American Christian Missionary, Kidnapped in Nigeria, Released
An American missionary who was kidnapped in Nigeria last month has been released.
Phyllis Sortor, 71, a Free Methodist Church missionary, was handed over on Friday to authorities and church leaders, according to church officer David Kendall. Sortor was abducted last Feb. 23 by unidentified men at Hope Academy in Kogi State, Nigeria.
"We are deeply grateful to all who prayed for Phyllis' safe return and praise God the family representative was able to secure her release," Kendall said.
Her abductors had demanded $150,000 for her release. It was not known under what circumstances she was freed or whether the ransom payment was made.
"Phyllis was aware there were risks associated with her ministry, but also knew there are very few places in the world without risks and dangers," Kendall said. "She recently said, 'Heaven is for real! There is no guarantee in life; no safe place – other than that place we find ourselves when our full faith and trust is in God!'"
Kendall said Sortor "has devoted many years to the people of Africa, a land she deeply loves."
According to Kendall, the Free Methodist Church missionary spent her childhood in Mozambique and after living many years of her adult life in Seattle, Washington, she and her husband, Jim, relocated to Rwanda where they ministered for nearly six years. Sortor is involved in leadership development at the church's International Child Care Ministries.
The couple returned to Africa in 2005 and has been serving in Nigeria. When her husband died in October 2008, Sortor remained in Nigeria.
Kendall said Sortor "has also been instrumental in establishing schools in Kogi State for the children of Fulani herdsmen and in instituting grazing projects as one solution to long-term conflicts between Nigerian farmers and Fulani herdsmen."
Kendall refused to divulge details surrounding Sortor's release. "As a matter of sound policy, and to help protect the many, many people who helped secure Phyllis' freedom, we will have no comment concerning the efforts that were undertaken to secure her release," he said.
"Please continue to pray for Phyllis as she processes the ordeal she has faced," Kendall said. "Also pray for Phyllis' family members who have been profoundly affected by this experience. We are reaching out to them and will continue to minister to them in the days ahead."
