Update on Tom Randall

Here is an update on Tom Randall. I received this from his wife Karen.


Dear Friends,
Today Tom is leaving for the Philippines. We were hoping he wouldn’t have to go and that things would have been solved before he had to get on the plane but it is not happening that way.
We have learned a few details that we can share with you. The amazing thing is that apparently the same kidnapping case from over a year ago is the one being brought forward again. The arrest warrant has to be answered by Thursday and bail can be paid or else a fugitive charge can be added to everything else. Tom arrives Wed. night (Philippines time) so the timing is perfect. Our lawyers are working on getting a change of venue rather than have to work with the police or officials in Lucena City which is where the orphanage is and where the case originated from.
We believe that this is a case of someone targeting Tom. We know it has been an ongoing situation for a number of years but this last year things have been so much more dangerous for him. The Lord has been so good to rescue him each and every time that we can’t believe that He won’t do it again. We do not want to be foolish or arrogant about his safety or take it for granted. We are doing everything we can to keep Tom and Toto safe but still be bold enough to confront whatever man or group this is bringing these false charges.
Just to review for some of you that are new to following our adventures… Over a year ago a kidnapping charge was brought against Tom and Toto in Lucena City. The children being mentioned in the charge are not children at Sankey or any that we have ever dealt with. The sad part is that several boys were actually kidnapped but escaped to tell their story. However, that story was embellished with Tom and Toto’s names and Sankey Samaritan as the place by the police who were the ones writing up the boys’ stories. One of the boys came forward and testified to the Asst. Dist. Attorney in Lucena City that Tom and Toto were not the men who kidnapped him and that he had never been to Sankey Samaritan. At that time the Asst. Dist. Attorney dismissed the case only to have it reinstated later by the District Atty. We ended up going all the way to the Supreme Court Justice Puno’s office for help. He immediately put enough pressure on local officials that the case was dropped. He retired a while back and here we are again.
We know that to hear a made up case that has been dismissed and is now being brought forward again is confusing. We are confused, too. But we also recognize that God is bigger than all of this. Pray that we would keep our eyes focused on Him through all of this. We are so grateful for you, you’re choosing to stand with us, and for your persistent prayers for all involved.
Tom has had a verse come into his mind for the last several days. It’s Proverbs 16:18. “Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.” These prideful and haughty men that are bringing these charges are going to fall. It’s only a matter of time!
Tom shared at the Champions Tour Fellowship Friday evening about spiritual warfare. He was talking about being ready with our armor to fight the battles that come our way. He mentioned that the only place the enemy can get us is in our back while we are running away! Tom isn’t one to run away and we know you aren’t either. Thank you for your loyalty to us, to our heavenly Father, and to the children of Sankey Samaritan Orphanage.
Because of Christ,
Karen and Tom