{"id":36818,"date":"2023-07-25T10:00:07","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T08:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opendoors.org.za\/?p=36818"},"modified":"2023-07-25T10:00:07","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T08:00:07","slug":"susanna-koh-seeks-justice-for-her-husband-pastor-raymonds-abduction-slegs-in-engels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opendoors.org.za\/afr\/susanna-koh-seeks-justice-for-her-husband-pastor-raymonds-abduction-slegs-in-engels\/","title":{"rendered":"Susanna Koh seeks justice for her husband, Pastor Raymond\u2019s, abduction (slegs in Engels)"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 13 February 2017, Malaysian Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted in what footage captured by a CCTV video shows as a military-precision operation. His wife, Susanna, and their three children haven\u2019t seen or heard from him since then. And the perpetrators are yet to be brought to justice.<\/p>\n

The only glimmer of hope came when an inquiry by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia found that the national police was behind the abduction. Believing that justice should be served, and Raymond\u2019s life story should be told, Susanna filed a lawsuit against the police (and, vicariously, the Malaysian government). The hearing began in the week of 19 June.<\/p>\n

Recently, Open Doors spoke with Susanna via Zoom to hear about the trial so far and to learn how we, as their family in Christ, can pray specifically for them. Three days into the hearing, Susanna told us she was feeling encouraged.<\/p>\n

Last week, the courtroom saw the plaintiffs\u2019 first and critical witness, Roeshan, take the stand. He witnessed Pastor Raymond\u2019s abduction, went to the police station and reported the crime. But before Roeshan shared his testimony, the defending counsel lodged several arguments that indicated to Susanna how the opposition would approach the case.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey questioned and objected to so much before anything began,\u201d Susanna shared. \u201cThe defence objected to Roeshan\u2019s testimony, saying he made it up, as well as the veracity of the CCTV video. They basically want to deny that the police was involved and do not want to admit anything,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The judge heard Roeshan\u2019s testimony and would later hear testimony from the police officer, who attested to the video\u2019s authenticity.<\/p>\n

\u201cI must say that I was encouraged,\u201d Susanna shared. \u201cThe eyewitness did so well. And we felt the judge was quite fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

She voiced specific hopes if Judge Su Tiang Joo rules for her: \u201cIf Raymond is alive, to release him. If he is not alive, we want to know where his body is. We want the perpetrators to be arrested and prosecuted. From what we can see, the state will not admit any involvement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will not get absolute justice, but some form of it, and the peace to know this suit may deter any police officer from acting in this manner again.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cGod is with us\u201d<\/p>\n

Susanna sees many ways God has already provided, most notably the lawyers who have come to her aid on a pro bono basis. She says God answered her prayers with the three lawyers who are fighting for the Kohs. \u201cWe have outstanding lawyers on our side who, thank God, are doing this pro bono,\u201d she said. \u201cThey are top-notch, very famous in our country. God has been so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

She admits that there is considerable stress and pressure on her, but in the same breath says she has peace because she knows God is with her. The bold wife and mother is courageous in her resolve to seek justice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are people, many Christians, who don\u2019t want us to go forward with this,\u201d Susanna explained. \u201cThey say: \u2018Maybe try to find a solution, try and meet with the prime minister or someone who has some power to negotiate and settle this matter out of court, due to the sensitive nature of things in this country.\u2019 But we tried to reach out to the attorney general. He doesn\u2019t want to discuss anything. So we had no choice but to go forward with this lawsuit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Susanna remembers the day she decided to file the suit. For weeks, she had been talking and praying about such a huge decision, asking God for a specific sign \u2013 an eagle. \u201cI was reading in 2 Kings about Gideon, and I got this assurance that even though we are small and insignificant, God is with us,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s like fighting the Midianites. And like Gideon asking for a fleece, I asked for a sign \u2013 an eagle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes I see an eagle from my balcony. To me, it\u2019s very special. It reminds me of God\u2019s presence, like He is strengthening me for a task. I think of Isaiah 40:13: \u2018But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

That day \u2013 only a short time before Susanna had to make the decision and give a written letter to the lawyers \u2013 she saw an eagle and knew that God would be with her as she told Raymond\u2019s story in court, searching for both answers and justice. \u201cFor many months, I hadn\u2019t seen one. But here was this eagle flying above me,\u201d she shared. \u201cI was so happy, just jumping up and down on my balcony, saying: \u2018God, You gave me a sign.\u2019 After I read the passage, I really felt peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

In many ways, Susanna sees God renewing her strength as she presses on with the lawsuit. \u201cWe are almost seven years without Raymond,\u201d she says. \u201cYes, even though this is very tiring, I do feel His strength. Knowing God is with us keeps me going. It\u2019s not just about me or my family, but also about the country and the justice system.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe day after the abduction, I was asked to do an interview with a publication here. I remember thinking, should I keep quiet? But something in my head or heart said: \u2018Well, they took him in secret. I\u2019m going to let the entire world know.\u2019 In the end, it\u2019s about listening to what God wants you to do. And He will take care of everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How we can pray<\/strong><\/p>\n

Susanna shared specific prayer requests to help us know how to pray for her, her family and her counsel:<\/p>\n