Prayers in Boston for Rev. Michel Louis, 1 other American kidnapped in Egypt

Pastor Michel Louis

(AP) BOSTON - While family and church members prayed Sunday for the Boston Pentecostal pastor kidnapped with two others in Egypt, their abductor said he has had conversations with intelligence officials about their release.

Jirmy Abu-Mashu told The Associated Press he kidnapped the Rev. Michel Louis and two others off a bus on a road between Cairo and Mount Sinai on Friday, and is demanding police release his uncle from prison. He said his uncle was jailed after refusing to pay a bribe to police.

He said two intelligence officials came to his home Saturday to negotiate the captives' release. During that meeting, he said, he relocated the pastor and the two other captives — a 39-year-old Boston woman who was traveling with the same church group and a tour guide. He said he returned the three to his home when the officials left.

CBS affiliate WBZ Boston identified the female hostage as Lissa Alphonse.

Lissa Alphonse

/ WBZ

U.S. confirms 2 Americans kidnapped in Sinai

The 61-year-old pastor, who is diabetic, left his medicine on the bus and security officials will have to help with getting it, Abu-Mashu said. He said Michel was tired and was sleeping a lot. He would not allow the AP to talk with the Americans.

Abu-Mashu also said that his imprisoned uncle is diabetic and claimed his relative was not getting the medical assistance he needs.

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton brought up the case of the two kidnapped Americans when she met with her Egyptian counterpart in Cairo on Saturday.

Louis' son said Sunday his father had natural medicine to treat his diabetes when he was taken, but he had no other information about his condition.

The Rev. Jean Louis said he does not know if or when his father may be released, and he is concerned about his safety and health.

He spoke to reporters after a church service in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood to pray for the captives. He said his father was on a church trip with 23 other members of the clergy and worshippers when he was abducted.

[credibility2]

It makes perfect sense that when a loved one is kidnapped and held hostage, that those back home would rally in prayer. Ironically, I don't recall seeing the same headlines when others of different religions or ethnic backgrounds were in similar situations. More biased and selective reporting by the media.

[smittyc]

Big too do about nothing. They will get released just like the hikers and then write a book about their "ordeal".

[takacrat]

What is he doing there to start with! If he was looking for someone to save, all he needed to do is walk down his own street, now he is the one that needs to be saved!
His family better hopes that he is a Man of God, because that is his only chance!!

[myopinionpal]

I visit Egypt often while watching the travel channel. Its alot safer than going there. if you want a great vacation go to the outer banks of North Carolina.

[formerlyluvnut]

N Carolina!!!! That IS kinda like going to the middle east lol. Want a REAL vaca...go to NY.

[formerlyluvnut]

N Carolina!!!! That IS kinda like going to the middle east lol. Want a REAL vaca; go to NY. Nothing in NC but hillbillies & mold.

[tvwatcher5345]

if tourism in egypt wasn't already dead it is now and their economy will come down a few more pegs, economically they are toast other than the aid the US provides