Kevin Rideout, an American missionary and pilot with U.S.-based Serving in Mission (SIM), is the latest foreign national abducted in West Africa. According to multiple sources, Rideout, 48, was kidnapped on Oct. 21 in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
Three unidentified men reportedly abducted the missionary just blocks from the presidential palace, as he was heading to the airport. They reportedly then headed to an area where ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda have a strong presence.
No one has claimed responsibility for Rideout’s kidnapping or demanded a ransom for his return.
Missionary Kevin Rideout Abducted in West Africa
Urgent prayer requests are going out for missionary Kevin Rideout, a married father of four. “Pray that he is rescued,” posted U.S. Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC). “Pray for his family’s strength. Pray that peace is with him in this unimaginable situation. Pray for U.S. authorities and embassy officials working to bring him home.”
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On Oct. 23, evangelist Franklin Graham urged people to “pray for [Rideout’s] protection and that he will be released unharmed and able to come home.” Two days later, California Pastor Greg Laurie posted, “Let’s all be praying that God intervenes and that this courageous young missionary is freed!”
A man who described himself as Rideout’s friend wrote that the kidnapped missionary “is being held hostage in conditions most Americans can’t understand.” In a Facebook post, Gomer Williams added, “Pray for Kevin to be comforted by God, given hope, and assurance. Pray for strength and pray for opportunities to share with his captors the Gospel.”
Rideout, who began serving in Niger in 2010, flies mission personnel and supplies throughout West Africa. He and wife Krista also teach literacy, assist widows and orphans, work on clean-water projects, and aid refugees and disaster victims. Ian Rideout, Kevin’s brother, also works as a pilot for SIM.
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary and pilot with U.S.-based Serving in Mission (SIM), is the latest foreign national abducted in West Africa.Click to Post
, was abducted in Niger’s capital, Niamey. Family, friends, and faith leaders are calling for prayer as U.S. officials work for his safe release.){kind=link}