One Hundred Days Of Searching For Pastor Koh
Tuesday, May 23, marked 100 days since the Feb. 13th abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh near his home in Petaling Jaya, West Malaysia. Investigations by the police on his whereabouts have been frustrating for the family as authorities are more focused on his alleged criminal activities of attempting to convert Muslim teenagers to Christianity in the northern state of Perlis. Malaysian laws prohibit the proselytizing of Muslims.
Koh’s wife Susanna Liew said, “Despite public speculation and suspicion against the authorities, until April 6, I still appealed to Malaysians to give the police space to conduct their investigations. However, this trust in them has been in vain. I was shocked and disappointed when I read the IGP’s (Inspector General of Police) words as quoted in Berita Harian (a local newspaper). ‘The victim is now being investigated? How will this help find him and bring his abductors to justice?”
Later, several civil society groups formed CAGED (Citizen Action Group on Enforced Disappearance) to seek international help to pressure the Malaysian government into providing answers to the disappearance of Raymond and three others—MBB pastor Hilmy Nor and wife, Ruth, with social activist Amir Che Mat—who all have gone missing in the past six months.
Recently, a prayer meeting was held to remember Raymond Koh’s 100 days of disappearance. A close family friend shared, “We are coming to terms that he may possibly be dead. The family have members have told me that in their hearts, they continue to hope that he is alive. But in their heads, they have come to accept that he is with the Lord, happy and joyful!”
Susanna also shared, “Throughout this event, I received much support from Christians and non-Christians alike. At candlelight vigils for Raymond, many are asking others, ‘Why are you here praying for someone you do not know?’ They would answer that if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices. That is Christian love!”
Father, we do pray for Pastor Koh and for Pastor Hilmy, Ruth and Amir. We don’t know where they are, but You do. We fear for their lives, for their suffering. But whether they are in earthly captivity or have been drawn to glory, You are there with them. Thank You for that comfort. We pray over the fear and sorrow of their loved ones, that You might turn their eyes from the storm that surrounds them to gaze into Your eyes of compassion and strength. Comfort them, Father. If those abducted are still on this earth, we pray for their return to their families soon. As they seek answers through local and international activist groups, we pray for the protection of Ps Koh’s family, for his wife Susanna and for their children Jonathan, Esther and Elizabeth. Give them sufficient grace and discernment for every situation they encounter. And may Your incomprehensible love fill them. In the name of Jesus
“who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). Amen.
Source: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/take-action/pray/one-hundred-days-searching-pastor-koh/
