Born the son of a Muslim cleric and raised in Mogadishu, Somalia, Aweis Ali shares his remarkable journey of faith in one of the most dangerous countries for Christians. From the impact of a radio ministry, to his isolation as an underground believer, to his leadership of a house church eventually devastated by persecution and loss, Aweis details the story of how God developed him into a national ministry leader and the founder of the Somali Bible Society.
Within one of the world’s most hostile environments Aweis describes his search for spiritual truth, his discovery of Christ, and the profound isolation of being a believer in a context where his faith would cost him everything. Aweis recounts how he eventually found community in an underground house church as well as the challenges of practicing faith without formal theological training.
Amidst the rising tensions that emerged as the tiny house church grew, Aweis shares personal experiences of persecution, prophetic visions, leadership transitions, and the devastating human cost of religious extremism. He also discusses the remarkable faithfulness and spiritual resolve demonstrated by his church community despite increasing danger.
Themes of divine providence, spiritual resilience, and faithful witness emerge as Aweis reflects on how his faith sustained him through extraordinary trials. The interview concludes with his reflections on how the Somali church is growing and maturing in the midst of—and because of—intense persecution.
Check out these links to explore more Dr. Aweis Ali's ministry:
You won't want to miss the inspiring story of Carol, the Kenyan woman leading a ministry equipping rural pastors (Ep 10), or Professor Anwar, a convert from a strong Muslim family in Ethiopia who is now the dean of a leading seminary who runs a Master's degree program equipping men and women in ministry to Muslims (Ep 11).
In upcoming episodes you'll also meet a Kenyan leader with a passion for training biblically informed pastors and another Kenyan leading pioneer church planting ministry among Muslims. You'll also meet others from Iran, Australia, South Asia, Sudan, the Middle East, and beyond.
