It was a joyous reunion. Wife with husband, connected in warm embrace. Baby boy reunited with father, once again secure in his daddy's arms.

But for Jandol Paul, the happy husband and father, the seven days preceding this special moment were nothing short of living a nightmare.

Jandol Paul is a Gospel for Asia district leader serving in India's Chhattisgarh state. He had traveled from his home village hoping to work toward the release of Subhash Pani, a fellow GFA missionary kidnapped by Naxalites. Instead, Jandol was forced to attend an "awareness camp" put on by members of a local anti-Naxalite group. The goal of this group is to build understanding of-and sentiments against-the Marxist-oriented Naxalites, who often use violence, coercion and terrorism to move toward their goal of a classless society.

Jandol's situation of being forced to attend the camp is not unique-those living in this part of the state are often victims of tensions between the local government and the Naxalites.

The time Jandol spent in this "camp" watching acts of violence left him physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually drained.

Waiting at home, Jandol's wife also suffered.

"I would think and worry about whether my husband would return or not," she shares. "What about my son's future and the ministry? What would we eat? My son was always saying, 'Pappa, Pappa.' When my son communicated with me like that, I felt extra pain in my heart."

Jandol pleaded with one of the camp's leaders, "Sir, please let me go. I have never done such things in my life, and I should not since I am a pastor. My legs hurt, I feel faint and sick all the time, and my conscience bothers me constantly. Please let me go."

Jandol's request was denied. Only his faith in the Lord would sustain him through the grueling ordeal.

"Every minute was heartbreaking," he reflects, "and quite unlike anything I had ever felt before in my life. Many times I knelt before the Lord and asked Him to free me from these circumstances."

Jandol turned to God's Word for comfort.

"I constantly repeated in my mind the words from Psalm 23:4, 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.'" (KJV)

Not wanting to be forced into physical combat when the time came, Jandol made the bold decision to walk out of the camp. He knew the risks involved, but through the Lord's protection, no one came after him.

Jandol attributes it to the prayers of God's people.

"When I came home, I learned from my wife that many people were concerned about me and praying," he shares. "When I was in the jungle, I thought I was alone, and that nobody was concerned about me. I rejoiced when I heard that many believers, pastors and staff were praying for me. Because of their prayers, nobody did anything harmful to me, especially when I came out of that place. I also thank God for delivering me, and am grateful to each one who prayed for me earnestly."

To read about the miraculous escape of Subhash Pani, the native missionary Jandol had gone to help, please click herefor an interview with the abducted missionary.