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Mozambique (MNN/MAF) — American missionary pilot Ryan Koher is still in prison in Mozambique, but we have an encouraging update. His wife, Annabel Koher, heard his voice on the phone for the first time in 11 weeks. It took some effort, but on Tuesday, Annabel was able to speak with Ryan beginning around 2:30 a.m. Nampa, Idaho time. Annabel and Ryan were able to talk for several minutes with the hope of being able to do so more often in the near future.

Photo taken in September at Nairuko, Mozambique. Featuring Ryan Koher, Annabel Koher, and their two boys. (Photo courtesy of MAF, used with permission from the Koher family.)

Annabel said it was wonderful that the boys heard their dad’s voice. She said, “It was encouraging to hear Ryan’s voice and know that he really is doing well considering the circumstances. Waking the boys with Ryan’s voice on speaker and seeing their huge smiles was such a sweet moment. I feel an increase in peace and steadfastness as we continue praying and waiting on the Lord.”

On the phone, Ryan shared that “he is greatly encouraged by the global body of Christ praying and showing Jesus’ love during this time.”

Ryan said reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book, “The Cost of Discipleship,” impacted him. He noted the need to be surrendered to God’s will and the fact that “time is short, but eternity is long.”

On November 7, Ryan was arrested while preparing to transport orphanage
supplies brought in by two South African men. He is a pilot with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Mozambique. All three men were detained and falsely charged with supporting terrorism. Today, they are being held in a high security prison.

Ryan gets to have breakfast in the main area with the two South African men, and they can be in the sun for a period of time. He asked for continued prayers for the South Africans who are also detained.

Ryan Koher (Photo courtesy of MAF, used with permission from the Koher family.)

As for Ryan’s health, overall, he is doing well but is dealing with itching. He has requested prayer for this since his prescription medication is not working.

Keep praying for Ryan and Annabel, that they would be strengthened by the Lord and that this time apart will quickly end.

Please continue to send encouraging notes as they are uplifting to Annabel, and she is able to pass along some of the comments to Ryan. Emails can be sent to prayforpilotryan@maf.org. Notes and cards can be mailed to PO Box 47, Nampa, Idaho, 83653.

Header photo of Ryan Koher courtesy of MAF, used with permission from the Koher family.