09/10/2004: UPDATE -- GFA Missionary Hostages Released
In a miraculous turn of events, three Gospel for Asia native missionaries captured yesterday in the Indian state of Bihar have been released.
Pastor Manrathan, his wife and Bible woman Sarita were severely beaten and tied to a sacred tree by an anti-Christian group. Their captors demanded a ransom of 25,000 rupees within 48 hours and threatened to kill the three Gospel workers if the full amount was not received.
While I am still waiting on the full details, I wanted to inform you of this wonderful news as soon as possible. We are so grateful for how the Lord has answered the prayers of thousands of believers worldwide.
Please continue to pray for these three native missionaries as they recover from their injuries, that they would take hold of God’s grace made so abundant during suffering such as theirs.
And let us not forget others in our family of believers who continue to face opposition, persecution, imprisonment and even death for the sake of Jesus. Our 14,000 GFA pastors and missionaries, who share His love in some of the most difficult regions of Asia, need wisdom, endurance and boldness. Ask the Lord to especially strengthen the new believers in their churches.
We will be sure to send a full report as soon as we have more information.
Posted by Valerie at September 11, 2004 04:02 PM