Posted on 11^th January 2010

Greetings in the name of Jesus, who came that all may have life

In recent months we have requested prayer following the kidnapping on Friday 12^th June of nine foreigners in Saada, north-west Yemen, three of whom were murdered shortly afterwards. Recall that those missing are a German couple, their three children, and a British man.

We are pleased to report that a Yemeni government official has announced that the government has seen proof that the missing six are alive. Precise details have not been disclosed. However, a recent video showing the three young children has been confirmed. This has led some to speculate that the children are being held separately from the adults.

The government has given assurances that, together with German and British investigators, it is continuing to work for their release.

Christians in Yemen give praise for these signs of hope and request our continued prayers that:

a.      The missing six will know the peace and presence of Jesus and will be released unharmed shortly

b.      They will receive enough healthy food and keep warm during the cold nights

c.       If separated, the three children will be reunited with their parents soon

d.      Efforts to negotiate their release will be successful

e.      The families and colleagues of those missing and murdered will know the peace of Jesus amidst the intense uncertainty

f.        Efforts to end the violence in Saada province will be successful and the root causes addressed

g.      All expatriate Christians in Yemen will know the Lord’s guiding and protecting at this time, in particular in view of the latest AlQaeda threats

h.      The perpetrators will be convicted by the Spirit and drawn to the forgiveness, love and true life offered by Jesus.

May be circulated and quoted from freely citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information.