The African nation of Mozambique has lately been the setting of a number of Islamic terrorist attacks, so last November, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) pilot Ryan Koher flew to the southern part of the country with supplies for church-run orphanages located in the northern part. But he was met by police who put him and two South African volunteers in prison on suspicion of supporting insurgent activity.
The Christian Post reports that the prisoners' request for bail was denied earlier this month, and MAF spokesman Brad Hoaglun says the past four months have not been pleasant.
"He's right now suffering from … bites of some sort," Hoaglun relays about Koher. "He's gotten medication from their clinic that they have at the prison, but it doesn't seem to be working. He's itching quite a bit, and our country director observed red marks throughout his body, as has the [U.S.] Embassy."
On a positive note, Koher was recently allowed to talk over the phone with his wife and two young children. He says he tries to exercise every day, but he spends most of his time reading the Bible.
"He has found favor with the guards and prison officials there because of his strong testimony and faith," Hoaglun adds. "He spoke at a prison chapel. He does know Portuguese, because being in the country and being a pilot, that is a requirement to know the language before you go in. So he's been able to share his faith."
His wife says Koher remains "fully committed" to following God's will, though he has asked that people pray that the Lord will help him conduct himself in a manner worthy of the gospel.
Additionally, as the Mozambican prosecutor will hopefully wrap up his investigation by the end of the month, Hoaglun is asking that believers pray "for the truth of the matter to be revealed" and that Koher and the two South African men will be released.
