Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig will forever be known as “the Michaels” in Canadian culture. For almost three years they longed for home.
Spavor and Kovrig, detained on espionage charges since Dec. 10, 2018, arrived at the Calgary International Airport early Saturday September 25, following an overnight flight out of China.
The Michaels
The two were convicted of trumped-up charges of espionage in closed Chinese courts earlier this year. Spavor was sentenced to 11 years in Chinese prison. Kovrig had yet to be sentenced.
Michael Kovrig spoke for both men. “It’s wonderfully fantastic to be back home in Canada. I’m so grateful for everybody who worked so hard to bring both of us back home.”
Never Forgotten
The Michaels were told repeatedly that Canada abandoned them. That was the experience of my friend Kevin Garratt. He was imprisoned in China for 774 days on similar charges. Now they know, as Kevin learned, that Canada never forgot them.
Their pictures were posted on fridge doors, Facebook covers, Instagram posts, newspaper articles, websites, blogs, bumper stickers, posters, protest signs, and billboards.
Their names were spoken in prayers, sermons, water cooler conversations, speeches, lectures, the House of Commons, legislative assemblies, and network news programs.
We can all breathe a little easier today.
Never Alone
Isolated?
A prisoner to your circumstances?
Unanswered prayers?
You are never alone.
You’re not far from home.
Kevin Garratt found strength in prayer and focusing on the hope of God’s Word. “Surviving takes every breath. But through suffering comes life-changing insights and revelation.”
Kevin often quotes Psalms 139:16 and 46:1. “God knew us even before we were created. He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Thank you writing letters, praying or whatever efforts you made in bringing the Michaels home. Please leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
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