New reports have uncovered that kidnapped Swiss missionary, Beatrice Stockli, has been killed by Islamic extremists.
Beatrice was kidnapped in 2016 from her home in Timbuktu by armed men, along with several other Christian workers, allegedly by the newly formed extremist group, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslim.
This is a common practice in the region, extremist groups often targeting Christians and holding them for high ransoms.
According to locals, Beatrice was friendly, earning a living by selling flowers and handing out Christian material. She had been kidnapped once before in 2012 and was released ten days later, following quick diplomatic action. Instead of returning to her family in Switzerland, Beatrice chose to stay in Mali, placing her gospel-sharing mission above even her own life.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of our fellow citizen,” said Swiss Federal Councillor, Ignazio Cassis. “I condemn this cruel act and express my deepest sympathy to the relatives.”
In the wake of this difficult news, please pray over Mali.
Pray For Mali:
- Pray the Lord will comfort Beatrice’s family as they mourn their loss.
- Pray that extremism will not instil fear, but rather drive more to lean into the love of Christ.
- Praise God for the courage of missionaries in Mali. Pray they continue to bravely share the gospel, no matter the cost.
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