The American missionary who was killed on a remote island in the Indian ocean may have been trying to bring about the apocalypse.
John Allen Chau, the 26-year-old who was killed on North Sentinel Island on November 17, belonged to Kansas City-based group called All Nations Family who subscribes to the belief that spreading the word of God to all nations will result in the second coming of Jesus, reported Mail Online.
In a blog post honouring Chau's life and service, All Nations' international executive leader Dr Mary Ho expressed hope that Chau's sacrifice will bear results later.
"We remember too, how throughout church history, the privilege of sharing the gospel has often involved great cost," Ho said in a blog post. "We pray that John’s sacrificial efforts will bear eternal fruit in due season."
"John was a gracious and sensitive ambassador of Jesus Christ who wanted others to know of God’s great love for them," Ho said. "As we grieve for our friend, and pray for all those who mourn his death, we also know that he would want us to pray for those who may have been responsible for his death."
Indian police are yet to retrieve Chau's body, and tribal rights activists believe it's best to leave the body on the island as it would be "incredibly dangerous" for both Indian officials and the Sentinelese tribe.
In an Instagram post, Chau's family said they have forgiven the tribe for killing their son.
"We forgive those reportedly responsible for his death. We also ask for the release of those friends he had in the Andaman Islands. He ventured out on his own free will and his local contacts need not be persecuted for his own actions," the family said.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event