At any one time there may be thousands of people worldwide who have been ‘disappeared’ for their beliefs – or because of the action their faith inspires them to take.
The lives of those who are left behind are in a state of fragility as they wait, sometimes for months or years, for their loved one to return home, or even for news on their whereabouts. This sense of hanging in the balance leaves its mark, as families try to pick up the pieces of their lives and endure the conflicting emotions of hope and grief.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/missingappeal
Sunday 28 August
Pray for those across the world who are victims of forced disappearance. Pray for church leaders like Pastor Raymond Koh in Malaysia, for those abducted from their schools, like Leah Sharibu in Nigeria, and for human rights lawyers like Gao Zhisheng in China. Pray for their safety, and that they will be returned to their families.
Monday 29 August
Peru’s internal conflict lasted for two decades, between 1980 and 2000, and left over 60,000 people killed or disappeared. Some families are still left waiting for answers - more than 20 years since the end of violence. Pray for the loved ones who are still searching for answers and for hope in the midst of unimaginable suffering.
Tuesday 30 August
In 2021, we published an article detailing the stories of two women whose husbands had been forcibly disappeared during the conflict in Peru. Pray that their unresolved stories will not be forgotten, and for comfort during what is an excruciating time of waiting and grieving, today on the International Day for the Victims of Forced Disappearance.
Wednesday 31 August
Leah Sharibu was abducted from her school in northern Nigeria by ISWAP (Islamic State of West Africa Province) terrorists when she was just 14 years old. Four years on she is still being held captive, having been declared a ‘slave for life’, despite the Nigerian authorities declaring their intention to secure her release. Pray that their words will be translated into action; and for the release of the thousands of ‘Leahs’ in Nigeria and across the world whose names may not be known to us, but are known to God.
Thursday 1 September
Pray for the family of Pastor Raymond Koh, who was abducted in broad daylight in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 2017. Pray for his family’s continued courage in the face of extreme suffering, and ultimately for Pastor Koh to be released and returned to his loved ones.
Friday 2 September
Pray these words from Susanna Koh, Pastor Koh’s wife, over all the families who are victims of forced disappearance: ‘We will not faint or grow weary because we’re fixing our eyes on God.’ Pray for their strength and comfort.
Saturday 3 September
Father, we cry out to you for the victims of forced disappearance. From Peru to Malaysia, from Nigeria to China, we pray for the families who are still dealing with uncertainty and trauma from the disappearance of those they hold dear. May your right hand hold them fast. May they know your peace, which surpasses all understanding, now and always. Amen.