“And to the Malaysian government,” Nettleton said, “I join my voice with thousands of others calling for a full and transparent accounting of what happened to Pastor Raymond Koh and other victims of forced disappearance.”
Wilton, who planned to lead students in praying for Koh, encourages fellow Southern Baptists to pray for Koh.
“Southern Baptists should pray constantly for Pastor Raymond and for persecuted Christians around the world. The greatest thing a Southern Baptist can do is to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world,” Wilton said. “They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. To not think of them in this way is a clear violation of God’s expectation for his church to function as the family of God.”
Wilton first met Koh while in college and reconnected with him in 2013 when he moved to Southeast Asia.
“He loved Jesus. He loved and served anyone. He lived humbly. He believed wholeheartedly that Jesus is worthy,” Wilton said. “When I think of Pastor Raymond, I’m reminded of the many persecuted Christians around the world who don’t even have the chance to receive glory and recognition for themselves. Yet, even if they could, the Pastor Raymonds of this world wouldn’t dare do such a thing because they know all glory belongs to Christ.”
Sunni Muslims are the religious majority in Malaysia, but even they must adhere to strict, state-approved interpretation of Islam, USCIRF reported. In its 2023 Global Prayer Guide, VOM deems Malaysia one of 41 restricted countries where Christians face governmental and societal persecution. Open Doors lists Malaysia 43rd on its 2023 World Watch List of the most difficult places for Christians to live, citing Islamic oppression.
Koh is among 1,934 persons of various faiths USCIRF classifies as victims of freedom of religion or belief, including those still held, those released, those whose fate is unknown and seven who died in custody.
This article originally appeared on BaptistPress.com.
