Praying for Missionary Pilot Imprisoned in Mozambique
Ryan and Annabel Koher with their sons in Mozambique, working for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). (Photo: by Mission Aviation Fellowship )
(Voice of the Persecuted) You are invited to join us on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in a prayer conference call for the persecuted church hosted by Persecution Watch.
On November 4, 2022, Ryan Koher, serving with Idaho-based Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), a Christian missionary group working in several African countries, was to fly vitamins to help maintain health and bodily function and other supplies to church-run orphanages in the Montepuez district in the Cabo Delgado Province in the north.
However, Ryan was wrongfully detained on an accusation of supporting terrorism, along with two South African volunteers, 77-year-old W. J. du Plessis and 69-year-old Eric Dry, in Inhambane, a coastal city in the south. Authorities prevented the supplies being loaded on Koher’s aircraft and detained the three men. Later, Koher was moved to a maximum security prison in Maputo Province, southern Mozambique.
David Holsten, president and CEO of MAF, said Koher was innocent and called on the Mozambican authorities to release Ryan so that he can be reunited with his wife and two sons before Christmas.
“I urge Christians around the world to pray for Ryan’s safety and swift release, and call on those in power both in Mozambique and here in the US to do everything they can to resolve this wrongful detainment. Ryan is a caring and gentle individual. Over the last couple of years, he and his wife have worked hard to learn the language and culture of Mozambique to better serve those who rely on our service.”
A faith filled video from Anabel, Ryan’s wife can be viewed here.
MAF Update March 14, 2023—provisional release
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) confirmed that pilot Ryan Koher, along with W. J. du Plessis and Eric Dry, had been granted a provisional release from prison in Mozambique. MAF said Koher and the two South African men had been released from detention but were ordered to remain in Mozambique as the case is still ongoing.
MAF Update March 22, 2023
Ryan has been enjoying his newfound freedom this past week and he shared a message with his coworkers that we want to share with you.
MAF Update March 29, 2023—reunited with family
Annabel, Elias, and Hezekiah were happily reunited with Ryan after nearly five months of separation.
His wife stated, “We were so grateful for all the prayers!”
Once resettled at their home in Nampula, dinner was brought in for the family to enjoy.
Earlier in the day, Ryan had his first check-in under the requirements of the provisional release. He will be required to report at regular intervals to authorities in Nampula. Ryan’s lawyer is continuing to monitor the case and waiting for the prosecutor to conclude the investigation.
April 14, 2023
Ryan, is checking in with officials as required by his provisional release. The legal process is ongoing and it is unknown at this time when it will be completed.
- Please continue to pray that the case will be dropped and Ryan will be free from any prosecution. Also pray that Ryan and Annabel continue to trust in the Lord through this time of uncertainty about the outcome of the case.
MAF Update for April 28, 2023
Mission Network News (MNN) interviews MAF President and CEO, David Holsten, on the status of Ryan Koher, MAF’s pilot on provisional release from prison in Mozambique.
Holsten talks about his conversation with Ryan, when the case might conclude, and asks believers to continue to pray for Ryan and “that he’d be cleared of any charges.”
The full interview can be read at MNN here.
MAF Update May 18, 2023
Ryan and Annabel remain in Nampula and wanted to share this video update.
MAF shared, they are still waiting for the investigation to conclude. As they have asked, please continue to pray for them and a positive outcome in this case.
“We trust in the Lord to remove all obstacles in the path to Ryan’s freedom.“
MAF Update for May 30, 2023
Please pray as the waiting continues for Ryan Koher and his family. As you know, Ryan and two orphanage volunteers were detained November 4 when police officers confiscated the load of supplies that Ryan was to fly to northern Mozambique. The three were detained in prison for four months before a provisional release was granted in early March.
Ryan’s legal counsel in Mozambique continues to press for the investigation to conclude and for Ryan’s full release. Ryan’s current provisional release requires him to check in every 15 days with authorities and he is unable to leave the country. Ryan, Annabel, and their boys are presently at their home in Nampula, Mozambique.
In an answer to prayer, visas were secured for Annabel and the boys to stay in Mozambique until early November.
- Please pray for peace and strength for Ryan and Annabel as the case drags on.
- Pray that the case is resolved soon and that Ryan and the orphanage volunteers are freed from any further legal concerns.
MAF Update for June 30, 2023
Ryan and Annabel continue to wait on the outcome of the case against him and the two South Africans. His attorney is in regular contact with officials overseeing the investigation and continues to work towards a resolution of the case.
Mission Network News (MNN) recently did an interview with Ryan and Annabel that is in two parts. This story is made available to Christian media outlets, including radio stations, around the U.S.
You can read the first part of the interview here. In the 4–5-minute audio broadcast link Ryan and Annabel’s comments are heard in the first minute and thirty seconds of the audio.
The second part is here, and their remarks start at the 1:48 mark in the 4-5-minute audio broadcast link.
MAF Update for July 24, 2023
Please continue to pray for Ryan and Annabel as they wait on the outcome of his case. Although there’s no news yet, they find encouragement in the ongoing activity, as mentioned in their upcoming prayer letter.
“We were hoping that this prayer letter would contain news of Ryan’s ability to travel back to the U.S., but God’s ways are not our ways. We trust in Him and rest in that His plan is good. The investigation is still ongoing, and Mozambican officials have requested information from the U.S. government (about MAF).
“Ryan is still unable to travel outside of Mozambique at this time. We have been blessed with visas for the boys and me to remain in Mozambique through the beginning of November. We pray Ryan will be free by then and be able to travel back to the U.S. with us before then.
“Many have asked about Ryan’s inability to fly at this time. Due to his work visa having expired during his time in prison and his lack of passport on hand to renew the visa, Ryan is unable to do any official work, including flying and maintaining the planes.”
The Mozambican government’s request for information about MAF is viewed as a positive step. However, this process is moving at a slow pace. In the meantime, Ryan’s lawyer is pursuing legal possibilities for him to travel to the U.S.
While the Lord has been meeting the needs of Ryan and Annabel, it is time to lift them to the Lord through community prayer and fasting. We are inviting everyone to participate in a period of prayer and fasting on Thursday, July 27.
Mission Aviation Fellowship’s headquarters will utilize the lunch hour for a time of corporate prayer on behalf of Ryan and Annabel. You are encouraged to find an appropriate time to lift up the Koher family in prayer, as well as fasting if you choose.
MAF Update as of August 11, 2023
Ryan and Annabel continue their wait upon the Lord for movement in the legal process regarding his case. While they wait, a happy family moment occurred when they moved into their new home in Mozambique the week of August 7.
For many years, staff housing consisted of rental homes in the area. Continued increases in rent, limited ability to make improvements, poor security, and the spread out nature of the housing caused MAF to build staff housing on property they owned.
In addition to three new homes, there is a new water system and electrical improvements, along with fencing for security. There is enough space for families to have room, yet able to visit one another with a short walk.
“We are all moved into our house, which we’re calling the Selah House. Our prayer is that this will be a home where we will Rest in the Lord, Reflect Him, Reflect on His Word, & Remember the testimonies of all He has done.
“We’re so thankful for all of the help from our team & national stuff. They moved all of our belongings, set up beds & mosquito nets, set up all appliances, & hung curtains in an hour and a half! What a blessing! We are very grateful for your prayers and fasting as we continue to walk through this season.”
We praise the Lord for this blessing to the Koher family in a difficult time. Please continue to pray for the Koher family and the orphanage volunteers, Willem and Eric, and that the case would be dismissed and free them from this lengthy investigation.
We thank the Lord for your prayers that have helped sustain Ryan and Annabel during this very long process. If you would like to send them a message of support, you can send it to through prayforpilotryan@maf.org.
Every week, we have been praying for these dear ones since Ryan’s detainment. It’s a blessing to receive updates and see God’s hand on them. Please join us on tonight’s prayer conference call as we lift them up to the Lord and pray for complete vindication.
Again, we want to lift-up these persecuted witnesses to the Lord:
- Leah Sharibu, a prisoner of Boko Haram since 2018. Pray for her release.
- Alice Loksha Ngaddah, kidnapped February 2019. She is a mother of two, working as a nurse for UNICEF. Pray for her release.
- Pastor Wang Yi to be released from prison, for his family and for the church.
- Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani from Iran, as he and his family are adjusting from his release from prison, that they may know what God’s will is for them now. Pray for the trauma they had to endure. UPDATE: According to Article 18, once sentenced to death for his “apostasy” has been “pardoned” and released after nearly five years in Tehran’s Evin Prison, but told Nadarkhani that he still faces flogging (30 lashes) and two years’ exile 2,000km from his home. Read the report here
- The Harvest: “ 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
In the shadow of His Cross,
Nadia Dybvik, Persecution Watch Prayer Conference Call Leader
Prayer Conference Call Details
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
From any location on your phone
USA Time Zone:
9:00 PM Eastern
8:00 PM Central
7:00 PM Mountain
6:00 PM Pacific
Call in number: (667) 770-1476
Access Code: 281207#
MOBILE APP: Free Conference Call HD also provides a quick and easy way for you to dial into conference calls without having to remember the dial-in credentials. Save all your conference call dial-in numbers and access codes using this free app. With the Free Conference Call HD you can instantly dial into a conference call via 3G/4G data network and or regular mobile carrier. Google Play link or App Store – iTunes
If you are experiencing any difficulties joining the call, please let us know.
What is Persecution Watch?
Persecution Watch is a U.S. national prayer conference call ministry that prays specifically for the global Persecuted Church. For over a decade, Blaine Scogin led this national network of believers who faithfully pray for the persecuted and the global harvest for the Kingdom of God. The group meets via a free call-in service every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night at 9pm Eastern time in the United States (please check your time zone). Blaine also served as Prayer Director for Voice of the Persecuted, and the missions’ became one. Brother Blaine passed into glory on December 26, 2019. It was truly a blessing for all of us to serve alongside this dear man of God and he will be greatly missed. The prayer mission of Persecution Watch remains an important part of our mission. Voice of the Persecuted is committed to continue the prayer conference call for the persecuted along with the dedicated Persecution Watch prayer warrior team.
Prior to the passing of Brother Blaine, he confirmed the passing of the torch as prayer conference call leader to Nadia Dybvik. Nadia has a burdened heart for the persecuted and is a prayer warrior standing in the gap for them. She joined the Persecution Watch prayer team in 2013 and has been part of the core ever since. Before becoming the prayer call leader, she served in the role of prayer moderator since 2015. Blaine chose Nadia for her faithfulness to pray for the persecuted and her strong commitment to the Persecution Watch mission. We are blessed not only with her gift of prayer, but her genuine love for every brother and sister in Christ that comes on the call to pray. May the Lord continue to bless Nadia and the prayer team in the mission and their personal lives.
“Pray for us” is the number one request that we hear from the persecuted. As the members of the first century Church was moved by the Holy Spirit to pray, we too must continue to serve those suffering persecution by lifting them up to the Lord through prayer.
On occasion, persecuted brothers and sisters have been invited to the conference call and share the trials they are facing. The team serves to encourage them by washing their feet in Spirit led prayer. Time is often reserved for those on the call to ask questions. We believe this helps to gain a better understanding of the situation that persecuted Christians endure in their specific nations. Q&A also helps us to focus our prayers based on their current needs.
Persecution Watch also hosts callers who want to pray united from other nations. If your heart is perplexed by the sufferings of our persecuted brothers and sisters, you no longer need to pray alone.
We welcome all who desire to pray for the persecuted church and consider it a joy to pray together with you. If you are new to the call and cannot find your voice, listen in and pray silently or mute. We are grateful and thank the Lord for bringing us all together to pray in agreement for our persecuted family in Christ. We can all be prayer warriors on this call!
God bless and protect you in your faithfulness to serve.
Lois Kanalos, Founder, Voice of the Persecuted, Nadia Dybvik, Persecution Watch Prayer Call Leader, and the Persecution Watch Prayer Team
NOTE: Please fill out the form in the sign up at link below to be included in our distribution list to receive urgent prayer requests, prayer points, notification of special prayer events and special guest speakers.
Note to Voice of the Persecuted (VOP) readers: The Persecution Watch prayer team is also the prayer team of Voice of the Persecuted. SIGN UP today.
‘Church in Chains’ – You are My fine jewel sparkling for all to see
Church In Chains by Jessie Campbell
Write A Letter To Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death in Pakistan
Mother of five, Asia Bibi with two of her children
Asia Bibi, is a Pakistani Christian woman who was convicted of blasphemy by a Pakistani court, receiving a sentence of death by hanging. In June 2009, she was involved in an argument with a group of Muslim women with whom she had been harvesting berries after the other women became angry at her for drinking the same water as them. The woman considered the well defiled after Bibi drank from it because she was a Christian. She was subsequently accused of insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad, a charge she denies, and was arrested and imprisoned. In November 2010, a Sheikhupura judge sentenced her to death. If executed, Bibi would be the first woman in Pakistan to be lawfully killed for blasphemy.
The verdict, which was reached in a district court and would need to be upheld by a superior court, has received worldwide attention. Multiple petitions have called for the charges against her to be dismissed. She received less sympathy from her neighbors and Islamic religious leaders in the country, some of whom adamantly called for her to be executed. Christian minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti and Pakistani government politician Salmaan Taseer were both killed for advocating on her behalf and opposing the often misused blasphemy laws. Asia’s family has gone into hiding due to receiving death threats and has voiced concerns that she could be killed by extremists if released from prison.
Show your support for this Christian sister by writing a letter to give her encouragement to endure. And please remember to keep Asia and her family in your prayers.
Letters will be screened by Voice of the Persecuted advocates for Asia’s protection.
“Facing Insurmountable Spiritual Warfare” Inspired By Faith Of The Abidini’s
Julie, IA, USA
Pastor Saeed and his wife, Naghmeh Abedini have been facing insurmountable spiritual warfare because of their Love for God. I hope and pray that myself and each one of us can stand in the face of evil and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord!
____________________________________________________
We must press in and rely on God for all thing in our lives—trusting in Him with no limits. Focusing our attention solely on Him. We must also pray for the lost to be found in Christ. May we boldly go forth sharing the Gospel of love and truth and may they accept it with open minds and hearts. May we being living sacrifices so that our faith, love and testimonies point them to the Lord. May all the glory and praise go to our Father in Heaven. IN FAITH, KEEP PRAYING AND TRUSTING. Thank you for stepping out of the ‘comfort zone’ to support the persecuted. God bless you, sister!
VOP Project Team
Young Believer Inspired To Pray By Faith of Abedini’s
Evelyn (Columbus, MS)
Dear Saeed Abedini,
My name is Evelyn, I am 11 years old. My family and I pray for you every day. We pray for your wife and children too. Sometimes I think how it would feel for my dad to be in prison, I would feel very sad.
This time is a time for you and your family to trust in the Lord Jesus, and for me to trust that the Lord will deliver you from this time by setting you free or taking you to be with him in his perfect heaven. I will keep praying for you and your family. I can’t wait to see you in heaven!!!!!!!!!
________________________________
Thank you, Evelyn for sharing your prayers and letting the Abedini’s know that you care for them.
Trusting in God can be very hard for us. But HE knows the end from the beginning and goes with us through the storm. Though in our human ability it may be hard to understand, God must have a very good reason for allowing Pastor Saeed to remain in prison.
God knows Saeed will be faithful to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with prisoners who don’t know Jesus. HE is making a way for them to be found in Christ; not wanting any to perish. Hallelujah!
Together, we will keep praying for Pastor Saeed to be released and reunited with his family very soon. We must remember that our Father in Heaven loves us very much. And that HE is a sovereign God in control of all things—even in a prison cell.
To the glory of God, keep trusting in the Lord with all your heart and He will guide your path wherever He takes you.
God bless you, dear sister.
Lois Kanalos, Founder/Advocate
Join in this project to let the Abedini’s know how they have inspired or renewed your faith. Each testimony will be a source of encouragement to them and the Body of Christ. When the family is reunited, we will gather the stories to be published in a book and presented to them as an appreciation for their steadfast faith. Together, we will be able to provide a little insight into how God has worked through them to be a blessing to more than they realize. Add your testimony below. If your church has been active in praying for this persecuted family, inform them of this special mission so they too can share their thoughts and be an encouragement.
Be encouraged, view submitted testimonies HERE
Comfort For Persecuted Christians Facing Death
By Corrie Ten Boom
Several years ago I was in Africa in a little country where an enemy had taken over the government. There was great oppression against the Christians by the new government. The first night I was there some of the native Christians were commanded to come to the police station to be registered. When they arrived they were arrested and during the night they were secretly executed. The next day the same thing happened with other Christians. The third day it was the same. By that time the entire district realized that the Christians were being systematically murdered. It was the intent of the new government to eradicate them all – men, women, and children – much as Hitler tried to eradicate all the Jews.
I was to speak in a little church on Sunday morning. The people came, but I could see fear and tension written on every face. All durning the service they looked at each other, their eyes asking the same questions: “Will this one I am sitting beside be the next one to be killed? Will I be the nextone?”
I looked out on that congregation of black and white faces. The room was hot and stuffy. Moths and other insects came through the screenlesswindows and swirled around the naked light bulbs hanging over the bare, wooden benches upon which the natives sat. They were all looking at me, expecting, hoping, that I could bring them a word from God for this tragic hour.
I opened my Bible and read 1 Peter 4:12-14 [Phillips]. “And now, dear friends of mine, I beg you not to be unduly alarmed at the fiery ordeals which come to test your faith, as though this were some abnormal experience. You should be glad, because it means you are called to share Christ’s sufferings. One day, when he shows himself in full splendor to men, you will be filled with the most tremendous joy. If you are reproached for being Christ’s followers, that is a great privilege, for you can be sure that God’s Spirit of glory is resting upon you.”
I closed the Book and began to talk, simply, as an aunt would talk to her nieces and nephews. “When I was a little girl,” I said, “I went to my father and said, ‘Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ.’
“‘Tell me,’ Father said, ‘when you take a train trip from Haarlem to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?’
“‘No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get tothe train.’
“‘That is right,’ my father said, ‘and so it is with God’s strength. Our wise Father in heaven knows when you are going to need things too. Today you do not need the strength to be a martyr; but as soon as you are called upon for the honor of facing death for Jesus, He will supply the strength you need – just in time.'”
I looked out at my African friends. Many of them had already lost loved ones to the firing squad or the headsman’s axe. I knew that others would surely die that week. They were listening intently.
“I took great comfort in my father’s advice,” I said. “Later I had to suffer for Jesus in a concentration camp. He gave me all the courage and power I needed.”
My African friends were nodding seriously. They, too, believed God would supply all their needs, even the power to face death bravely.
“Tell us more, Tante Corrie,” one grizzled old man said. It was as though they were storing up all the truth they could so they could draw on it in the day of trial.
I told them of an incident that had taken place in the concentration camp at Ravensburck. “A group of my fellow prisoners had approached me, asking me to tell them some Bible stories. In the concentration camp the guards called the Bible “das Lugenbuch” – the book of lies. Cruel death punishment had been promised for any prisoner who was found possessing a Bible or talking about the Lord. However, I went to my little cot, found my Bible, and returned to the group of prisoners.
“Suddenly I was aware of a figure behind me. One of the prisoners formed the words with her lips, ‘Hide your Bible. It’s Lony.’ I knew Lony well. She was one of the most cruel of all the “aufseherinen” – the women guards. However, I knew that I had to obey God who had guided me so clearly to bring a Bible message to the prisoners that morning. Lony remained motionless behind me while I finished my teaching and then I said, ‘Let’s now sing a hymn of praise.’
“I could see the worried, anxious looks on the faces of the prisoners. Before it had been only me speaking. Now they, too, were going to have to use their mouths to sing. But I felt God wanted us to be bold, even in the face of the enemy. So – we sang.
“When the hymn was finished I heard a voice behind me. ‘Another song like that one,’ she said. It was Lony. She had enjoyed the singing and wanted to hear more. The prisoners took heart and we sang again – and again. Afterwards I went to her and spoke to her about the Lord Jesus Christ. Strangely, her behavior began to change until, in a crude sort of way, she became a friend.”
I finished my story and stood silently while the words took their effect on my African friends. “Let me tell you what I learned from that experience,” I told them. “I knew that every word I said could mean death. Yet never before had I felt such peace and joy in my heart as while I was giving the Bible message in the presence of mine enemy. God gave me the grace and the power I needed – the money for the train ticket arrived just the moment I was to step on the train.”
The faces before me broke into broad grins. Gone were the wrinkles of fear and anxiety. Once again their eyes were flashing with joy and their hearts were filled with peace. I closed the service by reading a poem of Amy Carmichael.
We follow a scarred Captain,
Should we not have scars?
Under His faultless orders,
We follow to the wars,
Lest we forget, Lord, when we meet,
Show us Thy hands and feet.
The meeting was over and the Africans stood to leave. Then softly, in the back of the room, someone began singing an old gospel song.
There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar.
For the Father waits over the way,
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore,
In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.
I don’t know how many were killed that week, but someone told me that more than half those who had attended the service met a martyr’s death – and thus received a martyr’s crown. But I know that God’s Spirit of glory had been resting upon them.
Excerpt from Corrie Ten Boom’s book: Tramp For The Lord. Also read of Corrie Ten Boom’s experiences in a Nazi concentration camp in The Hiding Place.
Posted with permission with many thanks to Glenn
http://www.free-bible-study-lessons.com/persecuted-Christians.html
VOICE OF THE PERSECUTED 