KOLD News 13 live, local and late breaking-Tucson friends continue to pray for freed missionary

Tucson friends continue to pray for freed missionary

By Teresa Jun - email

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - Tucson missionary Robert Park, 28, has returned to the United States, where he is safe with family in southern California. But in Tucson, his many friends continue to pray for his well-being.

"I was in tears because Robert does not look the same as before," said Letisia McKenna, a friend of Robert's through Life in Christ Community Church. She watched television news footage of Robert landing at Los Angeles International Airport over the weekend. "He's usually so lively and happy, but now he looks so different and sad."

"He's such a vivacious, energetic, and vociferous person," added Margaret Pasquet, Robert's friend at the Korean Presbyterian Church of Tucson. "But to see him (the way he was at the airport), I just can't imagine what he went through."

But speaking on the phone from Los Angeles, Paul Park said his brother, Robert, is recovering well. "You know, given all that he's gone through, I think he's doing really well," he said.

Paul Park said Robert appreciates the continued support pouring forth from friends in Tucson. "He's been very touched by all the prayers," said Paul Park. "Robert will definitely be back out there in Tucson and looking forward to meeting up with all his friends when he's feeling a little bit stronger and when he has a chance to relax a little bit. I know that going back to Tucson is something that's important to him."

In the meantime, loved ones continue to hold prayer gatherings, like the one held Monday evening, in support of their

"I'm glad that he's alive," McKenna said. "God kept him alive, and he's home. We just pray that he'll be back to being the same Robert that he was before."

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