OM is working with Somali Christian leaders to run trainings and discipleship schools in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somaliland to help believers grow in their faith and become disciples who make more disciples.  

At the start of 2026, 25 young Somali men met in Kenya for training on topics such as church planting, multiplication and face-to-face training. The participants were placed in three regional groups to receive ongoing monthly follow-ups and coaching from three mature Somali believers.

David*, an OM trainer, said, “It is very encouraging to see our Somali sisters and brothers putting into practise what they are learning. Meeting regularly in groups with local coaches makes a huge difference in terms of accountability and seeing more fruit in their ministries.” 

Challenged through training 

In 2025, OM colleagues led a three-month discipleship school in Ethiopia where 12 Somali men from all over the Horn of Africa lived and learnt together. The participants were trained in everything from servant leadership and apologetics to house church strategy and dealing with persecution.

The group came away challenged to apply what they had learnt and start Discipleship Bible Study (DBS) groups in their local communities. The discipleship school will run again in mid 2026 with another 12 participants. The team hopes a few women will apply. 

Multiplying impact 

OM leaders from the Middle East and North Africa have joined together in training groups of Somali believers in various locations across the Horn. The team runs two or three Somali trainings each year in collaboration with Somali leaders. The groups range in size from 12 to 25 people.

The impact is being felt.  

David said, “We have seen some mature Somali believers putting into practise what they are learning. We hear testimonies of participants from across the Horn who are sharing the good news more boldly, starting small discipleship groups and DBSs, even in places where there is little freedom to share or meet. 

“There is a hunger to learn more and be in fellowship with fellow Somali believers, as many are isolated from believers and receive little training or encouragement. 

“One woman who came to our training last year has a ministry to women who work on her farm. We helped her construct a building on her land that had been destroyed by religious extremists. She now has eight followers of Christ that she is discipling among the many women working on her land. She has a strong faith and love for the widow and many women who are in great need.” 

Pray for the recent trainees as they begin to disciple new believers in their communities. 

Pray for provision, protection and unity for the next discipleship training school.

*name changed