On May 4, members of the Islamic extremist group al-Shabaab killed an underground church leader in Xarardheere, Mudug region, Somalia, according to Compass Direct News.
The extremists, who were battling a rival rebel group for control of the area, were searching house to house for enemy fighters when they arrived at the home of 57-year-old Yusuf Ali Nur, a school teacher and underground church leader. They suspected that Yusuf was a Christian, so they shot him multiple times at close range, killing him. Yusuf is survived by his wife and three children, ages 7, 9 and 11.
Al-Shabaab, which is linked with al-Qaeda, has reportedly vowed to rid Somalia of Christianity. In recent months, several Somali Christians have been killed by the group in execution-style murders, including one murder as recently as late March.
The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray that Yusuf’s loved ones will trust in God’s unfailing love. Pray that Yusuf’s legacy will embolden other believers to walk a path of steadfast faith, even amid great adversity. Pray that God will encourage and strengthen members of the Somali church.
Posted: May 20, 2010