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KINGDOM NEWS from the Somali Bible Society (SBS) |
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| Dr. Howie Shute Director of Development Somali Bible Society (SBS) An-Nour University (AU) |
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Hi << Test First Name >>,
I’m deeply grateful for all of our supporters. Many of you give sacrificially out of limited means to sustain the ministry of the Somali Bible Society. Others faithfully uphold this work through intercessory prayer—and some of you do both.
It may seem that the work of God in places like Somalia is primarily carried by churches in the United States or the Western world.
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While much of our support does come from believers like you, you may be encouraged to know that committed Somali Christians are also actively investing in this ministry.
Many Somali believers volunteer their time to teach, train, and serve in a variety of ways as we pursue our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Their sacrifices are significant. In addition, there are Somalis who give financially to support the Somali Bible Society and our local church partners.
In this month’s issue of Kingdom News, we share the story of a transformed life—someone who faithfully contributes to this work. We invite you to read the “Mahad Story” below (name changed for security reasons).
You’ll also find an opportunity to pray for him in the Prayer and Praise section. And if you feel led by the Lord to give, your financial support would be sincerely appreciated. The need is great but our God is greater!
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During the daytime, life in central Somalia was loud and bustling. But at night, when silence settled over the land, memories would flood back—faces, voices, moments he couldn’t forget. By 29, Mahad had already lived a life marred by violence. He had participated in clan revenge killings and camel raids. To him, that was normal—an essential part of honor and survival. Yet deep inside, he was weary. Every act of violence only made him more restless. The camels he stole brought him money but no peace. Lying awake at night, he questioned why his heart felt so heavy. In 2021, that burden pushed him toward a desperate decision. He began contemplating joining a radical Islamist group. If his life was already filled with violence, perhaps he could find purpose in it. Maybe dying as a jihadi martyr would finally quiet the chaos inside him.
But before he acted, a family friend approached him gently. The friend introduced him to an evangelist from the Somali Bible Society (SBS). Mahad was cautious but agreed to meet. Their conversations surprised him—they didn’t argue or condemn. Instead, the evangelist listened and then spoke about forgiveness—not as something earned, but as a gift. He told Mahad about Jesus, who bears sin instead of demanding payment for it.
Mahad was uncertain how to respond. Part of him resisted; another part felt drawn in. They continued to meet. Over time, Mahad began to see himself more clearly—his past, his guilt, his longing for something more. One day, he made a decision: he believed. He repented and committed his life to Christ. It was a quiet moment, with no crowd or dramatic scene, just a sincere surrender. But the change was real.
Mahad understood that his repentance should be visible. So he did something unexpected: he started returning the camels he had stolen. It wasn’t easy—each restitution meant facing those he had wronged. Some were confused, others skeptical. Still, he persisted, making amends where he could. Gradually, people noticed a difference. Mahad was no longer the same man.
Around this time, an SBS literacy trainer helped him learn to read and write Somali. Starting from scratch was humbling, but he embraced the challenge. Soon, he was reading Scripture in his language, which strengthened his faith. Practical changes followed—Mahad married a Somali Christian woman, and together they built a peaceful home. He also opened a camel butcher’s shop, a legitimate business that replaced his former life of theft. The same animals once linked to wrongdoing now symbolized his healing.
His heart also grew more generous. Mahad began regularly giving to his house church and supporting the Somali Bible Society. Giving became an integral part of his new life. Reflecting on his journey, he once said, “If that SBS evangelist had come a week later, I’d have been dead—taking innocent Somali Muslims with me.” He added, “When it comes to evangelism, timing is everything.” Mahad recognizes how close he came to a different ending. Today, he continues to grow in his faith. He’s not perfect, but he’s changed. Once shaped by violence, his life is now marked by peace. |
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If you would like to support the ministry of the Somali Bible Society in making disciples like Mahad, donate to Project #102852. Your donation will provide for a ministry center in the heart of Somalia that facilitates making and equipping disciples of Jesus Christ! |
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| Pray for Mahad’s safety. Following Christ is not easy where he lives. Ask God to protect him from harm & give him wisdom in every situation.
Pray that his faith grows deeper, that he will keep learning, keep trusting, and keep walking closely with God, even when it’s hard.
Pray for courage. There will be moments when standing up for Christ costs him something. Pray that he won’t turn back.
Pray for his marriage. Ask God to strengthen the love between Mahad and his wife, and make their home a place of peace and joy.
Pray for their house church, that it will be a safe place, a growing family, and a light in the darkness around them.
Pray for others like Mahad. There are many people just like him, restless, searching, close to making life-altering decisions. Pray they will hear the truth at the right time.
Pray for healing from his past. Some memories don’t disappear quickly. Ask God to bring him peace where there is still pain.
Pray for his business, that his camel butcher shop will succeed, provide for his family, and allow him to keep giving generously.
Pray for those who share the Gospel, for evangelists like the one who reached Mahad, and that God would guide them to the right people at the right moment.
Pray for peace in his community, that the cycle of revenge and violence will be broken, and that more lives will be changed like his.
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| Give praise and thanks to God for Mahad’s life being changed. He could have gone down a very different path, but he didn’t. Praise God for intervening in Mahad’s life. Give praise and thanks to God for perfect timing, that someone came into his life exactly when he needed it most.
Give praise and thanks to God that no one is beyond redemption. Even someone deeply involved in violence can be transformed.
Give praise and thanks to God for a changed heart. Mahad didn’t just say sorry. He made things right.
Give praise and thanks to God for faithful people who care enough to speak up, people who take risks to share truth and love.
Give praise and thanks to God that Mahad can now read Scripture, that he can understand God’s Word for himself, in his own language.
Give praise and thanks to God for his marriage, for giving him a partner to walk this new life with. Having a Christian wife in Somalia is not something that every Christian man enjoys.
Give praise and thanks to God for honest work, that he now earns a living in a way that brings dignity and peace.
Give praise and thanks to God for his generosity, that he gives back to support others and the work that changed his life.
Give praise and thanks to God for quiet, growing communities of faith. Even in hard places, hope is spreading.
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| UPDATE ON FINANCING THE GSC BUILDING SITE |
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| In order to provide mission resilience for the Somali Bible Society (SBS) and to supply housing for training, education, and discipleship activities, the SBS is planning to build a ministry center in the heart of Somalia. We have entered into a purchase contract for the building site at a cost of $240,000. (This location that provides needed security came at a high price). |
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| The future Good Samaritan Center for the Somali Bible Society & An-Nour University (not an exact image for security reasons) |
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As of mid-March 2026, we have received $81,132 toward the $240,000 needed to purchase the building site for the Good Samaritan Center. With five months remaining before the July 2026 deadline, we still need to raise $158,868.
The cost per square foot for this property is $58 USD. By contributing toward even one square foot—or more—you can play a meaningful role in helping make the Good Samaritan Center a reality.
This ministry center will significantly expand the capacity of the Somali Bible Society, its local church partners, and An-Nour University to serve the Islamic world, bringing Muslims to Christ.
While larger gifts are especially needed at this stage, contributions of any amount are deeply appreciated and make a real difference. |
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| Giving Progress for Good Samaritan Center Building Site |
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| | Note Project #102852 in the Project #/Comment field. |
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| IS GOD CALLING YOU TO GIVE? |
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If you have not given before to the ministry of the Somali Bible Society, will you consider becoming one of our supporters? There are many ministry options available for your donation.
For those who have given before, “Thank you for your generosity! Your partnership in the ministry of the Somali Bible Society is so appreciated!” |
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| | Your continued support of any of our many projects will bring lasting fruit. Every donation you make has a great impact on a lost world and the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
Thank you for giving! |
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| Consider making your donation a recurring monthly donation. |
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| IS GOD CALLING YOU TO SERVE? |
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| | Is God Calling You? The Somali Bible Society is currently recruiting missionaries to serve in various countries around the globe. We need missionaries in the major cities of the USA and in most world regions outside of the USA. If you, or someone you know, would like to discuss the possibility of involvement in a mission to the Somali people in some region of the world, or even somewhere in the USA, email me:
howie@somalibiblesociety.org |
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| | You can obtain a free copy of a digital Somali New Testament or a complete Bible by clicking links or scanning QR codes below: |
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| | | | Click Link to Somali Bible |
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| Scan Somali Bible QR Code |
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| | Somali Bible Society (SBS) Somali-registered Non-profit Making Christ-like Disciples Thru Bible Engagement |
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| Somali Bible Society Network (SBSN) US-registered 501c3 Non-profit Developing Financial & Human Resources for SBS |
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| | Click on links below for websites and social media platforms. |
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| | AVAILABLE FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS |
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| Dr. Howie Shute is available to speak in Mission Conventions, Faith Promise Services, Local Church Missionary Meetings, Sunday Services, and Breakfast/Lunch Meetings to raise awareness of the exciting possibilities in the mission to Somalia. |
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| | SUBSCRIBE TO MONTHLY NEWSLETTER |
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| Feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested.
To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click the SUBSCRIBE button, or scan the QR CODE. |
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