We are so blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to practice our religion, but with that freedom comes responsibility. We need to remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted around the world in the name of Islam. I know that the busyness of life keeps me from remembering them, but here’s a very grim reminder:
Al Shabaab Islamist rebels shot Mohammed Sheikh Abdiraman to death at 7 a.m., eyewitnesses told Compass. They said the Islamic extremists appeared to have been hunting the convert from Islam, and when they found him they did not hesitate to shoot him.
The sources told Compass that Abdiraman was the leader of an underground “cell group” of Christians in Somalia.
“We are very sad about this incident, and we also are not safe,” one eyewitness said by telephone. “Pray for us.”
[...]
The militants reportedly beheaded seven Christians on July 10, and refugees from Somalia tell of other attacks.
posted July 22, 2009 at 11:12 am
That’s tragic…however, I expand on Michele’s prayer for the comfort and protection of all that are persecuted for their beliefs not just Christians.
posted July 22, 2009 at 12:20 pm
As a Christian, I have no problem praying for the safety of anyone who is persecuted for their religious beliefs, no matter what their faith may be.
Faith should never be adopted or rejected on the basis of terror and coercion. Freedom of conscience is an essential condition for sincere belief…whatever that belief may be.
We would do well to keep all the people in that sad, failed state of Simalia in our hearts and prayers. They face dreadful conditions.
posted July 22, 2009 at 12:21 pm
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. Pray that all those appointed to believe be converted to the only Mediator between God and mankind, Jesus Christ.
posted July 22, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Fine, of course, pray for everyone. But, practically-speaking, charity begins at home.
posted July 22, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Not sure what your point is Moonshadow.
I’m not criticizing or challenging…just seeking some clarification.
posted July 22, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Charity does start at home, Moonshadow, but I’m not too worried about anyone offing your head anytime soon. Persecuted you likely are not!
posted July 22, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I’m not sure what I meant except that I can only concentrate at prayer for a bit at a time during the day. So, practically-speaking, I’m going to spend my limited spiritual resources on things important to me – usually people I know.
But, at the same time, I’ve always been touched by the selflessness of others who pray “for those who have no one to pray for them.” That sort of realism nearly brings me to tears and, if I can muster it, I have nothing against imitating that type of prayer.