Letter to the editor: President Trump is a gift from God

OPINION:

Our friend Kevin Rideout was a hostage of the Islamic State group (“American missionary in Niger released after 10 months of captivity,” Web, Aug. 15).

Kevin served as a missionary pilot with SIM International and we worked together in Niger toward a shared goal: bringing God’s love and hope to the people of Niger. He has flown us to various regions of the country when road travel has not been possible, helping us to accomplish our ministry goals.

So we are profoundly grateful to God, President Trump and the recovery team that tirelessly worked for nearly 10 months to bring Kevin home.

Mr. Trump’s efforts to free Kevin were extraordinary. The United States worked around the clock for Kevin’s freedom, an answer to prayer. Throughout the 10 months of Kevin’s captivity, we prayed daily for him and his family and his safe return. We also prayed for Mr. Trump and his team.

We know that only God can protect us in our service, but just as God used Xerxes to save His people, God also uses many of us to advance His Kingdom. And God placed Mr. Trump on Earth for such a time as this.

Our ministry, Reaching Unreached Nations International (RUN) has been serving with Vie Abondante in Niger since 1998. Vie Abondante, a church planting ministry with core values focused on discipleship and reaching generations, was established in 1992 by Ron and Jerry Childs (our parents and in-laws, respectively). They have been serving in Africa since 1977.

We work with the local people to evangelize, provide training for pastors and leaders, operate Christian schools providing education for over 15,00 children, establish children’s discipleship homes to care for and educate children whose families have been affected by terrorism and provide clean water by drilling wells.

President Trump is helping us serve the people by providing a strong presence, protection of Americans broadly and religious liberty specifically.

With sincere gratitude, thank you, Mr. President.

NEAL CHILDS

DANETTE CHILDS

Niamey, Niger