The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), a nonprofit organization serving persecuted Christians since 1967, is rallying Christians around the world to sign a petition demanding that Malaysia’s government release any and all information related to the forced disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh nearly three years ago.
On February 13, 2017, Koh was abducted off the streets of Malaysia. The entire crime, involving at least 13 men and five vehicles, was recorded by nearby security cameras and took less than 40 seconds. No one has seen Koh since the abduction, and his car has never been found.
Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission released a report earlier this year implicating the “Special Branch” of the national police in his abduction, but no one has been charged in connection with the crime.
“And I strongly believe the Malaysian government should be held accountable for providing information on the pastor’s whereabouts and condition, especially if the country’s police were involved,” stated Todd Nettleton, Host of VOM Radio, in a letter to supporters.
According to VOM, the 2017 abduction wasn’t the first time Koh had faced persecution because of his faith and service; he had previously received a box of bullets in the mail, warning him to stop his ministry work. But the threats didn’t stop him, and in the months prior to his abduction, his wife reportedly noticed a spiritual deepening in her husband.
“She also told me … how she believes God had been preparing him for this trial,” reported Nettleton, who flew to Southeast Asia earlier this year to interview Koh’s wife, Susanna.
“When I returned home, I wanted every American Christian to hear Susanna’s story. I hoped thousands would pray for Pastor Raymond’s safe return and that God would bless and sustain Susanna and their children,” he added.
As part of its efforts, VOM launched ReleaseRaymond.com to encourage Christians around the world to sign a petition that will be delivered to the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, DC. To date, more than 36,000 from 132 countries have signed the petition.
“We demand Pastor Raymond’s immediate release and safe return to his family,” the petition concludes. “Finally, we call for justice. Those responsible for his disappearance must be held accountable for this inhumane crime.”
To sign the petition and to watch the video footage of Koh’s abduction, visit ReleaseRaymond.com.
To hear VOM Radio’s first conversation with Koh’s wife, click here.
