Ryan Koher, a pilot with the ministry’s US-based Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), and two South African volunteers for the ministry were released from a Mozambican prison on Tuesday afternoon, the organization announced.
The trio were held for four months in a high-security prison in the southeast African country. Their release is temporary and they are required to remain in the country while their case is still pending, according to MAF.
Koher is said to be “doing well” since his release and has spoken to his wife Annabelle and their two sons several times since his release, the ministry said.
As CBN News reported in December, Koher, 31, was arrested by Mozambican officials as he prepared to send vitamins and other supplies to church orphanages in Cabo Delgado state. on November 4, he was arrested on charges of “supporting terrorism”.
During a security scan at the airport, officials were interested in a stockpile of over-the-counter drugs and food preservatives owned by Ambassador Aviation Ltd. (AAL), a US-based nonprofit partner of MAF, the group reported.
According to MAF, the trio were bringing supplies to orphanages in the northern part of the country, and it was a flight known as Mozambique Ambassador Aviation Ltd., which had flown many times before.
In a statement posted on the organization’s website, MAF said: “The MAF-US executive leadership team extends its thanks to all who prayed for Ryan and his family. We ask you to continue praying for the final result to be complete. To exonerate Ryan from any charges and prosecution.”
“MAF is grateful to the Mozambican courts for this decision. Out of respect for Mozambique’s legal process, MAF will not comment further at this time,” the statement said.
The northern part of Mozambique has been dealing with jihadist rebels for the past two years.
In an update published by MAF on February 17, Koher’s wife, Annabelle, said: “Thank you all for praying for Ryan, because God is listening and answering, it makes a difference.”
While in prison, Koher suffered from an illness that caused his skin to itch constantly, causing him to lose sleep.
Annabelle also released a short video message asking Christians to join MAF staff in praying for her husband every Wednesday.
Prayers and well wishes can be sent to Annabelle and Ryan at prayforpilotryan@maf.org.
In addition, cards or letters can be sent by mail.
Annabelle Koher
PO Box 47
Nampa, Idaho, 83653.
