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Somali Muslims who live right here around us.
Rev. Dr. Berhanu Arsse
Pastor – Ebenezer Church & Missionary (COLIM)
Thanksgiving Report and Prayer Requests
Please pray for Somali Christian brothers and sisters who suffer social pressure because of their faith.
Please pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen Yahya and other new believers as they study Scripture and the Lutheran confessions toward baptism.
Please pray for Musa’s vehicle repairs and ongoing gas needs as he helps transport Somali Christians.
Remember in prayer the friends and family of Barak, a Somali Christian brother who went home to be with the Lord this month.
Ask the Spirit to grant the laborers wisdom, courage, fortitude, and relentless love as we engage Somali Muslims with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:14-21).
Please pray that the Holy Spirit continues to open the hearts of Somali Muslims in Columbus to believe the Gospel.