Most Somalis believe that to be Somali is to be Muslim, so those who come to faith in Christ are accused of rejecting not only their religion but also their nationality.
Most Somalis believe that to be Somali is to be Muslim, so those who come to faith in Christ are accused of rejecting not only their religion but also their nationality.
Oct. 10, 2024 | Somalia

Christian Widows Displaced by Islamists

[170] prayers in [11] nations have been posted for Hawa.

Hawa is a Christian convert from Islam who maintains a farm in a rural area of Somalia. Though raised as a Muslim, Hawa became a follower of Christ through her son’s witness. Hawa’s Muslim husband divorced her and kicked her out of the house when he learned of her newfound faith. Through another Christian woman, Hawa came to help work and maintain the farm, which also houses 19 Christian widows whose husbands had been killed by al-Shabab, a terrorist group active in Somalia and Kenya. Hawa disciples the widows and actively shares her faith with other women who work on neighboring farms. In March 2024, fighting broke out between al-Shabab and the Somali government, destroying some of the crops, displacing Hawa and the widows, and killing one of the women. VOM helped provide food and shelter for the displaced Christians until they could return to the farm and begin replanting crops.

Click here to find out about Christian persecution in Somalia and learn how to pray.

Write your own prayer for Hawa

  • Our Father, please help Hawa and all the other Christians. Even Muslims themselves are fleeing from Somalia because the power of al-Shabab. Still they are carrying their old habits and beliefs with them. If they do so their life can not change. Please have mercy on them, send calls of faith and save them. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
    Maria D - Finland
  • Dear sister in Christ- I pray for your continued strength and growth in Christ. I also prayer those hateful to the gospel will have their eyes opened by Christ. Stand firm. Jesus is coming soon. All the tears and sorrow will be worth it when we meet our Saviour.
    Susan R - USA
  • Father, You Are so good, "For The Lord is good, His Mercy is everlasting and His Truth endureth to all generations." (psalm 100)

    Please do good to Your people who are suffering for Christ's Name and sake.

    Please protect them, encourage them, sustain them, You have promised, and Your Word is Good.
    christine s - USA
  • In the loving name of Jesus, our heavenly Father, God of love, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we praise You for fellowship of Hawa and widows. We ask for a hedge of protection, angels direct from heaven to encamp around and minister to them. Amen
    Gary F - USA
  • Father, you love these dear sisters so much. Thank you that they are faithful to Jesus even in these difficult circumstances. Please meet their needs and protect them from evil. May Jesus living through them draw others to be saved and grow in Christ. Thank you. Amen.
    Vicki Y - USA
  • Heavenly Father, I come to you on behalf of Hawa & widows whose husband were killed for their faith. There is no greater sacrifice then for one to give up their life for another... You are the one they have sacrificed their life for, Gracious Father , listen to their prayers, O God Do not ignore their pleas for peace & provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.
    wendy h - USA
  • Heavenly Father, I come to you on behalf of Hawa & widows whose husband were killed for their faith. There is no greater sacrifice then for one to give up their life for another... You are the one they have sacrificed their life for, Gracious Father , listen to their prayers, O God Do not ignore their pleas for peace & provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.
    wendy h - USA
  • Heavenly Father, I come to you on behalf of Hawa & widows whose husband were killed for their faith. There is no greater sacrifice then for one to give up their life for another... You are the one they have sacrificed their life for, Gracious Father , listen to their prayers, O God Do not ignore their pleas for peace & provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.
    wendy h - USA
  • Heavenly Father, I come to you on behalf of Hawa & widows whose husband were killed for their faith. There is no greater sacrifice then for one to give up their life for another... You are the one they have sacrificed their life for, Gracious Father , listen to their prayers, O God Do not ignore their pleas for peace & provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.
    wendy h - USA
  • Our Father, place Hawa close to Your heart. Encourage her, and strengthen her, as she serves You by helping other women. Surround her with other believers who can comfort and encourage her. In Jesus' name, Amen
    Elizabeth S - USA
  • In the powerful name of Jesus, our heavenly Father, El Shaddai, God Almighty, as brothers and sisters in Christ we praise You for faithfulness of Hawa and other widows. We ask for provision, a hedge of protection, heavenly angels to encamp around and minister to them. Amen
    Gary F - USA
  • Heavenly Father God I thank you for these wonderful Christian women. I ask them to please seek your face and your strength during this time and know that you are always there with them that you guide them with your grace you will give them faith to go on in the name of Jesus Christ
    Pam W - USA
  • Father, we intercede for Hawa and the other Somali widows who've suffered the loss of so much because of their faithful witness for Jesus Christ. Their needs are many, but You are Jehovah Jireh, the exorbitant provider, who loves and cares for all of Your children. Continue to meet Hawa's and the other widow's spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
    Patrick V - USA
  • Lord, thank You for this fellowship of women who build up and support one another. Help them thru the fears and danger that al-Shabab represents. I pray for those who would do the harm. Father, they need Christ also. Father, keep these sisters dependent on the One who provides all we need. Protect and provide for these widowed sisters. Amen.
    joey S - USA
  • Father God may You protect Hawa & continue to use her to be a witness of Your Son, may she be back working on the farm soon along with the women. & God may You dismantle Al-Shabab so that my Somali sisters & brothers have nothing to worry or fear about. & despite the persecution may these women, & men face, remain faithful & courageous. Jesus name Amen
    Mariah D - USA
  • Lord I praise You for the faithfulness of Hawa and pray that You protect her and keep her safe. I pray for her and the other widows in her area to have all that they need in food and shelter and to form a community amongst themselves that screams of the provision of Jesus. I pray for Your hand to be upon them and holding them close.
    Joy H - USA
  • Dear Lord, I praise you for Hawa's strong Christian witness. May you protect and preserve her and her band of widowed disciples and return them to their farm. Amen.
    Tom H - USA
  • Dear Father God, In the Name of Jesus our Christ, please help Your people. Please protect them from the enemy, please provide all they need to reach Heaven. You are their Shield and Strength. Thank You for Your Mercy and Comfort.
    christine s - USA
  • Lord, thank three for the ministry of VOM. Let the women plant and reap a bounteous crop and a testimony of thy provision.
    Margaret D - USA
  • Father God, I thank you for the faith of these brave women in Somalia. I pray that you will continue to provide for them and grant them peace and safety in the midst of the turmoil. I pray that you will encourage and strengthen their faith and continue to draw them to yourself.I pray that many more women will hear the gospel and receive Jesus as Savior
    Julia F - USA
  • PS 35:19 "Let not them that are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me."
    OLORD bring justice to your servants in Somalia. Protect these widows who have been tormented by Al-Shabab terrorists. May your light shine on them & they see Jesus as Savior. Bless Hawa for her faithful witness & ministry to these farm workers. May Jesus glory shine in Somalia.
    Shelly D - USA
  • In the saving name of Jesus, our Heavenly Father, Yahweh, God Who saves, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we adore You for faith of Hawa and widows. We ask for provision, for salvation, for hedge of protection and angels direct from heaven to encamp around and minister to them. Amen
    Gary F - USA
  • Father may these women know your perfect love for them and not be afraid.
    Rebecca H - New Zealand
  • Heavenly Father, I lift up each of these Christian widows to You for protection, provision, & healing. I pray other women in the area would come to saving faith in Jesus Christ through the faithful witness of Hawa & others. I pray for the protection of the Christian minority in Somalia, and pray for the utter defeat of al-Shabab.
    Curtis M - USA
  • We praise you O Father for the faith and grace you provided for Hawa and other dear widows to stand firm in their hope in You Almighty God. Bless them and continue to encourage them and provide necessities they are in need of. May their lives continue to be the shining beacon for Jesus! Be glorified! In Jesus name Pat US
    Patricia S - USA
  • Thank you, Father, for the faith you have granted Hawa, and the courage to stand firm when her husband kicked her out. May you continue to provide for Hawa and the other women through VOM and when they are able to return to their crops. May more women become believers as Hawa and the other Christians share their faith, expanding your kingdom. Amen.
    Diana F - USA
  • PS: I meant, in previous prayer, "whose husbands were killed by terrorists."
    Rosalind T - USA
  • Heavenly Father, I pray for Hawa and other Christian widows who have been killed by terrorists. Thank you that they have not been abandoned by You. I pray for Your protection and provision for them as they seek to serve You, in Jesus' name.
    Rosalind T - USA
  • My precious Lord, please see these Your children...bless, protect and prosper them openly so the lost will see that You are God. Help them be brave and courageous and may Your glory shine. Come soon Lord and call all Your children home to be with You forever. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. MARANATHA!
    Della H - USA
  • Merciful Father, thank you for revealing your truth and love to Hawa and these other widows. Please provide comfort as well as physical safety and provision for their spiritual and emotional needs. Grant them strength and encouragement and continue to Reveal Your Love and care for them as you glorify your name and Somalia
    Julie C - USA
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