Listen to this message:
This message is part of the series directed at the Somali Youth and it’s coming to you from Somali Christian Ministries.
It’s a message from Somali Christian youth to their fellow Somali youth. It is a message that says we are against violence and hatred.
We would like to let you know again that there are Somali Christians and there are Somali Youths who of their own free will are choosing to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and follow the path of peace.
It’s always heartbreaking to hear about the loss of very bright educated youths in Somalia. The latest senseless attack came from terrorists at the end of last month (November 2020). The attack targeted the youth of the country. 8 young men lost their lives at a popular ice cream shop in Mogadishu, another 10 were injured. The enemy continues to target educated young men. Most of the youth killed in the recent attack had recently returned from abroad after finishing their studies. They were bright. They had a big future ahead of them. Some of them were recently married. They were recently employed. They never imagined that they would lose their lives to bloodthirsty evil men who want to destroy all that is good.
Somali Christian Ministries condemns any acts of violence, especially those that target innocent civilians in Mogadishu.
Why is the enemy targeting the Youth?
- Youth are the hope for Somalia’s future. The current generation is different from the previous generations. The previous generation witnessed the civil war and the resurgence of radical groups. This all happened at the beginning of the last decade. The current generation of young people are tired of war, violence, and turmoil. They have seen with their own eyes the effect that violence has had on the country. They are turning away from groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS and are focusing on educating themselves and looking for ways to rebuild the country.
- As the enemy increases its attacks on youth, there are positive things are showing up. Today most Somali youths have access to the internet. They are using social media to share their interests and their aspirations. Some of them have an interest in music, others focus on social activism by raising awareness against violence and drugs.
- Because the Youth have access to social media this enables them to see life beyond their environment. They see how others live in neighboring and western countries. They are becoming more open to accepting different views and perspectives. They see and respect others that have a different faith than theirs. Somali Christian Youth in particular see how other Christians practice their religion, and that they do not force it upon others.
In Christianity, Jesus told us to love others, especially our enemies, Jesus said:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45).
Jesus came down to earth and took up a human body. He carried out a perfect plan to take away Sin. Sin is a burden for humanity. Sin causes people to do things that are against the will of God. Jesus appeared on earth because of his love and His grace. Those who have faith in Him are promised eternal life in heaven. Jesus promises those who believe in Him a new life.
While Jesus was on earth He was among the poorest, most sinful, most hated people. Some violent groups in Somalia are targeting youth as if they were animals to be butchered. Some violent groups do not care about the rights and dreams of the youth. But God cares. God cares and we will all see God’s plan for Somalia implemented.
Jesus’ message was for everyone, even to the powerful. He loved them all. Often when Jesus faced violence, he showed restraint and even rebuked Peter his disciple. Once, Peter cut off the ear of the servant of the High priest with a sword. This is what happened:
“When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:49-51).
Not only did Jesus rebuke His disciples but he healed the ear of the man who came to arrest him. In doing so Jesus set a clear path for Christians. His message is not about violence. Jesus said that we should not attack our enemies. He told us not to threaten them, not to harm them, or their children and their livelihoods. Jesus wants us to follow in His footsteps and to be like Him. He wants us to be kind to others.
Somali Youth are tired of Violence:
- In the 1990’s warlords wreaked havoc in the country. They caused millions of Somalis to be scattered around the world. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions lost their lives in civil war. Families lost their loved ones. Many do not know the whereabouts of family members. Every sign of civilized life in the country was destroyed resulting in unspeakable loss.There is prophecy in the Bible that says: “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.”The words of the Lord that the Somali youth are hungering to hear are the teachings of Jesus. He teaches peace. He teaches love. He teaches unity and building up, not tearing down. He does not teach violence, but forgiveness. He teaches peace, not war. Somali youth are hungry for His words and His way of life. They are sick and tired of war and violence. They want to live in a country with peace and love.
- In the 2000’s the rise of Al-Ittihad, then Islamic Union courts, then Al-Shabaab added to the already existing tragedies of the country. A new radicalization started and anyone who did not agree with them was killed. Somalis again suffered. Today, the same problems that existed since the fall of Siyad Barre’s regime continues to exist. Clan worship is still an issue. There are many new groups. There are different coalitions, but clanism dominates most of the issues in Somalia.
Somali youth are the backbone of the society. They dream that one day perhaps they will see the message of hate, division, violence and death replaced by the message of love, healing, unity and life. This is the message He preached more than 2,000 years ago. It is the message for Today. Jesus said that His words are life. His words are Spirit.
Thank you for listening to us, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer your questions or listen to your feedback.