It’s been three years since the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh in Malaysia.
On Monday morning, 13 February 2017, Pastor Raymond was driving his car to visit a friend’s house. He never arrived. He was stopped in Petaling Jaya, Selangor State by unknown assailants and abducted in broad daylight. He has not been seen or heard from since and his car has never been found.
The 2017 abduction wasn’t the first time the pastor had faced persecution because of his faith; he had previously received a box of bullets in the post, warning him to stop his ministry work. But the threats didn’t stop him, and in the months prior to his abduction, his wife noticed a spiritual deepening in her husband. She believes God was preparing him for the challenging time to come.
Early in 2019, Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission issued a report blaming the abductions of Pastor Raymond and others on the Special Branch of Malaysia’s police. But to date, no one has been held accountable, and Pastor Raymond’s whereabouts and condition remain unknown.
Unfortunately, this is not the only case of Christians being kidnapped in Malaysia. Pastor Joshua Hilmy, a Malay Muslim who converted to Christianity, and his Christian wife Ruth were last seen on 30 November 2016. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has said that a public enquiry into their disappearance has begun.
Source: Release International
- Intercede on behalf of Raymond and his loved ones. Remember too Joshua, Ruth and their family.
- Pray that the investigations will be taken seriously and that news of these victims will be brought to light and justice will be sought.
- Ask God to strengthen and uphold the church in Malaysia.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
‘God shall arise; his enemies shall be scattered.’ (Psalm 68:1) O God, ‘you are a Father of the fatherless and protector of widows…you settle the lonely in homes and lead out prisoners to prosperity…you go before your people.’ (Psalm 68:5-7) Rain in abundance, O Lord your grace, on these our brothers and sisters, who are suffering in Malaysia, especially Raymond, Joshua, Ruth and their families. Give courage to each one in captivity and grant them release for your name’s sake. Help their families to remain vigilant in prayer and the hope of your promises. Give your whole church in Malaysia great boldness to faithfully share the message of salvation through Christ alone.