“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26 ESV.

Last week, I shared a post on Facebook about Jeffery Woodke, a missionary in Niger, West Africa, being kidnapped by a terrorist group. Click on the picture which will link you to the full story from The Christian Post.

Jeffery Woodke and other missionaries, live Luke 14:26. They have put Jesus before everything, even their families. They love Jesus more than anything. I’ve traveled to Niger four time and have not met Jeffery Woodke, but I hope and pray that someday, I will be able to meet him and give him a hug, and thank him for all that he has done to spread the gospel in Niger.

Please pray for Jeffrey Woodke’s safe return and for God to protect him. Pray that during his time of captivity, God will give him the courage to be a bold witness and bring many to Christ.

Last year, I read, The Insanity of God by Nik Ripkin and Gregg Lewis which helped me understand that God can, and does, use events like Jeffery Woodke’s kidnapping to grow His kingdom. Let us never forget,  “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us form the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NIV.

Please lift up prayers for Jeffery Woodke, his family, and for those who love him. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV.

I’ve stopped watching news programs because of the political rants, but my search for an update on  Jeffery Woodke’s kidnapping doesn’t appear to be on any news network. CNN last updated their story six days ago. It’s up to us to help spread the word that prayer is needed. Please consider sharing the article from The Chrisitan Post on Facebook.

#prayforJeffwoodke