LHM—Brazil Director Robbed… Again

Several days ago we reported that Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM)—Brazil director, Paulo Warth and his wife Lucia, had been kidnapped and robbed in September. Unfortunately, this past Sunday the couple was robbed once again outside their home.

Paulo and Lucia were returning from a weekend trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The flight was delayed and the plane arrived in Sao Paulo at midnight. They took a cab from the airport, and when the taxi stopped on the street in front of their home, two men on a motorcycle approached them with guns. The criminals took one of their suitcases containing clothing and gifts they had bought for their children. The men also took their hand luggage, along with documents, credit cards, and money before getting away on motorcycles.

Despite reported improvements, Brazil continues to have some of the highest crime rates in the world. Much of the crime and violence in that nation has been linked to drugs and alcoholism. According to the US State Department robbery and “quicknapping” outside of banks and ATM machines are common. In a “quicknapping,” (which is what happened to Paulo and his wife last month) criminals abduct victims for a short time in order to receive a quick payoff from the family, business or the victim’s ATM card.

"We are really living under fear all the time. It is even affecting my health, which seems to be getting worst,” Paulo said. “But in the midst of all this we are thankful to God for preserving our lives. The rings are gone, but the fingers still remain. God is merciful. Praise the Lord!"

Please join us in praying for the safety of Lutheran Hour Ministries employees around the world.

Paulo and Lucia Warth at the 2008 Int'l LLL Convention.