One Korean hostage murdered, eight released

Earlier today, one of the South Korean Christians being held hostage by the Taliban was found dead with ten bullet holes in his body. Just as throughout much of this ordeal, there were conflicting stories about the reason for his death. Self-proclaimed Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi stated that the man was killed because Taliban demands to release other fighters from prison had not been met. But an anonymous source said the Korean was shot because he was sick and couldn't keep up with the others.

Meanwhile, eight of the hostages--six women and two men--were released to the main U.S. base in Ghazni province. That leaves twelve women and two men still being held captive out of the original group of 23 Koreans kidnapped last Friday.

Pray for courage and peace for these sisters and brothers of ours. They came to Afghanistan to serve the people in the love of Christ, and for this they have been made to suffer. Pray also for a German and five Afghans who are being held hostage in similar circumstances. One German from the original group has already died.

(Source: Bullet-riddled body of S. Korean hostage found [AP/MSNBC].)