Widowed Mother of Five Shot By Militants

WEA Religious Liberty Commission 02 May 2013

On April 13th, members of the Al Shabaab militant group ended the life of 42-year-old Fartun Omar, a Christian mother of five in Beledweyne, Somalia. Fartun's husband Siad, who was also a believer, had been previously killed by gunmen on December 8th, 2012, for converting from Islam.

According to reports, the militants were searching for Fartun for several months because they were opposed to her quiet Christian faith, which she tried to keep discrete in this hostile environment. It was while attempting to flee the city that this mother of five had been captured and then mercilessly shot to death. To view other reports on Somalia, go to the Somalia Country Report.

Please pray for Siad and Fartun's surviving children...that they would experience the comforting and loving presence of Jesus during this time of heartbreak and trauma. Despite the tragedy of suddenly losing both parents, may the Lord work out His good plans in each of their lives. Also pray that He will defeat the destructive plans of the Al Shabaab militants, bringing them to justice, repentance and salvation.

Somalia

Somalia Information

Country Information
Population
12,693,796 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Somali (85), Bantu and other non-Somali (15)

Religion (%)
Islam (99.9), ethnic religions (0.1)

Leader
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (2022)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of civil law, Islamic law, and customary law (referred to as Xeer)

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Somalia
Please join us in praying for our ministry partners who are effectively reaching Somalians through the multiple radio broadcasts, specifically asking God to further strengthen and equip them so they can continue with their vital outreach work. Also, pray that the hearts of those yearning to learn more about the Lord will be greatly encouraged through the broadcast messages. May these spiritual seekers be shielded from all harm, while their lives are being radically transformed by the ongoing work of His Holy Spirit.