All Nations (allnations.us), an international Christian missions training and sending organization, is mourning the reported death of one of its missionaries, John Allen Chau, 27, of Vancouver, Washington.
All Nations representatives are working with authorities in the U.S. and overseas to confirm details of Chau’s reported killing sometime between Nov. 16 and Nov. 18, when he visited remote North Sentinel Island, located in the Indian Ocean.
Chau is understood to have died after being attacked by local tribesmen. He is a graduate of Oral Roberts University (ORU) who had trained since college to share the gospel with the North Sentinelese people.
“All Nations is deeply saddened by this news and wants to publicly express our deepest sorrow for this monumental loss,” said International Executive Leader Dr. Mary Ho. “We have been in contact with John’s family and ask all to join us in praying for his family and friends during this time. We have been in contact with the U.S. State Department and continue to cooperate fully with all international, national and regional officials.”
A seasoned traveler who was well-versed in cross-cultural issues, Chau had previously taken part in missions projects in Iraq, Kurdistan and South Africa. He joined All Nations as a missionary in 2017 and trained at its North American headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
“John was a gracious and sensitive ambassador of Jesus Christ who wanted others to know of God’s great love for them,” Ho said. “As we grieve for our friend, and pray for all those who mourn his death, we also know that he would want us to pray for those who may have been responsible for his death. We remember too, how throughout church history, the privilege of sharing the gospel has often involved great cost. We pray that John’s sacrificial efforts will bear eternal fruit in due season.”
Other leaders, including ORU President Billy Wilson, reacted to Chau’s death:
The story of @OralRobertsU alumnus John Chau’s death at the hands of an isolated people group has gone around the world today. Not surprising that John would reach out to the unreached in order to share God’s love but we are deeply saddened to hear of his death. @ORUAlumni
— Billy Wilson (@WilsonBilly) November 21, 2018
We are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of John Chau. John served as a team manager for #ORUMSoc during his time at ORU. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all of those who knew him at this time. https://t.co/GWtj9XQ2gM
— ORU Men’s Soccer (@ORUMSoccer) November 21, 2018
I met #JohnChau on a transatlantic flight once about 3 years ago. He readily spoke of his calling to serve the Sentinelese. His calling came from a higher authority. He died a servant of the Lord. Saddened by his loss. He was a lovely guy.
— (((Neil DM))) (@NeilBriogaisean) November 21, 2018
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