Faith

‘We Love Him Very Much’: Boston Church Praying for American Pastor Abducted in Egypt

Boston Church Prays for Rev. Michel Louis and Two Other Hostages Abducted in Egypt

This undated photo shows the church's pastor, the Rev. Michel Louis. (Photo: AP)

(The Blaze/AP) — An American pastor was on a trip to retrace Jesus‘ steps through the Holy Land when he was abducted in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, according to reports.

While kidnappings have grown more common in the Sinai Peninsula since the fall of Egypt’s longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak, the most recent abduction is significant because, unlike the others, it has not been resolved quickly.

(Related: ‘They’ve Been Given Tea and a Traditional Bedouin Meal’: Two More Americans Kidnapped in Egypt)

While family and church members prayed Sunday for the Boston Pentecostal pastor and the two others who were also kidnapped, their abductor said he has had conversations with intelligence officials about the hostages’ release.

In addition to the pastor, a 39-year-old Boston woman who was traveling with the same church group and a tour guide were abducted.

Jirmy Abu-Mashu explained to the Associated Press that he kidnapped the trio Friday, and will not release them until his uncle is released from prison.

He claimed his uncle was jailed after refusing to pay a bribe to police.

Boston Church Prays for Rev. Michel Louis and Two Other Hostages Abducted in Egypt

Rev. Jean Louis, the son of kidnapped Rev. Michel Louis, joins parishioners to pray for his father's safe return. (Photo: AP)

Abu-Mashu elaborated that when the two intelligence officials came to his home Saturday, he relocated the prisoners.

However, he did give some some yet-unverified information on the state of the American hostages.

The 61-year-old pastor, who is diabetic, reportedly left his medicine on the bus, and Abu-Mashu said security officials will have to help with retrieving it.

He also said Michel was tired and sleeping a lot, which could have something to do with the man’s medical state.

The Associated Press has video of the church-goers praying for the hostages’ safe release, and interviews with the parishioners:

The AP was not allowed to speak with the hostages directly.

Abu-Mashu claimed that his imprisoned uncle is diabetic, like the pastor, and claimed that his relative is not getting the medical assistance he needs.  He stressed that whatever happens to his uncle, will happen to the hostages.

“If my uncle gets 50 years (in prison), they will stay with me for 50 years. If they release him, I will release them,” he said simply.

Boston Church Prays for Rev. Michel Louis and Two Other Hostages Abducted in Egypt

Parishioners pray for the safe return of Rev. Michel Louis, Sunday, July 15, 2012, at Pentecostal Church of God in Boston. (Photo: AP)

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton brought up the case of the two kidnapped Americans when she met with her Egyptian counterpart in Cairo on Saturday.

(Related: ‘Monica, Monica’: Hillary Clinton’s Visit to Egypt Seemingly Falls Flat Amid Harsh Protests)

She did not seem to get far in this aspect of the negotiations.

The Rev. Jean Louis said he does not know if or when his father may be released, and he is concerned about his safety and health.

He spoke to reporters after a church service in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood to pray for the captives. He said his father was on a church trip with 23 other members of the clergy and worshippers when he was abducted.

—

Batrawy contributed to this report from Cairo, Egypt.

Comments (16)

  • nous
    Posted on July 17, 2012 at 12:56pm

    Carter gave us Iran and now Obama gives us Egypt.

    Report Post »  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on July 17, 2012 at 9:10am

    I hope they get out safely, but make no mistake about it, this abduction was meant to send a message to feckless Obama and Hillary.

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • setoguro
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 6:13pm

    They were released I would like to think their prayers had something to do with it.

    Report Post »  
  • YourVoiceMatters
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 10:03am

    Well bless God get them all saved and there you go
    no more crisis!
    God knows right where Jean Louis is and those with him…
    is anything too hard for God?
    Seems to me they are putting trust in the wrong source…
    This government is the last place i would look for help as a believer!

    Report Post »  
    • rickc34
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 12:53pm

      Lord put a hedge of Protection around your servant, let his captors look upon him with favor Lord. We put his life into your hands Jesus, and pray for his safe return.

      Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:13am

    This part of the world is not safe right now(Egypt). Thanks to our “dear leader”.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • momrules
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:40am

    I pray that Reverend Louis will be released unharmed. Was he naive or uneducated about the dangers he could face in the Sinai or anywhere else in Egypt or the Middle East? Yes he was but I hope he will be allowed to come home soon.

    The world is more dangerous by the minute Americans. Pay attention and research the news and events of any country you might be interested in visiting.

    Report Post »  
  • USPATRIOT101
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:20am

    This is an “I told you so” for all those black Americans that feel the need to go back to the “mother country”.

    Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
  • setoguro
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 7:55am

    If there was real news coverage of middle east and esp. of Israel Americans would know not to go to Sinai. Remember a little while back Egypt sent their military in to clean things up any one hear how that went? Well it didn’t work. They sent more in I think last week and by what has happened I don’t think it did the job ether. So anyway Israel is still safe to visit but not the Sinai. You might not want to go running around Egypt if your a christian ether.

    Report Post »  
    • kcares
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:00am

      Setoguro: I think you hit the nail on the head. The American newsmedia is actually being traitors by not telling the truth.

      Report Post » kcares  
  • Cleats4Feets
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 7:52am

    I hope his church followers don’t vote for Obummer again!

    Report Post » Cleats4Feets  
    • piper60
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 9:12am

      Bet they will. It’s Dorchester, after all.

      Report Post » piper60  
  • kcares
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 7:49am

    Anyone going to aforeign country now is an idiot. You don’t open up The Blaze on a daily basic and not hear about what is happening all over the world. I pray he is ok, but still an Idiot. Read the Bible, you can be just as close to Jesus as going

    Report Post » kcares  
  • Leadthemtothelight
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 7:46am

    A new democracy at it’s best. Way to go Hilary Clinton and Obama….aren’t you proud?

    Report Post » Leadthemtothelight  
  • TEARS FOR AMERICA
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 7:45am

    I hate this for these folk, but I will say, that the Sinai Peninsula is one of the last places on earth I would travel as an American. Not very wise whether religious treking or not…kind of like the group that “wandered” into Iran…

    Report Post » TEARS FOR AMERICA  

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