In late January, GFA native missionary Subhash Pani was forcefully abducted by the Naxalites, an extremist Marxist group in Chhattisgarh state, India. After Subhash's release in February, a leader on the field met with him and heard his story.

On January 27, Subhash had taken a taxi home after spending time with family. It is typical in Asia for numerous passengers to share a taxi, so Subhash thought nothing of the four others in the vehicle. It was only after beginning the journey that he realized the car was full of Naxalites. When Subhash began asking questions, they blindfolded him and ordered him to be quiet, threatening to kill him if he did not comply. They turned the radio volume up so that no one outside could hear his cries. Once the vehicle was parked, he was forced to walk, still blindfolded, for over a mile before reaching their destination.

At first, the Naxalites worked hard to recruit him for their cause, promising him good pay and frequent home leave. When he refused, the terrorists became angry. Over the days that followed, they hurled insults at Subhash in an effort to desensitize him. His pleas for release only led to beating. In each new village where the terrorist group traveled, they introduced Subhash as a fellow Naxalite—in spite of his refusal to join them. It was a traumatic experience for the native missionary.

"When I was with them, my heart was in so much anguish that I did not eat food properly," Subhash said later. "Life there was full of fear and danger. I often felt so discouraged." Two of the Naxalites showed Subhash kindness. Late one night when everyone else was either asleep or drunk, they directed him to a road that would take him out of the jungle. He ran for hours, walking only when he was out of breath.

This miraculous escape was an obvious answer to prayer.

"God listened to your prayers," Subhash said later, "and sent those two men to help me get out of that place. I am really grateful to you all."

Subhash's leader, Pastor Jandol Paul, faced difficult circumstances of his own when he went to inquire about Subhash's release. Click here to read the rest of the story.

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