Update: Negotiations begin for release of Christian hostages


Johannes, Sabine and children,
Anthony S.
Authorities in Yemen have reportedly started negotiations for the release of six Christian hostages -- a family of five from Germany and a British engineer -- who were kidnapped along with three other women in June (click here for more information). The bodies of the women, Rita Stumpp (26), Anita Gruenwald (24) and Eom Young-sun (33), were found shortly after the kidnapping. Until recently, however, the state of Johannes (37), his wife Sabine (37) and their children, Lydia (5), Anna (3) and Simon (1), as well as Anthony was unknown. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of $2 million USD as well as immunity, free passage and a guarantee that they will not be handed over to neighbouring Saudi Arabia. (Sources: Middle East Concern, AFP)

Pray that the efforts to negotiate the release of these Christians will be successful. Pray for protection and health for the kidnapped believers. Pray that their kidnappers will come to know Jesus Christ through their witness. For more information and prayer requests, please click here.

For more information on the plight of Christians in Yemen, please click here.

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Yemen Profile

Location
Asia

Population
24,133,492 (July 2011 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Religion (%)
Muslim (99.92), Christian (0.08)

Leader
President Ali Abdallah Salih

Government type
Republic

Legal system
Based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law and local tribal customary law

Statatistics provided by CIA World Factbook and Operation World.