There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
Ahmadey Osman Nur and Mansuur Mohammed (2008)
Converts Killed
Converting from Islam to Christianity is a highly dangerous act in Somalia, where Muslim extremists are determined to kill apostates in accordance with all versions of sharia. Despite this, the truth and power of the Gospel are winning people for Christ in this strongly Islamic country.
Two such converts paid the ultimate price for following Jesus in September 2008. Ahmadey Osman Nur (22) was gunned down as he left a Muslim wedding after asking for a translation of the wedding service, which was held in Arabic – considered by Muslims to be the “language Allah hears.” Not many Somalis speak Arabic and very few guests would have understood the service. The request offended the presiding sheikh, who knew of Nur’s conversion to Christianity. He declared Nur to be guilty of apostasy and asked a guard to “silence” him. As Nur left the wedding, he was shot dead by an armed guard.
On 23 September, Mansuur Mohammed (25), a humanitarian aid worker, was beheaded by a group of Muslim extremists. They accused him of being an infidel and a spy for the occupying Ethiopian soldiers before cutting off his head in front of terrified villagers.
Lord, in the Garden of Gethsemane you shared with everyone who has ever been afraid. You conquered fear with love and returned saying, “Do not be afraid.” In the light of your love death has lost its sting and so has fear. Lord, may your love be the key that releases me from fear.
Frank Topping (1909-1997), The Words of Christ