Lent/Easter 2024 - Ministry Highlights

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

      1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

Ramadan and Easter Mission Outreach Highlights

Thousands of Somali Muslims began observing Ramadan on Monday, March 11, 2024. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting for Muslims worldwide. This season is a time of heightened spiritual sensitivity; some even have dreams of Jesus that draw them toward the one true, living God. COLIM sees this as a unique door of opportunity to share the Good News with Somali Muslims in our neighborhood. Nearly every day we walk in prayer, visit apartments, offer rides, share meals, provide clothes and other practical help, and pray as needs arise. We seize this openness as a chance to deepen connections, understand our neighbors better, build trust, and shine the light of Jesus in some of the darkest places in Columbus.

We are now in the Easter season, and thousands of Somali Muslims still need Jesus-the only Savior who died on the cross to rescue them from sin and who was raised from the dead to secure everlasting life. May the Lord grant you a blessed Easter season, and may your celebration be filled with hope and victory!

For the sake of Christ’s mission,

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

An Important Update to Share with Our Supporters

Supporters often ask for ministry updates that include both spiritual fruit and financial realities. We are deeply grateful for your prayers and encouragement, yet we also need you to know that financially we have been struggling. Over the past three months we have been operating at roughly half of what is needed for Pastor Berhanu to serve as both pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church and missionary to Somali communities in Columbus. This city hosts the second-largest Somali population in the United States-a mission field at our doorstep. Please continue praying about how you might support this ministry as we see the lost seeking to know and receive the gift given through Christ. We are praying for additional regular monthly givers so that contributions remain steady throughout the year.

Thanksgiving Report and Prayer Requests

Please pray for us as we fervently seek to evangelize Somalis during Ramadan, asking the Holy Spirit to open ears to the Gospel so that many repent and encounter Jesus, the crucified Savior and risen Lord.

Please pray for those who infiltrate our Somali Christian fellowship attempting to expose believers to danger. Ask the Lord to restrain and transform them, just as He did in Acts 9:1-18.

Please pray for Somali confirmands who are ostracized or even harmed because of their faith. Ask God to keep them steadfast, convinced that Jesus alone is Savior and Lord.

Please consider supporting COLIM financially as we proclaim Jesus to some of the least-reached people in Columbus.

Please remember that we sincerely thank you for every form of support-prayer, finances, gas cards, transportation help, and more. We praise God for you as we continue Christ’s Great Commission among Somali Muslims in central Ohio.