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Hilmar Pastor Reports Release of Egyptian Prisoners DelayedHILMAR, CA (September 29, 2006) – The release of an inmate in an Egyptian prison helped by members of the Hilmar Covenant Church and Covenanters around the country apparently has been delayed, says Dan Johnson, the congregation’s associate pastor.Martin Oky was supposed to be released September 17. Another inmate, Jacob Emeto, is scheduled for release in October, but that now also appears uncertain. The accompanying photo shows some of the handiwork the two men created and sent to Johnson.  A parole hearing was set for this past Monday for Oky and others who had been scheduled to be released, but still were detained. Johnson says he doesn’t know the outcome.The men, both from Nigeria, were imprisoned roughly 20 years ago on drug charges and became Christians shortly after. Since then they have led Bible studies and other Christian activities behind the walls of Kanater Men’s Prison outside of Cairo, Egypt, Johnson says. They each hope to do missionary work when they are released. With the help of other Covenanters, the church has raised more than $3,000. The amount will cover fines as well as help the men restart their lives, Johnson says. An email from someone who meets regularly with the prisoners said the paperwork for their release “takes time” to process, noting the delay could be at least two months. “So release dates seem to be arbitrary and don’t really mean ‘release,’ only getting close,” Johnson says. The start of the Islamic holy days of Ramadan, which run from September 24 to October 24 this year, means the paperwork could be delayed even further, Johnson says. Johnson became acquainted with the men after they responded to letters he wrote as part of his involvement with Prayers for the Persecuted Church. Johnson’s visit with the two prisoners in August was highlighted in a previous Covenant News Service story. To read the previous article, please see Egyptian Prison. Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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