Ahmed has only recently started travelling with Jesus. He lives in a small village, far away from any major city. His half-brother lives abroad and visits the family every year. He always told them about Jesus. For a long time, Ahmed had little interest in this. Nevertheless, he listened patiently.
Yet one sentence stood out clearly and stuck in his head: “God loves you!” This prompted Ahmed to read the New Testament on his mobile phone. Soon, we wanted to know more.
As there were no followers of Jesus in his village, Ahmed travelled to the city. There he met a pastor who took time for him. After a long time, Ahmed entrusted his life to Jesus and was baptized. However, his life did not become easier, but more difficult. When it became known that he no longer went to the mosque, he was questioned by the village elders. Even his friends no longer want to be with him, as they now see him as an unbeliever. Many Oromo who follow Jesus feel the same way as Ahmed.
At around 45 million, the Oromo are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. Although a cultural majority, they were oppressed for a long time. Great hopes were raised when Abiy Ahmed, an Oromo, became Prime Minister of Ethiopia. But even he was unable to halt the country’s decline. In many areas of Oromia, there are no churches that new followers of Jesus could join. Persecution and social ostracism await Muslims who want to follow Jesus.
How to Pray
- Pray for more Oromo to hear the Good News about Jesus in their own language and be able to understand it.
- Pray for the followers of Jesus among the Oromo, and the few churches that exist, to grow in strength and number.
- Pray for courage and wisdom for the believers to tell their friends and family about Jesus. Pray they would have opportunities to come together and encourage one another.
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