Last week, Malaysian officials arrested seven men suspected of involvement in the death of a minister who grew up in the Gresham area, according to The Associated Press.
The Rev. Dave Ginters body was found Saturday, May 4, in his home in Kuala Lumpur, with his hands and legs bound and a cellphone charger cable strung around his neck.
While officials determined he died of asphyxiation, the circumstances of his death and an alleged robbery at his home remain unclear.
Officials declined to comment on a possible motive and said the suspects were not all believed to be directly involved in Ginters death, and not members of his church.
Ginter's car, which had been reported missing, was found by authorities.
Ginter grew up on a mink and trout farm 30 miles east of Portland. A Gresham High School graduate, he served in youth ministries at Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church in Fairview.
Ginter spent more than 40 years in the ministry, serving in Egypt, Philippines, Guatemala and Malaysia, according to the Bridge International Churchs website. He came to Malaysia in 2010.
He is survived by his wife, Sheryl, an Australian native; and his three sons who live in the United States.
A family support fund has been set up through the churchs website at bridgechurchkl.org.