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2016-10-27

  • Missionary Abducted by Unknown Assailants


    Jeff Woodke
    Photo: Jeff Woodke / Facebook via
    World Watch Monitor

    Jeff Woodke, who works for Jeunesse en Mission Entraide et Developpement, a branch of the U.S.-based organization Youth With A Mission (YWAM), was abducted from the town of Abalak in northern Niger by unknown assailants late in the evening of October 14th.

    Bilou Mohamed, the mayor of Abalak, announced that the community has "suffered a terrible tragedy" and that locals "wept with sorrow, lamenting the loss of a friend" the day after his abduction. He then spoke of the 55-year-old missionary's dedicated service: "This man has lived among us for years, even when it has been difficult to accompany vulnerable populations.... Everyone knows his goodness."

    According to Niger's interior minister, Mohamed Bazoum, a group of armed men -- believed to be from a radical Islamic group called Mujao -- burst into Jeff's home at around 9 p.m. After killing two security guards, including a member of the National Guard who was stationed there, the kidnappers took Jeff by force and drove towards eastern Mali, where Mujao has a stronghold.

    Known in Abalak for his devotion to Niger and its nomadic populations, Jeff runs several development projects among the Tuareg people, focussing on farming, health, literacy, primary school education and access to drinking water.

    Please uphold Jeff in prayer as he faces this time of uncertainty in captivity. May he experience the assuring presence of our Lord, whom we pray will surround him with an angelic wall of protection. Also lift up the missionary's concerned family, friends, colleagues and community members, asking that they be comforted and granted the "peace that surpasses all understanding" while his whereabouts are sought and his safe release pursued.
  • Christian Couple Detained Incommunicado


    Andrew and Norine Brunson
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    Turkish officials in the coastal city of Izmir detained American Christians Andrew and Norine Brunson on October 7th. Fortunately, Norine was released on October 19th, but authorities are still holding her husband incommunicado in an Izmir detention facility.

    Rev. Brunson and his wife were refused any contact with U.S. consular officials and lawyers since their detention, under Interior Ministry orders for deportation within 15 days on alleged "national security" grounds. To date, no reason for the expulsion order has been given to the couple who have lived in Turkey for over 20 years.

    Although initial attempts by members of the Izmir Resurrection Church to send personal effects to their pastor and his wife were refused by officials, during the week of October 19th parcels of fresh clothing and medicine were finally permitted. The police would not, however, allow a Bible to be given to the couple.

    It remains unclear whether Rev. Brunson will be deported or remain in custody. In the meantime, he has been transferred to the Cigli detention centre, which is situated in the northern part of Izmir. To learn more about persecution in Turkey, click here.

    Let us praise God for Norine's recent release from detention, praying that her husband will soon be reunited with her in freedom. In the meantime, may Andrew be granted opportunities to share Christ's love with his guards and fellow prisoners. Pray that once Andrew is released, the Brunsons will be able to remain in Turkey to continue with their ministry to the people of this historical land.
  • Pastor Released After Serving Six Years in Prison


    Pastor Behnam Irani

    Pastor Behnam Irani has spent the past six years behind bars serving time for "crimes against national security" -- namely, for leading a house church and sharing his faith. (To review a previous report on his case, click here.)

    It has been reported that Behnam is experiencing poor health, his existing medical issues exacerbated by the abuse he suffered at the hands of prison guards and fellow inmates. Please continue to pray for Behnam, who thankfully has been reunited with his wife and children.