Free the Captives: Witness Against Illegal Detention and Torture

At the time of this writing, I have found no reports with new information about Tom Fox and the other Christian Peacemakers being held captive in Iraq. As our vigil on their behalf goes into its eleventh week, many people have asked me if "no news is good news."

I have read a lot of informed speculation on all sides of this question, and several friends with hands closer to the pulse have shared their insight, experience, and oppinions. We hope that their captors have heard the message. We hope that they have been moved by the serene presence of their captives. We hope that somehow, in spite of the threats and the bleak outlook, "by the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, giving light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:78-79)

We hope, and we do not know.

The practical implications of "no news" is that we continue our vigil. We continue to plead for their release. We continue to seek ways that we can support their work, serving the families and communities torn apart by war. We continue to be challenged by their readiness to endure isolation, sacrifice, and suffering to serve others. And we pray for the dawn from on high to guide our feet into the way of peace, covenanting with all people – to free the captives, bind up the wounded of heart, and to comfort all who mourn.

We do not know, but as we sit in darkness our hope is nourished by the Light.