Prayer
Pray for: How a Kidnapping Shaped a Missionary Couple’s Ministry
About the dispatch
Christianity Today·September 13, 2026
Sitting alone in a tepee-like shelter made from sticks collected by a dry African riverbed in 1974, 24-year-old Debbie Dortzbach stitched the words of Psalm 34:4 onto a white bandage from her captors’ helicopter first aid kit.
Read at Christianity Today →Pray with the global church
Redeemer, we lift up the land of Africa, where You were with Debbie Dortzbach in her captivity. Just as You delivered her then, make Your presence known now to those who are held by fear or pain. Stitch courage into the hearts of missionaries facing trials, and let Your strength shine through their weakness. Reveal Jesus to captors who need the truth that sets them free, and awaken hope among people waiting for reconciliation and healing. Restore what has been broken by conflict and sin, and let justice roll on like a river across every dry riverbed of this land. For the sake of Your great name, establish peace and reconciliation through Christ our Savior. Amen.
Anchored in
Amos 5:24
also: 2 Corinthians 12:9