Some speculate it was a case of mistaken identity. Perhaps they were targeting El Salvadoran Missionary Jose who has been working with the Achi Indians in Cubulco, Guatemala, for many years now.  Jose is getting married this weekend in El Salvador, and plans to return there with his new wife. Others wonder if he was targeted because of the work the evangelicals are doing in the area.  We sent our Master's Commission there just a few weeks ago, and they saw a mighty move of God. Some mentioned that it could be drug traffickers.  No one can be certain.

Jose and Esau's parents traveled to Guatemala on Tuesday, hoping to find more information on what happened.  They got about an hour and half from Cubulco, and the church leader called them and told them not to come any further.  The road to Cubulco is lonely and isolated. They were vulnerable traveling alone in one vehicle with Salvadoran tags.  The church people are afraid and don't know what could happen.They have since contacted El Salvadoran government officials to intervene in his behalf with the government of Guatemala.

I'm a friend of Esau on Facebook.  I pulled a quote that he wrote on Sunday at 12:41 PM, just a few hours before he was abducted.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ESAU! Pray for his safety. Pray for God to strengthen, comfort, and encourage him while he is being held captive. Pray for a hedge of protection around him; that his captors would not be able to harm him.

Pray for his kidnappers. Pray that they would see the light; that they would MEET GOD today and let him go!

Pray for Esau's family; I cannot imagine how terrified they must be.

Pray for Jose and his new wife. What tragic news to receive on your wedding day - a day that should be a day of celebration! They are probably feeling a million emotions today.

And pray for this organization. I'm sure they are all scared, worried, and crying out to God today for the safety of one of their missionaries and friends.