Worldwide Call to Prayer for Korean Hostages in Afghanistan
The killing of a second Korean Christian hostage in Afghanistan has led the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea to make an urgent call for prayer.
by Jennifer Gold
Posted: Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 7:59 (BST)
The killing of a second Korean Christian hostage in Afghanistan has led the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PCK) to make an urgent call for prayer among the “entire ecumenical community around the world [...], that the killings of innocent people may stop and that these hostages may safely return to their families.”
“We urge the global community to work for true peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan,” wrote PCK general secretary Rev Yoon Kil Soo in a letter yesterday. “We sincerely request the governments of both Afghanistan and the US to lead the negotiations with the Taliban for the sake of the safe return of the hostages.”
The announcement comes as Afghan authorities recovered on Tuesday the body of the second South Korean shot dead by Taliban kidnappers who threatened to kill more of the 21 hostages if Kabul does not free rebel prisoners by 0730 GMT on Wednesday.
The blood-stained body of the bespectacled man was left in a field of clover beside a road in Arzoo, a village some 10 km (6 miles) from the eastern city of Ghazni.
"If the Kabul administration and Korean government do not give a positive reply to our demand about the release of Taliban prisoners by tomorrow 1200 (local time), then we will start killing other hostages," Taliban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yousuf told Reuters by telephone from an unknown location.
President Hamid Karzai's spokesman said bowing to Taliban demands would encourage more kidnapping.
"We shouldn't encourage kidnapping by actually accepting their demands ... In this situation we are doing what is the best for the interests of the hostages, and government," Humayun Hamidzada told reporters, without elaborating.
Karzai came under harsh criticism in March for releasing a group of Taliban prisoners in exchange for an Italian journalist.
"If we keep on responding positively to the demands of terrorists, we will face more problems," Hamidzada said.
Taliban spokesman Yousuf said Afghan negotiators had not contacted the Taliban since the second hostage was killed on Monday and said the insurgents suspected the Afghan Government and foreign troops were planning a rescue bid.
Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches responded to the PCK letter, saying: “The entire ecumenical community weeps at the senseless loss of life taking place in Afghanistan. We invite our member churches to pray with our brothers and sister in Korea for a peaceful end to this crisis and that the hostages will be freed.”
Kobia also emphasised the need for a speedy and peaceful end to the violence in Afghanistan and for a peaceful resolution to the long standing conflict there.
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The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Friday, August 3, 2007, 11:35 (BST)
We thank you ( The South Korean held in Aghanistan ) , why we say that just simply because they are the most loving people never consider anything and made themselve available (mission ) to the people of Afghanistan. We send our love to the people of South Korea. We decided to quote " To live is in Christ , to die is gain " . Freddie Neil, J.B.,MALAYSIA.
Freddie Neil, Johor Baru,Malaysia
Added: Thursday, August 2, 2007, 17:25 (BST)
I pray for those b/s held hostage in Afghanistan every day. It's my prayer that they might be released, if God willing, and God's glory & sovereignty might still be shown among men in this matter. Don't lose heart, my b/s in Korea! Let's pray fervently to the Lord, He never fails us. For those hostage's family members, may God comfort your heart with words cannot expressed. My heartfelt prayer & consolation go with you all.
Denise, HK
Added: Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 22:25 (BST)
Hatred only provokes more hatred, only love can overcome hatred. Violence is never a solution for people or nations. Taliban prisoners should be released. Their change is not going to happen by force; their change is only going to happen inside their hearts. Their violent acts will only be stopped when they are changed inside, that is after touched by love and forgiveness...
Hui, Boston
Added: Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 11:53 (BST)
We have spent time in prayer and reflection on all that is happening. We are reminded of the stories in the book of Acts. We pray that the hostages may not lose their courage, that God might strengthen them to be witnesses, to the end, if need be. How much He loves the Afgani people too. How wonderful if they could meet Osama Bin Ladin and have him witness the love of Christ. When we are sent into the world, is it not for this very purpose that we should make up the sufferings of Christ in our bodies. May their families know and remember always that the world is not worthy of these precious called out ones. We, as the Body of Christ, must pray for our witnessing brothers and sisters to be strong in the faith, and that they may accomplish the will of God, as they set out to do when they left their homes. As hard as this might sound, and as much as we pray for their safe release, we pray FIRST that they should be faithful witnesses of the love of Jesus Christ for the lost.
Ann , Badplaas, South Africa
