Content published in collaboration with Open Doors Sweden

Aweis Ali’s testimony is unique. That it is even possible to share it with the outside world is even more remarkable. He is a Christian from Somalia, a country that has been in the top ten on the World Watch List since its inception in 1993. But God has done the impossible.

Aweis Ali is very clear when he describes the reality for Somali Christians, especially those living in Somalia.
– Somali Christians are among the most persecuted in the world. You can be sitting in a lunch restaurant enjoying your meal when someone walks in to try to behead you, he says.

He explains that the persecution in Somalia is so intense that some are not ready to pay the high price.
– Those who take the step know they will lose a great deal. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, they take that step.

Aweis grew up largely on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. He was the son of a Muslim leader, who prepared Aweis to follow in his footsteps.
– When I was 15, my father realized that I was not the right successor because I asked too many sensitive questions, he says.

Heard about Jesus on the radio
For Somalis, their national identity is closely tied to being Muslim. For Aweis, it was therefore eye-opening when one evening he accidentally tuned into a Somali Christian broadcast on the radio.
– I said to myself, “Wow, these are Somali people preaching Christ!”

In the days that followed, Aweis continued listening to learn more about Jesus. He even wrote to the radio station asking for Bible study materials and a New Testament. He received them by mail, without even considering what his family would think or the danger it involved. This was many years ago, when the postal system in Somalia still functioned.

Honor is highly valued in Somalia, and a conversion therefore brings shame upon the entire family. When Aweis, after three years, decided to follow Jesus, he was completely cut off from both his family and his clan.
– In Somali culture, you are nothing if you are alone. If you are not connected to your clan, you are weak. We have a Somali proverb that says, “Just as your shoes protect you, so does your clan.”

Almost the entire group was killed
After seven years as a Christian in isolation, Aweis came into contact with another Christian, a young man named Liban. Together they began searching for more Christians, and slowly but surely their fellowship grew.
– It was the happiest time I had since I came to the Lord, says Aweis.

Then the persecution began. Aweis’ face turns somber as he recalls that difficult period. One by one, the Christians were killed.
– It was very frightening, at least in the beginning. Liban was the first to be killed. He was on his way to work when he was shot by two armed men from the radical Islamist group Al-Tahat Al-Islamiyah. Shortly afterward, another person was killed. So we had no doubt that we were targets, he says.

After two years, only two members remained. The rest had become martyrs for their faith. The situation took a heavy toll on Aweis.
– I had lost almost all my friends. I couldn’t eat and lost a lot of weight. I couldn’t sleep because of the constant threats, and spiritually I was not doing well.

Aweis decided to leave Somalia. While recovering in another country, he was given the opportunity through a missionary couple to attend a Bible school, which provided him with the strength and support he needed to continue his ministry.

Serving Somalis in the Horn of Africa
Today, Aweis is a researcher, author, and Bible translator, and he continues to serve Somali Christians in the Horn of Africa through discipleship and leadership training.
– When I see how the Holy Spirit leads this small church, it brings me a special joy.

Despite the many dangers—which have become even more serious because of Aweis’ decision to be open about his identity—he is determined to continue his work.
– It is not an easy thing to be involved in Somali ministry. It is not something you do if you care about your physical or personal safety. We have a “joke” in the Somali church that if you become a Somali pastor, you don’t need to worry about your pension fund, he says with a laugh.

“I receive constant threats”
Aweis’ tone becomes more serious when he describes his own situation.
– I receive constant threats through email, WhatsApp messages, and social media pages, telling me that I am putting my life at risk, he says.

And yet his determination is strong.
– We know the risks, but if you have a calling, you count the cost and move forward. You don’t stop, no matter what. Jesus means everything to me—so much that my life would be worthless without Him. Aweis concludes:
– There is no place where Christ cannot be followed. It is impossible. The Holy Spirit can penetrate any wall.