Lent - Easter 2026 - Mission Highlights

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

      1 Cor. 15:20-22

Christ’s death on the cross establishes the forgiveness of our sins, and His resurrection from the dead ensures our hope of eternal life through faith in Him. Just as the sin from Adam brought us death, Christ’s resurrection guarantees our victory over death. Our mortality has a remedy: Christ is risen. So shall we. We have a concrete hope in Christ. In celebration of the resurrection, we rejoice in the eternal life and the forgiveness of our sins Christ accomplished for us. This hope we share with those who still need it. Such hope drives Central Ohio Lutheran Immigrant Mission to proclaim the Gospel among Somali Muslims, Ethiopians, Eritreans, Kunama, and other immigrants who do not know Jesus as their Savior.

Gospel Outreach to Muslims

Christ’s Gospel continues to expand among the Somali Muslims here in Columbus. During Ramadan (Muslims’ month of fasting), we engaged two Somali Muslim families with the Gospel of Jesus. Meanwhile, I asked the family heads, Ahmed and Nuradin, why they were fasting from sunrise to sunset for the entire month. They described that the Ramadan fast merits us purity, forgiveness, and spiritual reward. As a follow-up, I asked how certain they were that fasting guarantees forgiveness and life after death. They responded that they do not know; only Allah knows. Then I countered what they had said, saying anything good we could do is not good enough for God. We are sinners, only deserving judgment and death. So we need God’s help. God sent Issa, Jesus, to die on the cross by taking the punishment for our sins. Only through faith in Christ, we receive forgiveness for our sins and a sure promise of heaven.

Yes, God works through our witness. Surprisingly, Ahmed and Nuradin suspended their Ramadan fast and they offered to eat lunch with me. The Gospel message that only Christ’s death on the cross, not our efforts, could save us started to make sense to Ahmed and Nuradin. These friends are open to coming to our Church. Thanks be to God!!!

God Answers Prayers in His Perfect Timing

A Somali Christian woman, Fauzia Hassan, was the first Muslim convert to be baptized here in Central Ohio almost 16 years ago. Fauzia’s Somali relatives and community were not happy with Fauzia’s conversion to the Christian faith. Subsequently they schemed to attack her in any way possible: attacking her physically and taking away her three-year-old daughter. Regardless, Fauzia persisted, confirmed her faith in Christ, and got baptized. This year, at the age of 19, Fauzia’s daughter, Huda, reunited with her mother. We thank God for His faithfulness!

Kunama Lutherans

Kunama Lutherans gather for worship on Sunday’s at 2:00 p.m. However, on the first Sunday of the month, they join Ebenezer congregation for a joint worship service and Holy Communion. In the meantime, we have four Kunama youth in our confirmation class.

Ebenezer Congregation

Ebenezer Congregation is striving to be a hub for God’s mission reaching out to immigrants of different backgrounds. So far, English, Amharic, Somali and Kunama languages are actively used in our worship and outreach.

Christ is Risen. He is Risen, indeed. Alleluia!

In the mission of our Risen Lord and Savior,

Rev. Dr. Berhanu Arsse

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

Thanksgiving Report and Prayer Requests

Thank you for helping COLIM reach Somali Muslims and others with the Gospel of hope here in central Ohio. Your support makes an eternal impact in people’s lives.

Please pray for Ahmed and Nuredin’s family to be strengthen in faith in Jesus.

Please pray for Muslim converts who face pressure because of their faith in Christ, as these brothers and sisters need our prayers, encouragement, care, and love in action.

Please pray for the Lord to provide “tent-making” vocations for Somali Christians, to enable them to support themselves.

This Spring, we are so excited to continue reaching more Muslims for Christ. We have twice weekly prayer walks in the Muslim neighborhoods, daily prayer for outreach work, twice a week fellowship, worship with converts, confirmation class, and multiple visits where we can show the love of God among these people who need to know Jesus. Such work is complex and laborious for us. Therefore, we covet your prayers, and your financial assistance for the COLIM ministry.