FAITH AND LOVE OF A PARENT

I recently read an incredible story of faith,  perseverance and love. Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry arrived in Afghanistan in March 2001 to give aid to the Afghanis. On August 3 the Taliban arrested the women and held them in an Afghani prison. Their trial began on September 1. Some of us may remember the story, but the  terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, 9-11-01, over-shadowed their story. They were held for 105 days and eventually freed and rescued by US Special Forces, and then brought home to America.

During the 105 days of incarceration in a Taliban prison, Heather's father worked tirelessly to secure their release. Every day he talked with government officials, interviewed countless reporters, and negotiated with members of the Taliban. Rumors of course were everywhere, on radio and television, rumors of possible execution, or at least a year long prison sentence.

I can't imagine what it would be like to be in a Taliban prison. But worse would be knowing my daughter was in a prison, and I was helpless to do anything. During all this terror, Heather's father announced his desire to take her place in prison and pay the penalty for the crime for which they were all being accused.

As we all know they were released and sent home. But I can't imagine the terror they felt on a daily basis, the abuse they took, the malnutrition they endured, and perhaps the beatings. Three and a half months is a very long time to endure such a terrifying sentence.

Two years later, 2003, Heather returned to Iraq to serve the Muslims. Heather continues to serve as a missionary and is cofounder of Hope Afghanistan, a funding organization for humanitarian relief. She is coauthor, along with Dana Curry, of Prisoners of Hope: The Story of our Captivity and Freedom in Afghanistan.

Thank you, good day and God Bless!   Aleta

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."    Nelson Mandela