Letters from Heather and Dayna (with press releases)

Regarding the Christian Prisoners in Afghanistan, the following set of press releases, in reverse chronological order, was compiled from the Antioch Community Church web site News Releases pages. The latest release is dated 10/31/01.

October 31, 2001

Waco, TX – This past week has been one of the slower weeks as far as communication and information is concerned. We are waiting to hear from an associate of the attorney who is attempting to go into Kabul. At this time the only new information we have is that the detainees were seen three days ago and were still doing all right.

1. Let me give a few quotes from letters we received from Heather and Dayna which will give you insight into their heart. The letters were in their own handwriting and were carried out by their attorney last week. I hope that these can be communicated in a way that would help their voices be heard in the midst of all that is happening.

Heather writes:

I have thought of you often and hope this letter finds you well! I never thought I'd write you from prison, at least not so soon! What a crazy place this world can be! I'm so glad we know and love the One who carries the whole world in his hands. I hope that in light of all the world's changing events, that your lives are carrying on with some level of normalcy. I have seen more clearly in my time here what an exciting hour this world is in; but equally or more so what a dangerous hour. This helps to keep me sober and thankful. Right now I'm writing in the middle of the night, under a blanket with a flashlight. The lights across the city are shut down every evening to prepare for the aerial and fireworks show. No light is allowed. Besides its often hard to sleep in anticipation of the evening's events, so writing becomes my great joy.

I want to thank you with all my heart for every way you've stood with me. Really your remembrances are hope for us every day. When I am afraid, I remember that our Father in heaven hears the cries of his children and answers them, to know that you and others cry out day and night for a good outcome gives me great joy and faith! There are times as Paul said to his Corin. friends that this pressure has been so great we've even sensed the sentence of death within ourselves, but even that is so we trust not in man nor in ourselves, but in Him who raises the dead (Note: Heather is referring to a scripture passage, 2 Cor. 1:9 where the apostle Paul is referring to laying down our rights and God working through us. It is not a literal statement, but spiritual in nature.) We know He is our only hope and deliverance; therefore we are so grateful to all who call upon Him...

...please share this letter with whoever you think would be interested. I couldn't address it to everyone I wished, so I'll let you two pass on the greetings where necessary. I love you all so much and hope this is soon over so we can see one another again. Stand firm! Hold on to the hope to which you were called. Though at times everything in me screams otherwise, we'll soon see the purpose and glory in this mad situation. May it be to glorify our friend and to rebuild this desperate nation. My heart is with you! Until that fine day.....your sister, Heather.

Dayna writes:

It is so good to hear that so many people are praying. I hope they are paying for this country along with us. I'm sure they are. We believe that is one of the main reasons we are here -- to motivate and awaken people to pray for this nation. If we weren't here I don't think near as many people would be lifting this place up. Our Father in heaven is up to something great for this nation -- and all the prayers are needed to help it come to pass. We are excited to see what He will do.

I'm so thankful for you and all the others at home that are laboring for us. I really don't think we would be doing so well if people weren't praying. We have seen God's favor in so many ways. And His presence has been incredible!

2. November 4th is Dayna’s 30th birthday. We are asking for people to pray on her behalf, that it would be a great day of strengthening, life and hope for her.

3. Danny Mulkey remains in Pakistan, interacting with the State Department and with the families where needed.

4. We continue to dialogue with those involved in the case to see if there is a breakthrough, but at this point here has been no communication.

October 25, 2001

The lawyer for the detainees arrived in Kabul on Sunday. Over a three day period he tried to meet with the justices, but they would not see him, telling him that they had more important things to attend to.

However, he was able to meet with the detainees and delivered goods that had been bought for them. He was also able to give them notes and letters as well as to receive notes from them. In all their communication, both Heather and Dayna have asked that I convey their great appreciation to everyone who is praying for them. They have said that it is all the prayer going up on their behalf that is sustaining them during this time, and they are very, very thankful. They specifically mentioned Ps. 27 and Ps. 91 as scriptures they are praying and asking others to pray. They also asked that people continue to pray for the people of Afghanistan. They are trusting that their imprisonment will result in more prayer being lifted up for the nation of Afghanistan.

Heather specifically communicated that she is learning about herself than ever before and is “learning more than ever about the God that I love. For that I am thankful.” Communication from the other detainees is consistent with that.

The attorney’s description of Kabul is that the daytime is fairly normal, but at 8 pm everything shuts down and the electricity turns off. He said that it is pretty overwhelming when the bombing starts.

We know that on at least one occasion the detainees were moved at night and returned in the morning. We were told that it was for the detainees’ protection. We don’t know if that is happening consistently.

We were encouraged to hear today that the attorney has decided to reapply for a visa and will try again to speak with the justices. He had originally said that the case was over when the justices refused to speak with him on his last visit to Kabul.

Some people have asked what our response is right now. Because of the justices’ response to the attorney, we are taking more of a humanitarian response. It’s my understanding that the German and Australian consulate and the families are going to appeal to the Taliban to release the detainees for humanitarian reasons. They are asking for release based on Islamic mercy.

In our church, I will be passing on the girls’ thanks for all the prayer going up on their behalf, and will be asking our people to continue their prayer commitment. We will keep trusting the Lord just as the detainees are. Our hope is consistently and continually for their release.

They told him that they have “more important things” to be involved in right now.

2. Why will the lawyer go back into Kabul if the justices have refused to meet with him?

He will continue to appeal to the justices. Just having a presence there in Kabul helps to keep the issue before them and is helpful.

They are definitely denying that they gave food, clothing and money in exchange for converts. That is totally untrue and they have denied that charge. They have not denied that they showed the video in the home, and they have not denied their love for Jesus and their desire for others to know Him.

5. When will the lawyer get back on Saturday? What “goods” did he deliver to them this last time?

It all depends on the visa process as to when he’ll be able to get back in. They have been getting his visa fairly quickly. He won’t travel on Friday, but could travel on Saturday, if he has his visa. As far as the things he delivered, it included warm clothing, blankets, basic medicines and toiletries, candy bar and probably most importantly, notes from family and some friends. Danny and I have sent notes to them, as well as their family. We are trying to get them anything they have requested.

I think the tone of things has been stricter, but we have no indication that there has been anything physical. Every indication that we have is that their basic needs are being met.

October 18, 2001

We are so thankful for the responses we have been receiving from people here and in other nations as well who are praying for Heather and Dayna. We believe that they are alive and well because of the prayers of believers.

Let me give you some updates we have received since Monday’s press conference.

1. We do have some idea of the allegations and the responses given by the detainees. However, I won’t be able to go into detail because it is an on-going legal case. Here is what I can tell you: The detainees are being tried separately and have answered separately. Heather and Dayna are only being charged with events related to that evening. They have responded appropriately to the charges.

2. Danny met with the attorney on Wednesday. He is fairly optimistic and does feel that the cases will be handled apart from the political process.

3. Colin Powell met with the families yesterday. It was basically a “goodwill visit” where he assured the families that the government is doing everything possible to secure the release of the detainees. He did not give them any specifics or intimation about the military.

The attorney said that the last time he saw them (on Sunday) they were doing better than previous times when he had met with them. The six women are staying in a room together and seem to be getting into a rhythm of life. They are continuing to be strong in the Lord. The attorney said that he was impressed with how they are handling the situation.

The attorney will return on Saturday to visit the detainees and hopes to communicate with the justices on Sunday. When he meets with the detainees he also carries in the care packages we sent them. An interesting side note – NBC donated long-johns to be taken to the detainees, as winter is approaching.

In a note received from Dayna she said that while this is the hardest time in her life, that God is refining her and she is thankful.

2. On Monday you mentioned concern because only one justice was there when the charges were answered. Have you learned anything else about that?

Yes. We were told that because the attorney was only handing in papers and not making oral arguments, it didn’t require the presence of all the justices.

3. Have the justices given the attorney any idea of how much time would pass before they would make a verdict?

He didn’t say that they have given him a timeline, but he feels that it should be finished shortly.

The ladies were charged with showing the Jesus film, and they admitted that they had done that. The Afghan family had dialogued with them about who Jesus is and had asked if they had any materials or could show them anything about Jesus.

He feels that the accusations will not render the strictest judgment even if they are found guilty. Once the verdict is given, it goes to Omar for the sentencing.

6. Had the Afghan family expressed an interest in conversion, or were they merely curious about Jesus?

It is a very difficult drive – approximately 8 hours, though it would only take around 30 minutes to fly. The road is very war-worn and difficult. The attorney obtains his visa from the Taliban and is met at the border with a Taliban escort into Kabul.

8. How close are the bombings to where they are being held? How has that affected their lives?

The attorney has told us that the bombings are approximately 4 kilometers away, which would be around 2 miles. It still shakes the walls and is very intimidating. I’m no sure how close the latest round is to where they are located. I don’t think it really has changed their lives much.

They are mainly keeping diplomatic lines open. They try to communicate with Kabul and with the Taliban Embassy in Islamabad. They are also in daily communication with the families. David Donahue has been heading up the State Department’s involvement and they have done a great job.

There will be a debriefing when they are released, and I will be involved in that process, whether in-country or at another location. Danny Mulkey will meet Heather and Dayna when they are released and will escort them to the debriefing location.

We’ve had tremendous support and encouragement. Christ the King Baptist Church had a prayer meeting specifically to pray for the detainees one night from 10pm to 6 am; Greater New Light with pastor Connie Oliver had an all-night prayer meeting one night and then came over here the next day at 5 am and joined people in our prayer room for a wonderful time of prayer. I receive consistent communication from pastors in the area, and I can’t go anywhere without people coming up to me and asking how we’re doing and telling me that they are praying for Heather and Dayna. It has been very encouraging, and from my perspective, it really has been a community effort.

We are in daily communication with Nancy Cassell, Dayna Curry’s mother, and in touch with John Mercer as needed.

14. What has been the Taliban’s relationship with the attorney? Can you tell us a little about the attorney?

It has been very respectful and they have worked with him. He was chosen because he is Pashtu and was trained in some of the same schools as the Taliban. His home is Islamabad and he travels to Peshawar to meet with the parents.

October 15, 2001

To recap past events: Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, along with 6 other people, 4 Germans and 2 Australians were detained on August 3 in Kabul. In the past ten and a half weeks we have been daily involved with their parents, the State Department and the attorneys wherever possible in order to be a part of securing their release.

We are thankful to people all over America who have prayed for their strength in prison and their future release. We believe they are alive today and have hope for a soon release because of the prayer support of thousands.

A. Their lawyer returned to Peshawar after responding to the allegations on behalf of the detainees. We don't know the exact accusations but can say with certainty that their translated responses were truthful and full of integrity.

B. A verdict should be coming. When the attorney gave the detainees' responses to the charges, there was only one judge present. Because not all of them were present, we are not sure when a judgment will be rendered. The attorney has said that he will return to Kabul on Friday if no verdict is rendered.

1. The British reporter who was detained briefly with the female detainees stated that they had an "Inner strength I have never seen before." We know that the inner strength she saw is their love and trust in God.

;2. The reports that we've gotten are that they are doing really well. Of course they have emotional ups and downs, as would anyone in that situation, but they are standing strong in their faith and overall are doing well.

Below are answers to some of the questions asked at the news conference held on October 15, 2001.

We have a vague understanding at this point, and are working to get an accurate translation. The charges were written in Dari, then translated into Pashtu, and then into English, and the answers, of course, were in English, then Pashtu, then Dari. I can say that we know one charge accused them of providing food, healthcare and money in exchange for converts to Christianity. They have definitely denied that accusation - it is absolutely false and contrary to who they are. At the same time, they are unashamed of their faith and would share that with anyone. However, their 8-5 job on a daily basis was as an aid worker for Shelter Now.

Obviously Kabul is in a war situation, and one of the reasons was probably for his own safety. Returning to Pakistan would also give him an opportunity to "regroup" and review the case.

4. Does the fact that there was only one justice the last time give you reason to wonder if the other justices have left the country?

Yes. At that meeting no one could really explain where the other justices were. With the state of things in Kabul at this time, that would be a possibility.

If you can look at it in the context of how you would feel if your child was imprisoned there, you can imagine how they are doing. Although they have continual emotional ups and downs, all in all they are doing well - they are hanging in there.

Nancy Cassell, Dayna Curry's mother, is in Islamabad, Pakistan, as are Heather's parents, John Mercer and Deb Oddy. Dayna's father is in Tennessee but is in constant contact with the other parents in Islamabad.

I just got word today that they are all alive. Their conditions are definitely harsher than the foreign detainees, but their families do have at least minimal contact with them and are able to get food and other things to them.

They are in the center of the city. The British reporter who was recently detained with them described it really well, and if you can read some of her articles, you can get a good description. We do know that they are able to be together during the day (ladies with ladies, men with men).

If you had asked me that on Saturday, I would have said it would be this week sometime. It should be in the judgment phase, but their culture is different than ours, so we don't have a specific timeline. They had originally said that once the charges were answered, a judgment would be handed down within 1-3 days.

When only one justice was there, and when the attorney returned to Pakistan - both of those events make us think it may be a little longer.

No. The entire group has never denied all charges. Because we don't have an accurate, clear translation, we don't know their exact responses. They definitely did deny that they were giving food, healthcare and money in exchange for converts to Christianity.

Again, we don't know the exact charges. They will share who they are and what they are with anyone who wants to know, and would unashamedly tell others of their love for Jesus. But we don't yet know the exact charges.

Ultimately, that comes down to a matter of the heart and is between the Afghan and God.

16. Is the death penalty still an option for their punishment is they are found guilty?

I have read the last official statement which they put out in June stating that any foreigner caught proselytizing would be punished by 3-10 days in jail and expulsion from the country. We are standing on that.

We have a team that visits them once a year and we also offer a regional retreat once a year. We have been working with SNI to support their work. We are in consistent communication via email with the workers. We are a major part of their support team, both through prayer and financially. They also had a small group that met weekly to pray for them. 18. What exactly were their work duties with the aid organization?

Dayna specifically worked with street children, providing basic healthcare, education and food. There were approximately 60 children involved. Heather, because she had only been there a few months and was still learning the language, was doing basic administration for SNI while she studied the language. Heather was also very involved in caring for the poor - she often visited a hospital and did basic practical things and visiting women who were patients. Both Heather and Dayna worked with refugees as well.

19. We've heard that the international phone lines have been affected with everything that's going on. Has that affected your communication?

If you've ever talked to someone in Kabul, you know that the international phone lines weren't all that great to begin with! They've only had them for a short time. We communicate through satellite phone and via courier.

Dayna had been there for two years and had just re-upped for another year. Heather made a two-year commitment but has only been there since March.

21. You say your information is from reliable sources. How do you get your information?

I can't really disclose all our sources, but I can tell you that they are very reliable.

We have been working with the State Department and the families since the detainment. We have no knowledge, information or communication with the military.

On one hand it's hard to be patient when your friends are hurting. But we try to release that through prayer.

He is there to support and help the families, to get communication, and to help collect things for the "care packages" that are sent in to the detainees.

I can't disclose our sources, but I can say that some of our communication comes from the ladies themselves. They send out faxes that we know are in their handwriting, and they have had some phone calls with the parents. I can say that their basic physical needs are being met - they have food and water. In some ways they seem encouraged.

Obviously they know about the bombs - they have felt the building shake and hear the bombs. But the bombs have not been in the area where they are being detained. They have heard of some of the events from their attorney, but they really have no idea of the worldwide scale of events.

October, 12, 2001

Waco, TX -- On Monday, October 15 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, October 18 at 11 a.m., Antioch Community Church will hold a news conference at the church located at 510 North 20th in Waco, Texas.

Jimmy Seibert, Senior Pastor of Antioch Community Church, will give an update and answer questions for the first half hour regarding Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer's detainment in Afghanistan. The last half hour will be an opportunity for interviews with Antioch's pastoral staff and friends of Dayna and Heather.

Within the last few hours we have heard from the attorney and he is submitting his response to the accusations on Saturday, October 13th in Kabul. He is expecting an answer or response between Monday and Wednesday of the following week.

The attorney was able to communicate to us letters that Heather and Dayna had written, and in those letters they seemed to be standing strong in their faith and in their hope. As the British reporter who was detained with them said, "There is an inner strength in them that I have never seen before." We believe that inner strength is their love for God and their trust in Him. We were all encouraged with the last communication through the attorney given about twelve hours before this news release.

As a church, we are continuing our 24-hour prayer vigil. In addition, Danny Mulkey, an Associate Pastor at Antioch Community Church, is presently in Islamabad, Pakistan. We will continue to look to their release and, at that point, will assist with their debriefing and resettling back into the United States.

For more information, please refer to the church web site (www.antiochcc.net). Again, all interviews will be available at the news conference.

We want to apologize if we have not been able to get back with everyone as soon as they have called or wanted an interview. It has been overwhelming for us and a new experience to try to learn how to run a church as well as respond to the many requests that come daily.

Thank you so much for all your interest regarding Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer. Our desire has been in every way possible to properly represent who they are, what they are all about, and to ask people to pray for their release.</p>

October 8, 2001

Waco, Texas -- October 7 marked the beginning of retaliatory efforts of America and other nations against terrorists harbored in Afghanistan. Many have followed the recent media reports and waited with concern.

For us at Antioch Community Church, our concern carries two names - - Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry. They are the two Americans being detained in Kabul by the Taliban government of Afghanistan.

The parents received word today from the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Kabul that the detainees were fine both last night and this morning. They have not moved to a new location because of the bombings on Afghanistan.

There has not been a new response from ACC. However since their detainment over nine weeks ago, ACC has supported prayer 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. This prayer movement is continuing with intensity. In addition, after the announcement was made at the end of the 11 o'clock church service on October 7, the congregation prayed together. Also, small groups which normally meet throughout the week, will be praying for the situation.

Yes, a staff member is in Pakistan and will continue to remain there until the trial is concluded. He is in daily contact with the families and the State Department and in frequent contact with ACC. He has reported that it is relatively peaceful where he is located.

Because Antioch Community Church does not know the location of where they are being detained in Kabul, there is understandable concern since Kabul has been attacked. The response, however, is not fear but prayer for their safety.

Antioch Community Church is in full support of the United States governmental authorities and has been continuously praying for wisdom for the President and any individuals involved in the overall decision-making process.

Due to the retaliation and the recent evacuation of their lawyer from Kabul, Heather and Dayna are left without a personal advocate in the country. Therefore, we are appealing to all Americans to be advocates on their behalf through prayer.

A familiar Bible story of Peter being imprisoned (Acts 12) tells of the "church earnestly praying to God for him." After an angel led him out of the prison, he went to the house of his friends "where many people had gathered and were praying." The prayers of all their friends were the keys that opened the jail doors; not only their personal faith but also the faith of others in prayer secured their release. It has always been both hands working together, the sovereign God of love working with the prayers of people, to bring His purposes about in the earth.

Again, what we are specifically asking is that Americans everywhere bring Dayna and Heather's names before God daily, asking for the prison doors to open and for us to be able to see them face to face in America again. We are also asking for Americans to continue to pray for the four Germans, two Australians and their Afghan friends.

Heather, 24, a 1999 graduate of Baylor University, has been in Afghanistan since March. She was a leader with the Antioch Community Church college ministry and involved in the ministry to the poor and needy. She worked in Afghanistan for Shelter Now International, an aid agency that provides food, clothing and housing for refugees and IDP's as well as basic education and health needs for street children.

Dayna, 29, was a social worker with the Waco Independent School District before moving to Afghanistan to join the aid work of Shelter Now. She graduated Baylor University in 1993.

Both women are members of Antioch Community Church, a non-denominational evangelical church, which is part of their encouragement and support system as they work for Shelter Now International.

October 3, 2001

Waco, TX -- Here is an attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry who have been imprisoned in Afghanistan since August 3rd.

We get daily communication on the situation from our contacts in Pakistan. We know the trial is progressing, but it could take up to 3-15 days. There were six pages of charges that are being translated into English so that the lawyer and the detainees are able to prepare their case.

They were full-time aid workers in Afghanistan with Shelter Now International working with street children and administration. In the course of their lives, they are open about their relationship with Jesus and their desire for others to know him. We do not know the particular details of the evening they were arrested. We'll let that surface through the trial.

3. Did Heather write a letter to President Bush asking that he delay any US retaliation against Afghanistan until they are released?

No. Heather did not write a letter to President Bush asking that he delay any US military action. We have verification from those in contact with Heather that she did not write a letter to President Bush.

Yes, we are able to communicate with them consistently through their attorney in Kabul.

As a general rule their daily needs are being met. They are being fed and taken care of. They have had ups and downs emotionally and physically as is common to any process of detainment, especially in a country like Afghanistan.

6. Are you more fearful now of the situation since the tragedy on September 11th?

We are not fearful; we believe that God will continue to sustain and strengthen them. We are concerned for their welfare because we love them. We have great faith in Jesus and His desire for them. Dayna and Heather would gladly give their very lives that people would know how much Jesus loves them.

We support our President and his administration. We are praying for them daily and are thankful for them. The work that the ladies were doing in Afghanistan was not political in nature, it was humanitarian aid. It's all about people, and it's about God's love. We are trusting in God and relying on Him to be their protector.

September 16, 2001

Waco, TX -- In the trauma of this past week, specific stories have emerged that give us hope and yet cause deep sorrow and grief. We are overwhelmed by the massive loss of life and keenly aware that each life stands for a brother, sister, family member or friend.

For us at Antioch Community Church, their names are Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry. They are the two Americans being detained in Kabul by the Taliban government of Afghanistan. With the needed recent evacuation of diplomats and family from Kabul, Heather and Dayna are left without a personal advocate in the country. Therefore, we are appealing to all Americans to be advocates on their behalf through prayer.

A familiar Bible story of Peter being imprisoned (Acts 12) tells of the "church earnestly praying to God for him." After an angel led him out of the prison, he went to the house of his friends "where many people had gathered and were praying." The prayers of all their friends were the keys that opened the jail doors‹not only their personal faith but also the faith of others in prayer secured their release. It has always been both hands working together‹the sovereign God of love working with the prayers of people to bring His purposes about in the earth. So it is with Heather, Dayna, four Germans, two Australians and their Afghan friends during this time.

The tragedy in the United States is already drawing people together in prayer. While we pray for victims' families and our national leaders, let's not forget Dayna and Heather, as well as the diplomats and families who are working in Central Asia to secure freedom for them.

Dayna, 29, was a social worker with the Waco Independent School District before moving to Afghanistan to join the aid work of Shelter Now. She graduated Baylor University in 1993.

Both women are members of Antioch Community Church, a non-denominational evangelical church, which is part of their encouragement and support system as they work for Shelter Now International. The church continues with 24-hour prayer during their detainment. Jimmy Seibert is the Senior Pastor of the Antioch Community Church. For more information and/or an interview, please call the Antioch Community Church at 254-754-0386.

August 31, 2001

Waco, TX -- The two Shelter Now aid workers, Dayna Curry, 29-years-old, and Heather Mercer, 24-years-old, are both members of Antioch Community Church.

ACC, a non-denominational evangelical church, is part of their encouragement and support team as they work for Shelter Now, a non-profit aid organization, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Dayna and Heather were part the college ministry while they were students at Baylor University.

Jimmy Seibert, Senior Pastor of ACC, said, "We have two clear goals at this time, to pray and to practically serve the State Department and the families in any way possible in securing their release."

Since their detainment, members of ACC have been praying 24 hours a day in one's and two's as well as in both small and large groups. In addition, other churches in the community and around the country have been praying for the situation.

"We are confident that God is taking care of our friends and will work through this difficult situation. At the same time, we carry a heavy burden for Dayna, Heather, and their parents. These ladies are such a part of our family here, we cannot help but grieve for them and with them. It is, indeed, an honor and a privilege to be involved with them," Seibert said.

Shelter Now, a German-based organization, is a sincerely devoted group who give their heart and effort to the people of Afghanistan. In Pakistan, at one Afghan refugee camp of 70,000 people, they are the main providers for housing, food and water. Similar projects are also being done throughout Afghanistan. For years, they have earned the respect of the Afghan people through acts of practical service and love.

Multiple questions have been asked about Dayna and Heather's main purpose for their work in Afghanistan. "Dayna and Heather, as well other workers at Shelter Now, desire to display the love of God in practical ways by caring for those in need. Their personal lives exude and communicate what they believe about God, and they live out their love for God through practical service," Seibert said.

"Dayna and Heather are both women of impeccable character with an incredible heart for the people of Afghanistan. They have gone there to love Afghans by serving in practical ways from feeding programs to education, to health care. We are proud of the work that they do, and we are proud to be a part of their lives," Seibert said.

The church members of ACC look forward to Dayna and Heather's release, as well as their homecoming. "At ACC, we realize that the most effective thing we can do is pray. We would ask you to join us in praying for Dayna and Heather as well as the other foreign workers, the detained Afghans, and for the people of Afghanistan," Seibert said.

Note the new links to Antioch Community Church, the home church of Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry, and direct links to the press releases (example Letters / Press Release 10/31/01) on that site. I will also post the entire text of the current press releases there, mainly for indexing or if that site proved unavailable. Please remember to keep praying for the imprisoned Christians (see below) who are humanitarian aid workers who were in Afghanistan providing assistance. There are two American women, 2 Australians, 4 Germans, and as many as 16 unidentified Afghan Aid Workers accused of being Christians, who are probably under worse duress than the others. They have all been put on trial by the Taliban. All these Christians need our prayers. The Taliban previously indicated that if convicted foreigners would only face jail and expulsion, but they have since indicated these people could be executed. The fate of the Afghan Christians is likely worse if convicted. Remember and pray.
Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry		Peter Bunch	Diana Thomas
Americans Jailed in Afghanistan Accused of Sharing their Faith Antioch Community Church, Waco, Texas Letters / Press Release 10/31/01		Australians Jailed in Afghanistan Accused of Sharing their Faith NorthCity Christian Centre, Padbury Perth Western Australia Afghanistan Update from Perth
Georg Taubmann	Katrin (Kati) Jelinek	Margrit Stebner	Silke Durrkopf
Germans Jailed in Afghanistan Accused of Sharing their Faith
Arsalan (photo of son Ajmal, age 14, removed) and 15 others (names unknown) Afghan Aid Workers Accused of being Christians
Search Google for Afghanistan AND ("aid workers" OR Mercer OR Curry OR Bunch OR Thomas OR Taubmann OR Jelinek OR Stebner OR Durrkopf) Search Yahoo News Full Coverage for +Taliban +Aid + Worker [ reverse date order, 6 years, 50 results per page ] Search Yahoo News Story (good search) *for +Taliban +Aid + Worker* [reverse date order, 6 years, 50 results per page] Some FreeRepublic Threads on the Jailed Christians (reverse chronological order, not comprehensive): Birthday nears for Waco woman jailed by Taliban; detainees see little change Efforts to free Waco women jailed in Afghanistan stalled by war U.S. Raids Affect Kabul Trial of Aid Workers Military strikes hit within miles of detained Waco women in Afghanistan Trial of Christian aid workers in Afghanistan may be nearing conclusion Mother hopes to attend trial 'If I'm allowed, I will' Lawyer sees light Afghan sentence for Christians Dayna Curry: Personal journey of a prisoner in Afghanistan (great article) Aid workers in Afghan court. Judge promises fair trial according to Islamic justice. Kabul aid workers trial resumes Kabul (Christian) Aid Workers Trial Set To Resume Trial of eight foreign aid workers set to resume Saturday Foreign Aid Workers' Trial to Resume Detained Baptist Workers in Limbo Amid U.S.-Afghan Wrangling The Buzz: Heroic Americans, Worse for Aid Workers, more... Jailed Baylor grads' attorney trying to see them. - Lawyer has visa to enter Afghanistan, but fleeing refugees clog path. Lawyer trying to see Afghan detained aid workers Release Our Women! (my title) - Antioch pastor waits in Pakistan for release of women from Afghanistan Waco pastor fears for safety of ex-BU students held in Afghanistan Taliban May Sentence Christians To Death Heather Mercer & Dayna Curry left behind in Afghanistan - UN Workers Leave Afghanistan

November 14, 2001
The prayers have been answered.

They are Free!
Praise Jesus!

..."Today we've got incredibly good news," President Bush said after the aid workers were plucked from Afghanistan by military helicopters and taken to Pakistan. "Our United States military rescued eight humanitarian workers who had been imprisoned in Afghanistan."

..."Eight foreign aid workers, including two Americans, were safe in Pakistan Wednesday after being held in Afghanistan for three months by the Taliban for preaching Christianity, U.S. officials said.
Three U.S. special forces helicopters picked up the aid workers in a field near Ghanzi, about 50 miles southwest of Kabul, at about 4:40 p.m. EST, Pentagon officials said. The aid workers were flown to Pakistan, and appear to be in good health, officials said."

Thank God. Praise God. Praise Jesus. The release/rescue of these people is truly a miracle that only God, working through people, could have accomplished.

I have learned over the years that when the very thing happens that you have been praying for, you Thank God For It; and you acknowledge His answer to prayer; and you DON'T minimize it by saying that it just would have happened on its own.

I am sure this rescue will prove to be an interesting story in human terms, but it is even more momentous as a miraculous answer to the many, many prayers of many, many people. Thank You Lord!

Links to breaking articles about the good news:

• Taliban in Disarray; U.S. Rescues Aid Workers
• Families Celebrate Aid Worker Release
• Bush Welcomes Release of Aid Workers From Afghanistan
• Freed Aid Workers Land in Pakistan
• Christian Aid Workers Freed in Afghanistan
• Western Aid Workers Freed
• Report: Coalition forces have rescued foreign aid workers currently enroute Pakistan

Related Links:

• Press Releases: Antioch Community Church, Waco, Texas (church of Mercer and Curry)
• Afghan Update: NorthCity Christian Centre, Padbury Perth W. Australia (church of Bunch and Thomas)

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