Love Somalis Minute
 ... by Kevin B 

After 123 weeks, this is my last (official) minute. I want to share a testimony to God's goodness. On Monday, a Somali brother was in a serious car accident: driving 55 mph, hit an ice block, car rolled multiple times, and he and all his passengers walked away alive. "Kevin, it's a true miracle I am alive. The Lord is good. He has been growing me [through this trial]." But, one passenger, Iyan, also got serious frostbite on her hands. She is 23, has no family here, and is meeting with specialists this week. "She needs her hands to work, Kevin. They're talking about amputation. But I know God will hear our prayers. Please remember her." And the prayer offered in  faith will make the sick person well ... (James 5:15). Lord, have mercy.
 

In March, a group of students from the University of Northern Iowa (my alma mater before Concordia) is coming up to the Cities to help with Trinity First's after-school tutoring program and teach English with Somalis. I asked the student leader what his hopes for the one-week trip are. He said, "That some would get involved with our international student's ministry (which is mostly Saudi students) at UNI and maybe a couple would be called to long-term mission." Alright, worthy goals. We can pray that this experience in the Cities might be a springboard for ministry there in Cedar Falls, Iowa. "Your Name and your renown is the desire of our souls" (Isaiah 26:8)
 

Three months ago, Rochester got stuck on my heart, and it hasn't left. Rochester has the largest population of Somalis outside of Minneapolis, but unlike Minneapolis, almost no outreach is happening. One month ago, because a scheduled speaker got stuck at the O'Hare Airport, I got to speak with 15 pastors and church workers from the Rochester area. On Saturday, I got to go prayer-walking with one of those 15 men, around a cluster of Somali apartments. This Scripture came to mind during that time: "All God's promises find their Yes in Christ" (II Cor 1:20). May God use his Body to deliver those promises for his Somali people. And ... in two weeks, I get to speak that invitation at Redeemer LCMS in Rochester.

I came to a pleasant surprise this week. Every Tuesday night for the past 2.5 years, a small group of us (usually 8-10, but from a pool of 2535 young adults) get together at World Mission Prayer League to pray for the world. Only this week did I realize that at least four gals had gotten involved with Somalis during this 2.5 years. Only this week did one gal (Debbie) say, "Yeah, I just started teaching English at City of Refuge on Franklin Avenue. It's mostly older Somali women. I like that. I'm really excited to get started." Wow, people are getting started all over the place. Praise God. "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13).
 

Two months ago, I met two hearty disciples - Peter and Phillip (nice Biblical names huh?). Both are grad students and relatively new tot he Cities. One of the first times we met, they said, "We would like to move this spring in order to live among Somalis. Do you have any suggestions?" My main response was, "Pray for a person of peace -- a God-fearing, Somali family that would welcome you into their home and whole family life." I'm really encouraged by these guys. May God give them a "double-portion" of his spirit to minister life through tem (II Kings 2:9).
 

Concordia is starting its second semester, and likewise, the student-initiated computer outreach is starting its second semester. here's an encouraging update from the previous semester: "They averaged about 7 students per night, successfully met the need for rides and tutors, and Cody [the student leader] worked through problems of access and availability with flexibility." Al-hum-dila-lah ((Praise God). May it continue. "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" (A prayer of Moses, Ps 91).
 

Last week, a global year of prayer for Somalia bean. The idea began in Ethiopia months ago and has spread little by little through a scattering of believers in Switzerland, Nigeria, Minneapolis, etc. Want to join wit them? Email info@prayforsomaliaorg to receive updates or go to prayforsomali.org . I don't know what this verse means, bit it comes to mind as I think about prayer and an impossibly difficult situation: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going tot he Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father maybe glorified in the Son" (Jesus, John 14:12-13).
 

Hundreds of goats were sacrificed throughout Minneapolis this past Wednesday. Why? As the Jews practiced sacrifices for sin, so do Muslims. They do this once per year to commemorate Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22).

My Somali friend said, "We do it for mercy from God - to forgive all your sins." (pause) Do you know what one of the names of Jesus is? "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John :30). God gave it. (pause)

On Wednesday and Thursday of this past week, that message was also shared through the ministry of SALT (Somali Adult Literacy Training). We can pray for them too!
 

For the last six weeks I have been learning, "What does it mean to be a child?" (Mt 18:4) It has been changing my life. This includes how I share about Christ - not as God's advocate or lawyer but as God's child and witness to His Fatherly goodness (Acts 1:8)

Last week, I experienced it while talking with two Somali sheikhs (Qur'an teachers). In the end, what came out of my mouth wee not rational propositions about Jesus but my testimony and what it means to be born anew of water and the spirit. "Flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to life. For God, the Father, so loved the world..." (John 3)
 

Outside of our little neighborhood, the largest population of Somalis in Minnesota is in Rochester - 700+ families. I talked with a pastor there last week who said, "I know of no LCMS church that is [reaching out] to Somalis in our area." But, I talked with an outreach minister in Rochester this week who said, "It will be good for us to discuss this with our [five] sister congregations... maybe we can join forces."

Since this has come about, this word that has been stuck in my head: "Not by might but by my Spirit,' says King Jesus." May it be so, not just in our neighborhood but in Rochester, Minnesota as well!

Ahmed is a young, friendly Somali guy. He bantered with the seminary guys while we visited at the Somali Mall. Before we left, we game him a DVD of the life of Jesus in Somali. You can pray for him and his family (he's going to visit them in Africa for the next two months.) "We pray that the eyes of your heart may be opened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you and the riches of his glorious inheritance" (Ephesians 1:18)

Last week Trinity First hosted five seminarians from St. Louis for a cross-cultural, urban immersion week. They taught English with Somalis, helped Trinity First kids with homework at Tiger Club, and soaked in the life experience of some marvelous people in the neighborhood, at Concordia, and at the World Mission Prayer League.

The highlight for me was watching them eat goat meat and Somali spaghetti with their hands (that's Somali etiquette, you know) and share about Christ with a couple men at the Somali Mall. In the words of one seminarian, "It was an eye-opening week-- encouraging, convicting, and un-scripting and re-scripting what cross-cultural ministry is."

And to summarize the week, in the words of one apostle, "Whatever you have heard from me, entrust to reliable men who will be able to teach others also" (II Timothy 2:2)

Remember Doug Stoeckicht? He interned with us and served Somalis full-time this past Spring. I'm happy to repot that he's well, graduated, and engaged in meaningful ministry in Tacoma, Washington. In his own words:

Life is good. I'm the program coordinator for an after school tutoring program for low-income, multi-ethnic families... I just jumped in [one month ago] so my head is still floating in the air... I should be home [in Minnetonka] during Christmas time. (My boss threatened to fire me if I didn't take a vacation and see my family!)  Peace, Doug Stoeckicht.

So thank you, Trinity First, for supporting Doug in his training toward meaningful cross-cultural ministry (I Peter 4:10)

Good morning TFL gang, I'm in Ormsby, Minnesota (population 154) this morning. There's a church here that would like to financially support Muslim ministry happening in the MN South District. We qualify!

I hope I cam bring some encouragement and maybe even prod them along. The pastor there says, "I want to bring an awareness that there are others hurting for Christ besides German Lutherans, and that we can support them with our prayers and dollars."

Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) says: "In Christ, each part [of the body] does its own special work that helps the other parts grow so that the whole body is healthy and growing."

Most Wednesday nights, I'm teaching a typing class at a Somali apartment complex. Generally it's chaotic, but for the past couple weeks it hasn't worked at all. In the midst of feeling guilty about it, I think God has been saying, "Kevin, Pray. Wait. I can do more with your waiting than your working." That's awkward for someone who likes to work and trust his work. But there's Biblical basis (and hope!) for it: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. In vain you rise up early and stay up late and eat the bread of anxious toil... in quietness and trust shall be your strength. The Lord exalts himself to show mercy to you. Blessed are those who wait for him" (Psalm 127, Isaiah 30).

Here's an update from last week, regarding the student-initiated outreach to Somali neighbors happening at Concordia. "I see Monday night's computer class as an answered payer. We had 10 students and 4 Concordia volunteer tutors - a wonderful turnout. Once the team got going, Cody's natural ease and willingness to work with the students went quite well... The Lord has brought about good things, and the Somali students were pretty excited when they saw the email they could send and receive." Alright! Lord, take it where you want. "May the God of peace equip you with everything good that you may do his will" (Hebrews 13:21).

Tomorrow, a computer literacy class - bridging students that love the Lord with Somali families across the street - begins at Concordia University. Ummm, I should add "God willing" to that statement. There are a few administrative logistics that need to fall into place before Monday, and currently that falls on the shoulders of one very laid-back Concordia student named Cody. You could pray for him. Cody and I led a chapel together at Concordia on Tuesday, in order to share what was starting and invite co-laborers. "Don't despise the day of small beginnings ... not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4).

Mohamed is a teashop owner who has always been very kind to me; he's also a passionate searcher for peace. Months ago, I gave him a gift, a DVD of the life of Jesus. This weekend, he said, "I watched it. It was very good. We need to make copies [to give to other men at the teashop] because the jesus may be good for them." Hmmm, want to help buy some? If so, email Sara at trinityfirstoffice@gmail.com "And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mightily God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

An urban ministry class come through Trinity First on Wednesday. I told them my agenda was "that one of you would be called to minister with Somali families at Hiawatha apartments long after I'm gone." When I said it, one of the gals "Noel" grinned. I asked her later what she felt led to do  in the future. She said, "I want to be a missionary - either stateside or in the Middle East / North Africa area. I can't explain why, but it's been like that for five years. I want to counsel Muslim women who have been hurt." Well, war-torn Somali women who have lost children, husbands, and homeland would qualify (Psalm 103:2-5). In the meantime, we can pray for Noel.

Saturday was a milestone day for me. I went to a Somali ESL training just up the road. I stood in the back of the room where I counted some seventy people. I thought, "Wow, seventy people committed (in varying levels) to Somalis." As I stood in the back, one of these seventy was giving her testimony in the front. She said, "My name is Cindy. I'm from Maplewood. A few months ago started tutoring at Concordia's site. I was terrified. This last Wednesday, Kadija invited me to her home. She was teaching me to cook, I has helping her son with homework, and we were talking about Jesus." Lovely. It's happening. A milestone day. "And this Good News of the kingdom will go forth as a testimony to all clans, and then the end will come" - Jesus (Matthew 24:14).

In May, I mentioned a freshman at Concordia with a burden to reach out to Somali families who live just across the street from the university. I'm happy to say it's becoming a reality. I talked to him this week. He said, "We're starting [a typing class] the week after Ramadan. Everyone I talk to is excited about it, and we've got enough tutors for every student. I still kind of can't believe this is happening." Go Concordia students! Press on. "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy:" - Psalm 126:5

Abdullahi is a fun-loving, Somali elder, and surprising to me, he loves books. So, this last week I gave him a book on Jesus written by a Muslim who had come to love and follow Jesus. He read it and said, "Me and two other guys discussing it. They say the Jesus is beautiful, and they start crying." It feels like a little picture of the Kingdom of God: Somali men sitting at picnic tales outside their apartments (as they always do) and discussing what forgiveness means for Somalia (Ephesians 4:32). It's like a little yeast that works its way through and entire batch of dough, till it is all leavened (Matthew 13:33).

The most important season of the year for Somalis begins tis Thursday. It's Ramadan. It might be compared to the season of Advent for Christians -- special. Everyday for the next month the global Muslim community ("Ummah") will fast during daylight hours, direct more attention to God and prayers, and celebrate the break of the fast together each evening. If you'd like to pray for Muslims around the world at the same time, you can. Pick up a prayer-guide from myself or Pastor Jake after worship, or access it online at 30daysprayer.com.

Since June, I've been trying to get the word out about a new Somali ESL site in east St. Paul. Well, an opportunity to do that has come - in large scale. Through a supporter at Family of Christ in Ham Lake, it looks like Mike Neterer (the Somali ESL coordinator) and I will be interviewed on KKMS radio this Thursday afternoon. My hope is to encourage the Christians in loving their Muslim neighbors well and connect them with opportunities to do so through long-term ESL friendships. "You are the salt of the earth" (Jesus, Mt 5:13).

These are the words of a middle-aged Somali man about his own people: "We care for each other. We kill each other - and without reason. My whole generation is lost." I hurt listening to him. Who will bind up the broken hearted? Who will heal? "I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them... The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the year of the Lord's favor." (Isaiah 41:17, 61:1)

I'm glad to share this news with you. I've asked for a prayer a number of times now for young guy named "Israel." We met three years ago at his baptism. He desires to be "like a mission'ry" but has been battling through alcohol addiction for years. As of this last week (and for the last few months,), "He's going strong. And man, can he pray! He's really internalized lots of Scripture." As Somalis say, "Al-hum-dililah!" "Praise God." "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (Paul, II Corinthians 12:9).

I'm teaching a computer typing class on Wednesday nights at a Somali apartment tower. One of the guys in the class is named "Jameel." He introduced himself to me by saying, "I have 60 yeas. We Somalis have violence problem. If I get chance -- if I get chance! -- I want to do conflict resolution in Somalia and here se we have harmony and transformation." Wow, I've never met someone who talked quite like this before. A bit happenstantially, we started reading what Jesus teaches about conflict resolution and Jameel would say, "My God! Can you print this for me?!" So, I've started printing Scriptures on reconciliation, revenge, and forgiveness (Matthew 18:15-35).

I would like to share the testimony of a Somali believing woman whom I got to sit with for a meal last week: "My name is 'Naomi.' I was saved seven years ago now, and there is no turning back. I am very happy you are all praying for Somalia and being with us in this situation. Once they recognize Jesus and have him, they will have peace. We pray and believe Isa [Jesus] will come back." (pause) I think it's helpful to hear the heart of Somalis for their own people to join in praying for them. (Rev. 22:12-21)

"God usually works in spite of us, but he almost never works without us." True indeed (Gen. 12:1, II Sam 7:18, Isaiah 55:5, Rom 15:4). I was attempting three things this week - all of which fell through. However, in the bigger scheme of this week, God is doing great stuff. On Wednesday, I was sitting in one room with two dozen people with a love for the Somalis. One woman told about her Somali friend who had a "Jesus dream." Another young guy grew up four years in Somalia and says, "I want to go back." Two men shared a burden to involved the global church in prayer for the largely forsake nation of Somalia. And God's great work continues...

I've had this mustard seed prayer in my heart for a couple weeks. Through some unplanned circumstances, my friend "Abdul" is reading a book called "Peacemakers, Peacebreakers, and Peacefakers" (by Ken Sande) - a big issue for Somalia. His response was, "Kevin, this book make me VERY happy. Two co-workers have asked me about it. Do you have more?" You see, Abdul is a "nabaadon" (chief) because "people listen to him" and go to him for advice. My prayer is something like this: ":Lord, would You make Abdul a peacemaker among his own people. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God" (Mt 5:9).

Tomorrow, a new Somali Adult Literacy Training (SALT) site launches in east St. Paul / Woodbury. Hooray! And ... we're looking for volunteers, one night a week. Right now, we have about three volunteers for 3000 Somalis. Uh-ho! So, do you know any believers or churches in that neighborhood? SALT's heart is to bridge churches with their newest refugee neighbors through friendship and language learning. For more information, please look here. Thanks for your help!

On Saturday "Haus", a young Somali father, and I met over mango juice and injera bread. He recently went through a divorce because his "wife changed once we came to America" and he sees his boy every "six months." I tried to encourage him to reconcile with his family and told him a story about one of my friends who just this month had reconciled with his dad after 30 years! We finished our meal, but I told him, "As I remember, I'll pray for you and your son." If you remember, you can join too, that "the hearts of fathers would be turned to their sons and the heart of sons to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6).

Some things flop; others surprise you. Fourteen months ago, Charlotte and Amy began "making our first forays" to mentor Somali women in their homes. I was helping connect them to Somali mothers in our neighborhood. Within two months, it was a flop: charlotte and Amy had stopped... at least in our neighborhood. Turns out, they went back to their own neighborhood in east St. Paul, asked around and met a Somali Halal shop owner. He asked, "Will you mentor my wife (in English)?" Turns out, they're still going! Let's pray for these women. "Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well" (Ecclesiastes 11:6).

Hi, Trinity First gang! The next two weeks are what I affectionately call my "annual sabbatical."  Fort he past three summers, I have gone tot he US Center for World Mission in Pasadena, CA (I like those people!) This summer, I'll be getting training in Community Health Education, that I hope to use overseas in the future. After that, I'll be in Denver camping with my older brother and sister, Dan and Jenn. I'm getting pretty giddy. See you soon, Kevin.

Summer Reading Club invitations are going out ... in English, Spanish, and Somali. Yet! I think it's ideal for Somali families, wanting their kids to do well in school. I hope it will build some bridges between Somali families and our school. One Somali friend is translating the flyer; two Somali elders, I hope, will distribute the flyers. "Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these: - Jesus (Mt 19:14). Lord, bring down the barriers that stand in the way (Ephesians 2:14).

"Israel" is a young Somali man who loves Jesus. He prays with passion. And, he struggles with alcohol addiction. It's been like this for three years. We got together this week, at his Christian detox/discipleship house. He's been invited to go back to Somali with this family, for a time (three months to a couple years). He would like to: "I'd like to be a mission'ry. Right now, I know I've got to get my foundation" free from alcohol and in the Word. I hope so. It's been a long journey. I pray towards this end. "Be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might" (Ephesians 6:10).