Christian Convert Kidnapped in Pakistan by Taliban Militants

Monday, June 10, 2013

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (Worthy News)-- A 16-year-old Christian convert from Islam remained missing, some two weeks after he was kidnapped by Islamic militants in Pakistan's volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Christians said.

Aman Ullah was reportedly taken by fighters of a militant Taliban group on May 25 in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the former Northwest Frontier Province.

"We don’t know which of the 32 different Taliban groups operating both in Afghanistan and Pakistan is responsible," said John Taimoor, president of mission group 'Crossbearers Ministry' which works among former Muslims.

"My team, workers and disciples from Muslim backgrounds are facing pressures from many sides and physical persecution," he said in a statement. However, "We are looking to our Savior who is able to save us to the uttermost..."

MEMORIZING BIBLE BOOKS

There was no known statement from the Taliban on Friday, June 7, though the group has spoken in the past to media in other kidnapping cases.

The young kidnap victim, who became a Christian a year ago and evangelized, had memorized the books of John and Ephesians in the Bible, said Taimoor who gave the boy Bible lessons. His goal was to memorize the entire New Testament as he had already memorized the Koran, Taimoor recalled.

“He is very dear to me. Aman Ullah means 'peace of God' in Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Pushto languages," the official said. "He is a diamond, very dedicated and brilliant. He was outgoing; he made public statements and gave his testimony."

Taimoor's group helps young converts such as Aman to memorize the Biblical Book of Ephesians and demonstrate "seriousness about growing in their faith" to impact other Muslims.

PRAYERS URGED

He said he had asked supporters to pray for "Aman’s protection, asking for favor among his captors."

While waiting for "his safe release" he said he hopes "this young disciple will be anointed as God’s spokesperson in their lives [of the kidnappers] helping them to realize their need of Jesus as Savior and Lord."

He said he asked Christians to also "ask God to protect and minister to all who are faithfully serving Him in Pakistan."

Taliban militants have been linked to several attacks against Christians, including former Muslims, as part of their crusade against what they view as a Western religion and colonialism.

Reprinted with permission from Worthy News' Partner news agency, BosNewsLife.