October 2023 Outreach Ministry Highlights

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

Somali Outreach Highlights

Thousands of Somali Muslims in central Ohio still need to hear the love of God in Jesus Christ. The Lord is at work through COLIM; as we proclaim the Gospel, several Somalis have confessed faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. Islam’s anti-Trinitarian and anti-atonement teachings make it challenging to share Jesus as the crucified and risen Redeemer, and the Somali community often ostracizes anyone who follows Him. Yet Jesus keeps His promise to be with us. As we share prayerfully, the Holy Spirit convicts hearts, leads Somalis to admit their sin, and to trust His finished work on the cross.

Somali Christian Fellowship Impact

New converts are strengthened through regular fellowship. By God’s grace they are being catechized for baptism into the Triune God. Every Friday they gather for Word, worship, catechism class, and fellowship. Throughout the week we visit, pray, encourage, and show compassion. Many Somalis assume there are no Somali Christians and fear isolation if they convert, but one recent attendee exclaimed, “Now I see I am not alone. Jesus is with me, and there are other Somali Christians with me too.” Thanks be to God!

Fellowship as Outreach

The Lord uses Somali believers as light to those still in darkness. A Somali Muslim woman attended our fellowship for a time and later stopped. When we called to follow up she said, “I will come back because the Somali brothers and sisters who come to church have shining faces.” Indeed, their faces shine with the joy only God gives (Psalm 16:11). Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

For the sake of Christ’s mission,

Rev. Dr. Berhanu Arsse
Pastor – Ebenezer Church & Missionary (COLIM)

Ministry Snapshot and Encouragement

A cross-cultural youth Bible study from three LCMS congregations—Hope (Sunbury), St. Paul (Chuckery), and Ebenezer (Whitehall)—recently gathered for study, a bonfire, and a hayride. Below is a reflection from a COLIM board member:

“I serve as secretary of the COLIM board and have been privileged to share ministry updates with congregations, councils, and Bible studies. I love telling how God is working in Somali and immigrant families touched by this ministry. Since early 2022 roughly ten Somalis have confessed Christ (over twenty overall), many of whom have been baptized. Currently 12-14 Somalis attend the regular study and fellowship at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Please consider participating in this ministry however you can—you will be blessed to see God’s kingdom expand in central Ohio.”

Thanksgiving Report and Prayer Requests

Praise God that more Somalis are coming to faith in Christ.

Please pray that our fellowship around Word and Sacrament continues to enrich and equip converts for ministry.

Pray that COLIM’s ministry remains a shining light to those still in darkness.

We thank you for your prayers and support as we carry on Christ’s Great Commission among Somali Muslims in central Ohio.

Current financial needs average about $9,000 per month. God has provided time and again, yet we are short this month. If you feel led to help, please use the Give Now button on our website.