Haiti: 12 remaining kidnapped missionaries freed

Christian Aid Ministries announced on 16 December that the remaining missionaries kidnapped by a criminal gang in Haiti have been freed.

“We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining 12 hostages are free! Join us in praising God that all 17 of our loved ones are now safe. Thank you for your fervent prayers throughout the past two months. We hope to provide more information as we are able”, the organisation said. “I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously (Exodus 15:1b)”.

The release was announced one and a half week after three others of the same group were freed on 5 December. Earlier, two adults who were sick had been the first to be released.

The group was kidnapped when they returned from visiting an orphanage in a region east of capital city Port-au-Prince.

According to the BBC, the abducted group included six men, six women and five children under the age of 15, including a toddler. All of them except a Canadian were from the United States.

Media said it was unclear on if any ransom was paid to release any of the missionaries.

Christian Aid Ministries “strives to be a trustworthy and efficient channel for Amish, Mennonite, and other conservative Anabaptist groups and individuals to minister to physical and spiritual needs around the world”.

Haiti is going through a social, political and economic crisis. The control of powerful criminal groups of areas of the island results in great insecurity for the population and for foreigners. Kidnappings are reported very often.