Christina's Appeal

On the family's website, Douglas Wood's daughter wrote a heart-wrenching message to her father's kidnappers.

Message from Christina, daughter of Douglas Wood

I am an Australian citizen. Dad insisted and made arrangement upon my birth that I also had the nationality he loved so dearly. One of the things I learned from him growing up is a love for other people and cultures. As an adult, I continue to respect and promote the religious beliefs of other cultures. My thoughts and prayers are as always with the Iraqi people. I sympathize with their plight, how difficult things are over there right now, and pray for a peaceful and independant future for Iraq.

In my thoughts and prayers I see my Dad surrounded by strength, peace, and protection to help him through this ordeal. I focus on filling him with physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. I also focus in on his captors as well, recognizing they have had very difficult lives that have shaped them into who they are, and send them prayers and love to open their hearts and minds so they will choose to release my Dad soon to us, his family. I see us, his family and friends, so very thankful for his freedom and safety - reuniting and embracing with hugs, tears, and great appreciation.

I hold the image of Dad being with us. Singing songs and playing piano with his young grandson (7) who reminds me of my Dad in so many ways (qualities beyond the eyes, ears, and wonderful smile). I see my daughter (10) performing a dance for him and smiling happily from his boisterous, proud applause.

My daughter bought a candle from a friend for me last week at the beginning of this nightmare. We have been lighting it along with a beautiful white candle she made a year or two ago. She keeps a picture of Dad under the candle to take care of him. There is something about the purity of children - so trusting and good - it keeps us hopeful.

My love and support,

Christina

16 May 2005
________________________________

Christina is making an appeal to the hearts of her father's captors, a rebel group calling itself the Shura Council of the Mujahideen of Iraq.

Hopefully, her efforts to show Mr. Wood as a loving father and grandfather will humanize him and keep them from exploiting this innocent man as a pawn.

There has been no official word on Mr. Wood's condition for a week. He was last seen on a DVD issued by the group holding him hostage. They demanded that Australian troops be withdrawn from Iraq, as Mr. Wood, beaten and bruised, begged for help.