Somalia: Convert Assaulted by Muslim Relatives for a Third Time

Source: Morning Star News, October 21, 2024

A convert from Islam in Somalia who was attacked in May and July was again assaulted on October 5 after Muslim relatives suspected him of leading Christian prayer meetings, he said.

He said they asked him, “Why are you worshiping differently from the Muslim way? What is so unique about your worship? Why do you close yourself in the room when you are praying?”

Abdul said he responded, “My praying is a secret between me and my Lord Isa [Jesus], and more so, why should I pray in public? This is just a way to please men, but in my time of worship, I should please only God, who is in the heavenly places.”

One of the relatives jumped on him as another hit him with a blunt object, and a third relative slapped his face, he said. He suffered a fracture on his left hand, injured fingers of his right hand, and cuts to his face.

“You are inviting terrible trouble to yourself and your family,” one of the relatives told him.

Read more of the story and how it escalated. Pray for Abdul and his wife and young children, who were also injured in the attacks. Abdul put his faith in Christ in March.

Note that Somalia is second on Open Doors’ World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most challenging to be a Christian. Read a detailed report.

Mexico: Launch of the First Study Bible in the Ch’ol Language

Source: United Bible Societies, October 18, 2024

Fourteen years ago, the Bible Society of Mexico embarked on a significant mission: to bring the first study Bible in the heart language of the Ch’ol people. As a result, on April 20, over 5,000 people gathered to celebrate and thank God because his Word would reach thousands of Ch’ol-speaking families.

In Mexico, there are over 220,000 people who speak the Ch’ol language, mainly in the states of Tabasco, Campeche, and Chiapas. In Chiapas, where the Bible dedication took place, 12.5% of the population speaks Ch’ol.

Architect Julio Splinker, General Director of the Bible Society of Mexico, expressed the significance of this milestone: “After 14 years of hard translation work, the Ch’ol people have in their hands the first study Bible, enabling young people to engage more deeply with the Scriptures and providing church leadership with tools to present the message of reconciliation more profoundly. All this is for the glory of God and so that no Mexican is lost!”

Read the full story.

You might also appreciate a roundup of recent “God sightings” related to Bible translation efforts around the world (Wycliffe Bible Translators).