Somalia (MNN) ― Islamist militants murdered four teachers at an English-language school in Somalia on Monday.
64-year-old Daud Hassan Ali and three foreign teachers--a Briton and two Kenyans--were killed by Islamist insurgents during a midnight raid on one of the few English-language schools in south-central Somalia. Authorities are investigating the deaths.
Voice of the Martyrs Canada's Adele Konyndyk says Ali's widow believes he was killed not because of his work but because he left Islam and Somalia. "He was in Somalia primarily to teach. It's only suspected by the local people that he was involved in evangelistic work. The fact that he was a Christian and the fact that he had converted (from Islam) is the main reason why he, specifically, would be targeted."
Ali chose to return to his homeland to teach, knowing the risk. "Islamic insurgents are very open about the opposition and the level of opposition. Insurgents have actually gone on record saying, 'The only good Christian is a dead Christian.'"
In many parts of the country, the persecution of Christians is so strong many have sought refuge in other countries. Voice of the Martyrs Canada says a number of believers have been martyred, and others have been publicly named as targets for execution.
Konyndyk explains, "In Somalia, believers are always at risk when serving Christ. So this is why we must continue to pray for those who are sharing the Gospel in Somalia, that they would have the courage to remain steadfast despite the ongoing risk."
Pray for encouragement and strength for the Christians remaining in Somalia as well as for those who have been forced to leave their homes.
