Missionaries of Bibles for Mideast abducted in the Middle East

Three young missionaries with Bibles for Mideast were abducted by Islamic terrorists on Tuesday, June 14 in the Middle East. Two are pastors, Stephan (32) and Samuel (29), and the third is evangelist James (30).

While on their way back from services on Sunday, the same men had been brutally attacked by a group of militants. As reported earlier, the three missionaries—themselves converts from Islam—had been simply trying to witness to someone on their way back from the services when assaulted (earlier stories here: 12 Arabs in Middle East newly-baptized! and  Bibles for Mideast missionaries brutally attacked; one in critical condition).

While in hospital the men felt ill-at-ease, sensing extremists were somehow spying on them. So, feeling unsafe, they asked medical staff to discharge them.

They then hired a cab to take them home. But before climbing in, they called Pastor Paul, Director of Bibles for Mideast, to let him know their plans, and that they should get to their destination within 45 minutes. They also informed him there were two other passengers already in the taxi (a not uncommon practice since taxis in the area often carry unrelated passengers travelling to nearby destinations, who pay their own separate charges).

But they never got home. The taxi turned out to be one of too many ‘imposter taxis’ in the district, and the driver and other passengers in fact terrorists. The whereabouts and health of the missionaries is unknown.

Please pray for the abducted missionaries, their families, all the workers and gospel teams of the Bibles for Mideast, our associated house churches and the many new converts—especially those from Islam.

Also pray for the attackers and abductors: that they would confess their sins and experience salvation by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. “Jesus gave His life as a  ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). He is able to make any terrorist His witness!

Three months ago, a volunteer missionary with Bibles for Mideast was abducted by terrorists in Libya. Please pray for him and his family as we still have no news from the authorities.

With the leaders of many ministries in the region, Bibles for Mideast leadership firmly believes millions will be added to the Church in the next few years. Spiritual hunger, disillusionment with the Islamic regime, miracles and of course Jesus himself all work together, buoyed and powered by prayer, to make this possible.

We don’t fear death or persecution. 

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21)
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you, when man shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matt. 5:10-12)

We have a great hope in our risen Lord Jesus Christ!

“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” (1 Thess 4:16)
“‘Yes!’ Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life; whoever believes in me, though dead, yet shall live.’” (John 11:25)

Call to 100 hours prayer and fasting: Please join with us!

Bibles for Mideast has declared and begun 100 hours fasting and prayer for our Lord’s will to be done with our missionaries abducted by terrorists in the Middle East.

All of our Board members, all from our gospel teams and house churches are participating. We will only have pure water until the 100 days are over.

We are asking our prayer partners and other children of God around the globe to join us in this time of prayer and fasting in whatever way possible, partially or fully.

Please pray especially for: 
•    the release of missionaries Stephan, Samuel, James, Reji Joseph (abducted in Libya), Father Tom Uzhunnalil (abducted in Yemen), and each and every Christian in captivity around the world
•    the Lord’s mighty protection for persecuted Christians
•    Christian ministries around the globe to be fruitful
•    the salvation of Muslims and those of other faiths
•    the cessation of terrorist activities and for the conversion of terrorists
•    the purification of God’s people
•     peace on earth
•    grace and strength for those participating in the fast

+++++++

EXCITING UPDATE: Abducted missionaries miraculously rescued from terrorists in Middle East!