Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: February 13, 2020
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ (Psalm 91:1-2)
The psalmist wrote these verses in absolute confidence in his God. He had reason to believe that God shelters those who put their trust in him – and what’s more, that God will always prove the truth of his name ‘the Almighty’. This week, pray this verse over Pastor Raymond Koh and his family.
Four years ago today, Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted from his car in broad daylight in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Since that day, his wife Susannah and their children have searched for answers – but without success.
The police investigation focused not on Pastor Koh’s disappearance, but on his alleged attempts to convert unnamed Muslim teenagers to Christianity. The law forbids proselytising of Muslims. The constitution declares that ‘Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony.’ State and federal governments have the power to ‘control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.’
‘In faith we do not let go of hope and we believe in the power of prayer’
Pastor Raymond Koh is the founder of Harapan Komuniti (Hope Community), a non-profit organisation that undertakes social and charity work among marginalised and underprivileged communities, including people living with HIV/AIDS, recovering drug addicts, and single mothers and their children.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia issued a statement to mark the anniversary of Pastor Koh’s disappearance, in which they said: ‘In faith we do not let go of hope and we believe in the power of prayer.’ Let’s come alongside the Church in Malaysia as they continue to petition God for Pastor Koh’s safe return.
Update: Burma’s military coup
Thank you so much for your prayers for Burma following the military coup of 1 February. Tens of thousands are protesting against the coup and the continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and many others. Police have responded to anti-coup protests with increasing force, seriously injuring several people. Please keep praying.
In summary, please pray:
- Pray for the safe return of Pastor Raymond Koh to his family, his church and his work for the community.
- Ask God to comfort and strengthen his wife Susannah and their children, as they wait for news.
- Pray that the police would investigate Pastor Koh’s disappearance, and that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.