American missionary freed after 9 months captivity in Niger
August 18, 2026 at 5:06 PM MT · via Christianity Today · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

Kidnappers released Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot held hostage for nine months in Niger, last Friday, according to his missions agency Serving in Missions (SIM). Throughout Rideout's captivity, fellow missionaries gathered weekly on Zoom to pray for his release. Christianity Today reports the missionary community maintained consistent prayer vigils during the entire ordeal.
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