Fall 2025 - Mission Highlights

Central Ohio Lutheran Immigrant Mission

Our Purpose: To financially and spiritually support the furthering of the message of the Gospel to diversified people in Central Ohio.

Fall 2025 - Mission Highlights

If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

      John 8:31-32

Somali Outreach

People look to different things in search of truth. Some adhere to religion and tradition, others explore philosophy and science, while others seek truth in personal experience and intuition. However, the Gospel tells us Jesus is the Truth who provides forgiveness of sin. By His shed blood on the cross, Jesus sets us free to be God’s children. Jesus made us His agents to proclaim freedom to others who are still under the bondage of sin, and to those who pursue an inefficacious religion that doesn’t guarantee forgiveness of sin and eternal life, Central Ohio Lutheran Immigrant Mission is sharing the true freedom and forgiveness with Somali Muslims that is found only through the work of Jesus Christ.

Mustafa is one of the Somali Muslim adherents who recently heard and learned about Jesus through a relationship built with a COLIM missionary. After four months of friendship, relationship and biblical dialogue, Mustafa testified, “I feel peace whenever you tell me about Jesus.” Moreso, Mustafa is coming to Church to learn more about Jesus. God is at work, through the ministry of COLIM, drawing people to His marvelous light. Currently, brother Mustafa is sharing His freedom in Christ with his close relatives. As a result, a Somali Muslim woman from Djibouti is considering coming to Church. God is at work. Thanks be to God!

Christian Love and Care Paves the Way

Ebenezer Church is blessed to host diverse immigrants in its Sunday worship and weekly ministries and fellowship. Somali Muslim converts, the Kunama Lutheran fellowship from Eritrea, and now we have one from Djibouti.

In this fallen world that is divided and occupied with strife, what a blessing it is that Christ brings different people to gather and worship the Triune God around the Word and Sacrament. Lord willing, Ebenezer’s upcoming catechism/confirmation class will include people/nations from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan. God’s word states, “All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.” Psalm 86:9.

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Berhanu Arsse

Pastor – Ebenezer E.E. Church – LCMS & Missionary with COLIM

Thanksgiving Report and Prayer Requests

Thank you to all friends and partners who are partnering with us through your prayers and financial support.

Please pray for the Lord’s continued guidance, wisdom and courage for us to share the Gospel among the immigrants: The Somali Muslims, Ethiopians, the Kunamas and all nations.

Please pray for the Lord’s strength for Somali convert Christians as they live out their faith amongst hostile community.

Please be a partner in sharing the Gospel message with COLIM through your prayers and financial support as we vigorously share the love of Jesus’ among the nations who are yet to hear the forgiveness and the hope of everlasting life He alone gives.

Please pray as we continue to share the love of God by giving away grocery cards, gas cards, clothes and offering transportation support to those in need.

Please note that we sincerely thank you for your support (prayer, financially, and in other miscellaneous ways, such as giving gas cards, and/or assisting with transportation). We thank God for you as we carry on Christ’s Great Commission among the Somali Muslims here in Central Ohio!