Naming Ceremony

Erica holding baby "Abdullahi Lucky Jacob".

In Somali culture, a newborn baby is traditionally kept indoors for forty days. On the fortieth day, the family will invite a family friend to carry the baby over the threshold and into the sunlight. They believe that the child will take on the character and follow in the footsteps of the person who carries the baby out of the home.

Today Erica had the honour of carrying the newborn baby of our friends, the Azizs, out of their Eastleigh apartment and into a bright sunny morning. Erica was also asked to give the baby his third name (Somalis typically have three names): His first name Abdullahi means "servant of God"; his second name Lucky is in reference to his fortunate birth and his mother's remarkable recovery after losing so much blood that she nearly died; and finally Erica gave him the Biblical name Jacob after the father of the the twelve sons of Israel. Muslims believe that Jacob was a man of might and vision and was chosen by God to preach His message. The Qur'an stresses that worshiping and bowing to the One true God was the main legacy of Jacob. Interestingly, according to the Qur'an, salvation hinges upon this legacy. (Qur'an 2:130-141).

It was a very special day to share with our friends. We pray for baby Jacob and his family that God would cover them in His blessing and His mighty love.

The Aziz's with six of their ten children in their Eastleigh home.