Monday, November 28, 2005

Horrific News

This post is going to be difficult to write. Four civilians were kidnapped in Iraq on Saturday. I haven't been able to find lots of details, but here is the general story, which is:
Norman Kember, a retired professor from Pinner, north London, was abducted with two Canadians and an American in Baghdad on Saturday. Mr Kember, a grandfather in his 70s, had traveled to Iraq last week on a peace mission.

Mr. Kember is a good friend of my parents and a longtime member of my Granny's church, Harrow Baptist. I remember seeing him a few years ago when I stopped by in England to visit my Gran. We were at the church and he came over for some conversation. "I remember when you were this tall", putting his hand down by his knees. He is an extremely nice man who went out of his way to be friendly. His wife Pat, who possesses an equally wonderful character, must be in absolute shock.

My parents have asked for my prayers. There will be many. I, in turn, am asking for yours. I hope that there will be many.

I haven't even had time to get angry at the people who have done this. For the time being that isn't important. Our prayers are. Thanks

P.S. Please ask others as well.

Update: Mom has provided a further link, which includes a picture.

15 comments:

Materbird at 1606 said...

Thanks, Ben for your post. A further link , both to you and to anyone else who is interested is:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4476754.stm

Surly Dave said...

We'll be praying.

hammerswing75 said...

Thanks Dave. We appreciate.

drjonz said...

CQ picked this up so your message will really get out now.

I haven't heard about kidnappings in a long time. Zarqawi was told to back off, so if its not his group of thugs, there is good reason for hope.

MegaTroopX said...

I'm angry for you. Let's hope our guys find them safe and sound, and stomp on the snatchers like the roaches they are.

drjonz said...

Looks like this guy hangs with some real radicals.

I'm sure they mean well, but they're doing more harm than good with their web site which dwells on everything bad happening in Iraq and nothing good.

My prayers will be for those who care for him.

Tony B said...

Ben, I'm not sure the man upstairs will be taking my calls, but I'll give it a shot. All my best.

Alexandra said...

Just heard from Ed Morrissey, and will immediately write a post about it. I wish Professor Kember the protection of our prayers. He looks such a nice man. I will track you back as soon as I have written it. All the best.

Eric said...

Ditto, Ben.
Eric

Grandpa Chris said...

Pat Kember, Norman's wife has been told about the concern of bloggers in Minnesota. God Bless you and keep praying .THANK YOU!!!

Alexandra said...

TrackBack by All Things Beautiful The Islamofascist Manifesto':

"I heard from Ed Morrissey today that Professor Kember from the U.K. was kidnapped this weekend in Baghdad. Needless to say I am outraged, and extend my sincerest support and prayers to his family. Seventy year old Professor Norman Kember was travelling on a pilgrimage with some Shia Muslims from London...."

Leo Pusateri said...

Prayers for you and yours, Ben...

Along with a prayer for victory against the scum who continue to prey on the innocent...

Darnell Clayton said...

They will be in my prayers. God bless!

Douglas said...

I've forwarded your post to a number of internet groups requesting their prayers.

I'm praying for the safe release of Norman and the other hostages. Norman would disapprove, but he's just going to have to deal with it that it's ok with me if force is used on his behalf.

Anonymous said...

I am praying.....The son in law of Mr Kember. He must sink deep into his faith to convert his abductors!! Peace