A Finnish mission aid worker who was held hostage for nearly four months was freed on September 14th. The unnamed woman had been studying the Dari language in preparation for her first assignment when she was kidnapped from an international guesthouse in Kabul. The guesthouse -- which was attacked on May 20th -- was run by her employer, Operation Mercy. During the attack, a German female colleague and an Afghan guard were killed. Thus far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, nor for holding the Finnish worker hostage. (A previous report on the attack is available here.)
The slain German worker, who had served in Afghanistan for 13 years, headed a literacy project. According to the Swedish-based organization, "Both (mission workers) were experienced and had a deep desire to serve the people of Afghanistan." While saddened by the loss of the two lives, we are greatly encouraged by the release of the Finnish missionary. Our prayer is that this surviving mission aid worker will continue to be strengthened so she can overcome the difficult ordeal and be able to face the days ahead with renewed hope.
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