Pentecost 2026 - Mission Highlights
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in empowering believers to share the Gospel effectively. The Holy Spirit enabled the previously fearful disciples to boldly preach the risen Christ to the people in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. This same Spirit equips the church with the strength and courage needed to proclaim the love of God in Jesus Christ to all people today. God’s amazing love as demonstrated on the cross and through the resurrection of Jesus Christ is proven to be efficacious to save all people who repent and believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Central Ohio Lutheran Immigrant Mission is assisting in the proclamation of Good News to Somali Muslims, immigrants from Ethiopia and the to the Kunama people from northeast Africa.
Gospel Outreach, Catechesis and the Joy in Baptism of a Somali Muslim Convert
The Holy Spirt is opening the hearts of Somali Muslims to hear the Gospel and trust in Jesus as the Lord and Savior. Mustafa was one of the Somali Muslims who heard about Jesus: the Son of God, Crucified Savior. At the time of hearing the Gospel, Mustafa was very indoctrinated with a different “Jesus.” The Jesus Mustafa had heard about was a mere prophet. At the first encounter with Pastor Berhanu, Mustafa was hesitant to accept Jesus as the crucified Savior to save us from our sins. With the help of the Holy Spirit, after several months of friendship and subsequent encounters, Mustafa confessed his sin and trusted in Jesus. In Mustafa’s words, “I feel peace whenever you tell me about Jesus who took away my sins.” After a year of catechesis, Mustafa is now baptized in the name of the Triune God. It is such a joyful event to witness the baptism of our brother Mustafa being united with Jesus in His death and resurrection!
Kunama Lutherans
Kunama Lutherans continue to gather for worship on Sundays. Ebenezer Church is blessed to keep the unity in Christ through a shared ministry with Kunama Lutheran brothers and sisters through a joint communion service, confirmation class, and children’s ministry. Meanwhile, Kunama Lutherans are asking for more service times. They are eager to pray and fellowship at Ebenezer congregation for more times than just on Sundays. This is a little taste of the Holy Spirit of Pentecost at work among us, bringing unity to different nations and ethnicities who confess Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!
Ebenezer Congregation
The Lord is blessing Ebenezer congregation with increasing opportunities for mission outreach to immigrants of different backgrounds. God has positioned us in a strategic place to share the love of Jesus with all people: Ethiopians, Somalis, Kunamas, and Americans of all backgrounds. We have a monthly congregational outreach where we go in the neighborhood and business places sharing the love of Jesus. Also, a bi-weekly prayer-walk, building relationships to engage the Somali Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus.
This summer, July 13-17 at 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Ebenezer is planning a Vacation Bible School to nurture our growing number of children with the Word of God. Furthermore, Ebenezer is going to use this week as an opportunity to invite unchurched children and their families to Church where they learn about Jesus, the only Lord and Savior. Volunteers from sister LCMS churches in our area are so appreciated, and are most welcome to help/participate if they are able and willing.
May God Richly Bless You
In Christ’s Mission,
Rev. Dr. Berhanu Arsse
Pastor – Ebenezer E.E. Church – LCMS & Missionary with COLIM
Thanksgiving Report and Prayer Requests
Thank you for your support to COLIM in reaching Somali Muslims and other people with the Gospel of Jesus here in central Ohio. Your support has been crucial in enabling us to go and share the love of Jesus with unsaved people in our community. Through your assistance and our everyday evangelistic efforts, lives are being redeemed, forgiven in Jesus and saved for eternity.
Please pray for Somali converts Fauzia and her daughter Huda (see last newsletter), Mustafa, and others who still need our love in action, care, and encouragement to endure their community’s repulsion.
Please continue to pray for the Lord to provide “tent-making” vocations for Somali Christians.
Please pray for Ebenezer congregations outdoor outreach efforts through the Summer and Fall of 2026 so the Holy Spirit gives fruit to evangelistic labor for many people to hear about Christ, repent and trust in His Gospel.