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Yemen

• Kidnapped Mission Worker Released

  

  On October 1st, a mission aid worker who served at the Missionaries of Charity Centre -- a residential home for the elderly in Aden, Yemen -- was released after 18 months of captivity. As Father Tom Uzhunnalil arrived at his home in the southern state of Kerala, India, he was greeted with a celebratory welcome by numerous members of his community.

  The large gathering consisted of over a dozen senior governmental leaders (representing a range of political parties), dozens of media personnel, and many exuberant Christians representing various denominations...all of whom were rejoicing over his recent release.

• Abducted Missionary's Urgent Appeal

  

  Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a mission aid worker abducted by terrorists in strife-torn Yemen, has made a recent video appeal for urgent help after getting "poor response" from governing authorities in India. The video-taped message addresses his deteriorating health and the fact that he urgently requires hospitalization.

  Originally from Kerala, India, the 58-year-old ministry worker had been captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden after the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group attacked a seniors' home run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. During the attack, gunmen stormed the 'refuge for the elderly' on March 4th, 2016, killing a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting at least 16 other employees. Foreign missionaries serving as nurses were among those killed.

• Kidnapped Mission Worker Pleas for Help

  

  Tom Uzhunnalil, a Christian missionary worker from India, was kidnapped last year during a violent attack on a Christian nursing home in Aden. On March 4th, gunmen burst into the residential facility and went from room to room, handcuffing full-time staff members and volunteers before executing 16 of them. Workers from India, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Yemen were killed.

  The facility cares for 80 poor, elderly and disabled Yemeni citizens, none of whom were physically harmed during the attack. Recently, on Christmas Day, militants released a video of Tom pleading for help and stating that he was kidnapped because he was working for "the Christian religion and the church." VOMC's previously posted report on the attack can be reviewed by going to this page.

  Pray that the Lord's presence and peace will continue to surround the abducted believer, sustaining him with a clear certainty of the Holy Spirit's presence throughout this ordeal. May Tom's dedicated life and testimony serve to reveal the power of the living God to those who are holding him captive. Thank you for joining us in praying that this mission worker's freedom will soon be granted. In addition, uphold all who are still grieving the loss of the residential workers due to the March 2016 attack. Pray that the facility will be able to continue caring for the nursing home residents -- Yemen's most vulnerable citizens -- without the threat of any further attack.

• Christian Witness in the Midst of Civil War

  

  The civil war in Yemen has created a humanitarian crisis, leaving the Christian minority vulnerable to increased persecution by various militant groups. A mission is delivering food and water supplies to a small community of Christian families who have no source of income. Nearby Muslim families are witnessing the love and unity that's taking place among these believers.

  Since the war began in early 2015, tens of thousands of people have been killed or injured, and millions displaced from their homes. Compounding the severity of the situation, the coalition's bombing campaign has been "among the deadliest and most indiscriminate in the region's recent history," according to a report by The New York Times.

  Yet, in the midst of this war-ravaged country where hatred and strife are having such catastrophic consequences, these believers are demonstrating the love of Jesus -- not only among those of their own community but also to their Muslim neighbours. Previous reports, as well as an informative three-minute video clip on Yemen, is available here.

  Praise God for the way He is working through the witness of His people who are serving as powerful examples of His compassion and loving kindness. We join them in offering thanksgiving to our Lord for making this wonderful provision of food and other necessities available. Pray that this small community of believers will continue receiving the provision in abundance so they can generously reach out to others in need by sharing what they have. May the Lord pour out His Spirit upon this nation, bringing peace and comfort to Yemen's many innocent citizens who are trying to survive in the midst of this unresolved political war.

• Attack of Christian Care Home

  On March 4th, gunmen killed at least 16 people in a horrific attack on a Christian care home in the city of Aden. The home, which provides compassionate care and ministry to its elderly and disabled residents, is operated by a Christian charity organization founded by Mother Teresa.

  The fatalities include four missionaries -- two from Rwanda, one from India, and one from Kenya -- along with several other workers, including at least five from Ethiopia. The whereabouts of the Indian pastor based at the home are unknown and a cause for concern.

  Although Aden, the Yemeni capital, was recaptured from Houthi militants by forces loyal to President Hadi last July, the country is still in the grip of lawlessness and conflict. Extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula remain at large. More information on this country, as well as previous reports, can be found here.

  Please uphold the families, friends and colleagues of those murdered in this recent attack -- including the surviving elderly and infirmed residents of the Christian care home -- asking God to provide them the comfort, presence and peace of our Lord Jesus. Also during this time of upheaval, may the remaining believers in Yemen receive His protection and guidance in every aspect of their lives and Christian witness. May the perpetrators of this horrific crime be convicted by the Holy Spirit of their grievous sin against fellow humanity and, as a result, earnestly seek God's forgiveness and the new life He offers through His Son.

• Christian Converts Martyred for their Faith

  
  Pray for the safety of
  converts from Islam.
  Photo: Flickr /
  Rod Waddington (cc)

  Three former Muslims have been killed in recent months, all of them most likely for professing their faith in Christ. While no arrests have been made, there is evidence that the crimes were religiously motivated.

  In early September, the first victim was ambushed in Taiz, southwest Yemen, and shot 15 to 20 times, presumably by a member of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). "For six months, he had been receiving death threats from AQAP members he had known personally," disclosed a source close to the victim. "His family knew of his faith for more than a decade and, although it created tensions, they never threatened his life."

  On the other hand, the second victim, who had been involved in evangelism, was shot in his home on October 2nd, leaving behind a wife and teenage son. "A lot of people didn't like the fact that he was a convert," explains a friend of the slain man, supporting the consensus that he could have been killed by a family member or another close association. In addition to being harassed for his faith by local Muslims, the second victim's house was set on fire. Referring to the evangelist's desire to reach others with the Good News of Jesus, the friend acknowledges: "He had a plan and a vision (for the lost).... We have hope that God can give these people light to see what they have done."

  Civil war has persisted in Yemen since March of 2015, bringing with it disorder, lawlessness and numerous casualties. As the violence has escalated, Christians have been increasingly targeted by militants for diverting from the societal norm of adhering to Islam. This was evident in the case of the teenage convert from Islam who had been killed recently when a RPG rocket was thrown directly towards him. "Family influence in Yemen cannot be overstated," states an informative source. "The family structure in Yemen, and in much of the Middle East, works to enforce societal norms, especially adherence to Islam." Yemen has a Muslim population of 99.9 percent and is ruled by Sharia law (Islamic law). To view a three-minute video clip, addressing the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East, please click here.

  As friends and family members mourn the loss of these slain victims, may they be inspired by their martyred loved ones' spiritual fervour and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. In fact, please join us in praying for the ongoing work of His Holy Spirit in the lives of all who knew these faithful believers -- asking that strength and encouragement be imparted to fellow Christians, and that an earnest yearning for truth will take place in the hearts of those who have yet to receive God's gift of salvation. Also, in the midst of the nation's civil unrest, may Yemeni believers facing pressure to renounce their faith be empowered to speak the truth in love, innocent citizens be comforted, and the violence and hatred of the perpetrators be diminished so that His perfect peace may have supremacy.

• Update on Abducted Foreign Aid Workers

  The Hentschel family

  In recent years, we have requested prayer for nine Christian foreigners who were kidnapped in Saada. Abducted by armed assailants in June of 2009 were Johannes and Sabine Hentschel (a German couple), along with their three young children, Simon, Lydia and Anna; Tony (a British engineer); and three young women, Rita Stumpp, Anita Gruenwald and Eom Young-sun. The six adults worked for the Dutch-based World Wide Services Foundation, an aid organization that places medical personnel in hospitals of developing countries. Early reports indicated that these Christians were likely targeted because they were suspected of being involved in evangelistic work.

• Update: Pray for missing Christians

  Continue to uphold the Hentschel family in prayer!

  December 12, 2011, marked two-and-a-half years since the kidnapping of nine foreigners in Saada, north-west Yemen, three of whom were murdered shortly afterwards (for more, click here).

  There continues to be no news of Johannes and Sabine (a German couple), Simon (their son, age 3) or of Tony (a British man). Lydia and Anna (7 and 5, daughters of Johannes and Sabine) who were freed in May 2010 are with relatives in Germany and are reported to be in good health. It is reportedly a challenge for these relatives to function as Lydia and Anna's parents in light of their unique needs and in the context of the other children in their home.

  Christians close to the situation are hopeful that the recent agreement to transfer power from President Saleh to the Vice President and the formation of a unity government may lead to the release of information about the four missing foreigners. These political changes have not yet led to much positive change in the country as a whole, and protests and violent clashes continue in many parts.

  Pray that the missing four, assuming they are alive, will know the peace, presence and daily provision of Jesus and will be released unharmed. Please pray that the families and colleagues of those missing and murdered will know the peace of Jesus amidst continuing uncertainty. Pray that the perpetrators will be convicted by the Spirit and drawn to the forgiveness, love and true life offered by Jesus.

  For more information on persecution in Yemen, go to the Yemen Country Report.

• Update: Continued prayer requested for Christians abducted

  The Hentschel family

  June 12 marked the second anniversary of the kidnapping of nine foreigners in Saada, northwest Yemen, three of whom were murdered and two of whom were freed last May (click here for more). There continues to be no news of Johannes and Sabine Hentschel, a German couple, and their young son, Simon, or of Tony, a British man. Johannes and Sabine's daughters, Lydia, 6, and Anna, 5, are currently living with relatives in Germany and reportedly in good health. It is understood that both German and British investigators have stopped the active search for the missing believers. Those close to this situation remain hopeful that those still missing are alive and ask for continued prayerful intercession on their behalf.

  Pray the status of the missing Christians will be made known. Pray that, if they are alive, they will rest in the Lord's care and soon be released unharmed. Pray the families and loved ones of those missing and murdered will know the peace of Jesus amidst continuing speculation and uncertainty. Ask God to encourage and guide Yemen's Christian minority, most of whom are foreigners working in the country who are often isolated from one another in their walk of faith.

  You can learn more about believers serving Christ at great risk in Yemen at the Yemen Country Report.

• Update: Kidnapped Christian girls rescued

  The Hentschel family

  Saudi Arabian and Yemeni security forces have rescued Lydia (6) and Anna (4) Hentschel, German sisters who were taken hostage in Yemen last June, along with their parents, brother and four other Christians (click here for more information). Security officials found the young Christians in a disputed border region between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The German foreign minister has reportedly described the sisters as in "relatively good health." They were scheduled to be transported back to Germany on May 19. There continues to be great concern about the safety and condition of the believers who remain kidnapped, including the girls' parents. It is reportedly presumed their brother, Simon (2), has died. (Source: Compass Direct)

  Pray for help and comfort for Lydia and Anna. Pray that as they heal from the terrible ordeal they have endured, they will know the Lord's love in their lives. Pray for protection and health for the other believers being held captive. Pray for strength for the loved ones of these believers in these uncertain times -- particularly amid the recent news regarding Simon.

  For more information on the plight of Christians in Yemen,click here.