Brutal persecution by Muslim extremists has ranked the Christian-majority nation of Mozambique one of the most dangerous in the world for followers of Jesus, mainly due to Islamic State Mozambique (ISM), which has vowed to murder all Christians and Jews who do not convert to Islam. The northern region of Cabo Delgado has been racked with violence over the past five years, with more than 4,000 people dead and close to a million displaced due to infighting between ISM and government forces.
Ten months ago, missionary pilot Ryan Koher and two South African volunteers were detained while packing his plane to take vitamins and other needed supplies to orphanages in Cabo Delgado. They have not been formally charged, but the three men spent the first four months in jail. Then, in mid-March, they received a provisional release; their case is still ongoing, but they are allowed to live at home, as long as they don’t leave the country. Until November, Ryan’s wife Annabel and two preschool are allowed to live with him at their home in Nampula.
Here is the latest update on Ryan’s case:
Incremental steps have been taken on Ryan’s case, with the U.S. government providing the requested information to the government of Mozambique. The letter was received by the Mozambican Attorney General late last week and is working its way through the channels of the judicial system. It is unknown as to what the process is or length of time it will take to know if there is an impact on the outcome of the investigation. Ryan and Annabel were able to have a positive meeting with a U.S. Embassy representative concerning the matter.
MAF has asked Ryan’s attorney to confirm that Ryan can work while the investigation continues. He would not be able to fly an airplane, but there are other duties he could perform in the meantime.
Please pray that the investigation will end very soon, and the Kohers will be free to travel and move forward with their work and lives. Pray also for their immigration process that is complicated by the need to renew Ryan’s work permit.
Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for Ryan and Annabel.
Missionary Aviation Fellowship press release, September 1
Lord, thank You for the way You sustained Ryan, W.J. and Eric during their imprisonment. Thank You also for the way You used them to encourage other prisoners and share about Your love. And thank You for this gift of Ryan’s family being together once again after so many months apart. Please give the three men favor with authorities and bring forth a full release, with their case completely dropped, no charges and no trial. Please also grant them permission to work as they wait, and quickly and smoothly provide for them the visas they need. Please also open the way for Annabel and the boys’ visas to be renewed so they can remain in Mozambique with Ryan. Use all of these faithful servants any way You desire for Your glory. May all who meet them or hear of their story feel drawn to You because of their love for the people of Mozambique and their kindness, forgiveness, joy and peace. We ask You also, Lord, to bring an end to the violence. Protect the children, the women, the elderly, the Christians, the Jews and every person evil men have targeted for harm. Visit Muslim extremists in their dreams and lift the veil from their eyes so they will see who You truly are. Convict them of their horrendous sins and show them Jesus is the only Truth. Give them courage to lay down their weapons and choose the One who is Love as their Lord instead. Surround every Christian with Your angel armies and keep them safe from harm in such dramatic and miraculous ways their persecutors will fall to their knees in fear of the Lord, see the love, peace, joy and forgiveness on the faces of those who follow You, and choose LIFE instead of violence and death. Awaken Mozambique to You, O Lord. May Your Kingdom come to every household and heart.
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through giving a donation, shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, praying for them or inviting them to speak at your church, retreat or other event, click the buttons below:
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