Carlo Ople

(I’m cross-posting this from my other blog which is mostly about gaming and gadgets). As most of you know, ABS-CBN Star Reporter Ces Drilon was abducted by a terrorist group while she was in Mindanao following a lead for her story. They’ve already released her camera man but she’s still there together with a professor and another member of her crew. The terrorist group is now demanding for P15,000,000 by 12 noon today. Will they kill her if they’re not paid? I don’t know. The real question now is - to pay or not to pay? If they pay, then expect the number of abductions to quadruple in the following weeks. I was actually inspired by a prayer that the wife of our pastor said in our small group last week so at this point in time, may I ask everyone to join me in saying a simple prayer for Ces Drilon and the rest of the hostages.

Father God,

We pray that you reach out and touch the hearts of the men and women behind the abduction of Ces and her crew. Talk to them and let them know that there are better ways to get their points across and that violence only begets violence. By doing this they are doing a great injustice not only to Ces and the Filipino people, but also to themselves, their family, their ideals, and their people.

We also pray that You shower your grace upon Ces and her crew. Let them feel your presence and keep them safe from harm. Cast away all doubt in their minds and give their hearts comfort and peace.

Lastly, we pray Lord that You reveal Yourself to the Filipino people through this harrowing ordeal. Let this be an event that will glorify Your name and show everyone in the world that You are in our country, protecting Your faithful.

This we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s all pause, have a moment of silence, and pray for the safety of Ces and her crew.