Editor’s Note: The following is an interview with “Rebekah,” a missionary whom International Christian Concern (ICC) supports in Somaliland, where sharing the gospel is extremely difficult and dangerous. Some details have been altered or omitted to protect her.

Your generous gifts to our ministry help her and other bold, courageous missionaries share the gospel in places where it faces intense opposition.

Where are you from originally?                                                                                                                       

I am Kenyan, from western Kenya. I was, however, born and raised on the coast because that is where my parents lived and worked. Growing up, I moved around different cities for school. 

When did you become a Christian?                                                   

I became a Christian in my second year of high school. My class teacher shared the gospel with me in primary school, but I finally gave my life to Christ three years later. 

How long have you been a missionary in Somaliland?  

I arrived in Somaliland on Nov. 21, 2021. I have been there for four years and eight months. 

Are you there on your own or with a team? 

I am not on my own. I work with a team. Currently, we have four couples on my team with seven children total. I am not married. Other teams in the country from different sending organizations also fellowship with us.  

What led you to go to Somaliland specifically?  

It was an open door that the Lord placed in front of me. I was already working with Somalis in northern Kenya. I had served among them for seven years when I met someone working in the Horn of Africa, and he shared the burden and the need. They were praying to the Lord to form a team to pioneer the work on the coast of Somaliland. I planned a visit, and the Lord burdened my heart for this land and its people.  

What are some of the challenges you face as a missionary there? 

The biggest challenge is not being able to freely share the gospel. It is against the law of the land. It takes lots of time building trust and friendships before being free to share the gospel in its entirety. The other challenge is that, as a single woman, I can mostly only reach fellow women and children. The women, however, are so guarded, under a male authority (a husband, father, or brother). Every move they make they are monitored. Once they find out I am a Christian, our interactions are usually limited.  

Spiritual warfare is a daily reality. So many people are demon-possessed, and we meet them in our classes as we teach, in our homes as we host them, and in our neighborhoods. We are in constant spiritual battle, and that makes it tough.  

How would you compare Somaliland to Somalia? What are the differences and similarities?  

Both of them have similar people groups but different clans. The different clans are always in conflict with each other. They are both hostile to the preaching of the gospel, and one needs a credible identity to serve in both countries.  

The difference is that Somalia is a recognized country, while Somaliland is not. Thus, Somaliland seems to have a more open door for believers than Somalia. Because it’s not recognized, Somaliland does not have most embassies in its country, and thus, many people fear investing in or staying here. Hence, it is a very poor country, as it cannot trade internationally. Somaliland, however, is more peaceful and does not have an al-Shabab presence or threats. 

How have you seen the Lord working there? 

Yes. The Lord is at work. I have seen Somalis come to faith and receive healing in Jesus’ name. They are being delivered from demons and from the power of the evil one. I have also seen the Lord provide for my every need.  

What does it mean to be a Christian in Somaliland?  

It means going against your community and family. It means you are now an outsider — that you have brought shame to your family and, by law, they have every right to remove that shame from themselves by putting you in prison, disowning you, or killing you.  

How are they persecuted and what challenges do they face there? 

They are disowned by their families, thrown in jail, and sometimes it goes to the extent of them losing their lives. Many have had to flee their own homes and are disconnected from their families.  

How many people have you led to Christ? 

By God’s grace, one. So many people had been sharing with her for a long time, even before my arrival in the country. It was a privilege to lead her to Christ and witness her baptism.  

Have you experienced persecution yourself? 

Yes. I was once held in jail for a few hours on charges of sharing the gospel, but they did not have enough evidence, and the head of the institution where I volunteer came and got me out. I have also lost friends after my first attempt to share the gospel with them. Renewing my work visas has also been a challenge, and every time they renew them, I praise the Lord.  

How did persecution affect your faith? 

My faith has continually been tested, but it has also been strengthened. Sometimes I have doubted, but every time the Lord has always made a way and provided sufficient grace, day by day.  

Although it is challenging work, how has it been rewarding? 

To see God at work, even in the darkest of places, and see people excited when hearing the gospel for the first time, and wanting to know more.  

What is the best part of your work? 

Relating to people and being involved in their lives. Getting to sit down and read from God’s Word. I also enjoy learning the language and culture.  

What does ICC’s support mean to you? How has it helped further God’s kingdom? 

It has helped immensely, and I am deeply thankful for your support. The cost of living is quite high in this land, and your support has enabled me to take more language classes and host people at my house for dinners and the reading of the Word. Initially, I could only afford one class a week, but with your support, I could pay for two more, which has helped me make immense progress in learning the language. Learning the language is helping me share the gospel with those who do not understand English.  

How can people pray for you and for Somaliland?  

Pray for their salvation. Many are seeking truth, especially in this era of social media; many encounter the gospel online and begin asking questions. Pray for freedom of religion in the country, for the people to have the rights and freedom to worship God without fear.  

Pray for courage and boldness for the believers, and that they will not deny Christ when faced with persecution. Pray that they will be bold to share their faith with their families and friends. Pray for more laborers. The work is a lot, and the laborers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send in more hands.  

Anything else you’d like to say? 

I am greatly encouraged by your prayers and support. There is hope for the Somali people, and I believe one day praises will rise to the One True God from their mosques. There are four ladies I am currently reading with. You can pray for them, too.  

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email us. To support ICC’s work around the world, please give to our Where Most Needed Fund.