Posted on 11/09/2004 1:31:36 AM PST by miltonim
TURKEY (ANS) -- A Mennonite missionary in Turkey was gagged and bound earlier this week by three men posing as “spiritual seekers” wanting to know more about questions of faith.
According to a report received at the US office of Turkish World Outreach in Grand Junction, Colorado on Nov 4, from friends at Rosedale Mennonite Missions based in Irwin, Ohio, Bob Stauffer from RMM received a call from Wilbur and Shirley Miller at 1:00 PM November 2, saying Wilbur was in a meeting with three young men (about seventeen years old) who posed as seekers in spiritual things through the fellowship’s web site. This was the second or third time he met with them.
“After the study they blindfolded Wilbur, gagged him and tied him up. They pulled a gun and knife and said they were going to ‘finish him off.’ They claimed to be Muslims who were given orders from al-Qaida. Wilbur believes he was tied up for an hour-and-a-half to two hours,” said Mim Musser, Director of Human Resources for RMM.
“During that time they either made a call, or pretended to make a call, in which they said they had finished him off and that they (the young men) would be in Russia tomorrow. They ransacked his office as well filling his brief case and a suitcase. Wilbur had a substantial amount of cash in the office, but at this point we don’t know what all they took with them,” Musser said.
“The young men said they have been watching Wilbur’s house, that it is a problem if he stays in town, he needs to leave right away, and he was not to return to his office. They left the office with him and at some point freed him to go home.
“Wilbur is glad to be back with his family!” said Musser.
The Millers were due to meet with the fellowship leaders tonight to make tentative plans and will likely leave for Cyprus tomorrow for a reprieve. RMM will continue to process next steps with them, Musser said.
“Our God is in control and we trust Him! We need an army of intercessors to stand with us in prayer,” Musser said.
“Praise God that Wilbur’s life was spared. Pray for continued protection and peace for the Miller family, wisdom for the Millers and RMM as we process next steps. Pray for the rest of team in Turkey as well as the believers.”
This morning Wilbur Miller and another worker went to survey the damages at the office, said Musser.
“They also reported the incident to the American Embassy and the police. They are pleased to know that the police are taking the report seriously. The American Embassy has also been very caring and sensitive to their needs.The Millers trip to Cyprus has temporarily been delayed to work on these details.
“The Miller family is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. They have been encouraged by the fellowship and others on the team. Your prayers are also carrying them,” Musser added.
RMM administrators, Mim Musser and Paul Kurtz, are to flying to Turkey tomorrow morning to spend several days with the Millers and the rest of the team.
WAYS TO PRAY FOR THE MILLERS
**Continue to pray for peace, rest, and protection for the Miller family, the team, and the fellowship. Pray that God will work through the police department in seeing that justice is done.
**Pray for protection and wisdom for Mim and Paul as they travel and meet with the Millers. Pray that they would be an encouragement to them and to the RMM team. Ask God to very clearly show what the next steps should be.
**Pray that what Satan intended for evil would turn out for good. Ask for salvation for these three young men.
Musser concluded: “This morning as several of us shared a phone conversation with Wilbur we were touched by his shepherd’s heart for people in the fellowship as well as his care for his wife and sons. It reminds me of another shepherd who left his home and gave his life for the sheep. Our confidence remains in Him, the Good Shepherd.”
A weapon or two wouldn't hurt either.
Nah, these are non-resistant Mennonites. They do not use guns except to hunt.
Wonder how they will react when next time it is their wife or kids who are bound and gagged.
If he'd talked to them several times prior about spiritual matters, it would be interesting to know the content. When they didn't want to repent and turn to the only way to the Father, Jesus Christ, they just attacked. But the seed's been planted. How wonderful!!
If we all shared the Gospel with 3 Muslims, how long would it be until all in Iraq at least had heard the good news?!?! Rather than be bound in a religion of trying to earn God's favor, instead to hear God has already forgiven you because of Jesus! God loves you! I'm envious of this brother's opportunities in that country!
I wish I were as optimitistic as you are, it seems these three souls are more interested in killing Christians than learning about Jesus from them.
I wish it were otherwise.
Must take a lot of courage to target a Mennonite Missionary.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.