Three More Kidnapped American Missionaries Released From Haitian Gang

Three additional missionaries kidnapped by Haitian gang members in October have been safely released, according to a statement from mission organization Christian Aid Ministries.

The Monday statement expressed thanks regarding the freed missionaries, along with a call for prayer for those who remain held by gang members.

“We are thankful to God that three more hostages were released last night. Those who were released are safe and seem to be in good spirits. As with the previous release, we are not able to provide the names of the people released, the circumstances of the release, or any other details,” the statement read.

“As announced on Friday, we would like to focus the next three days on praying and fasting for the hostages. Please continue to intercede for those who are still being held as well as those who have been released. We long for all the hostages to be reunited with their loved ones. Thank you for your prayer support,” it added.

A total of 16 U.S. missionaries and family members, as well as one Canadian missionary, were abducted in October by members of the 400 Mawozo gang.

Two members have previously been released, leaving 12 members remaining in captivity. Gang members had previously demanded $1 million per missionary.

When the first two missionaries were freed, Christian Aid Ministries also released a brief statement to update supporters.

“We have learned that two of the hostages in Haiti were released. We praise God for this! Only limited information can be provided, but we are able to report that the two hostages who were released are safe, in good spirits, and being cared for,” the November 21 statement said.

“We cannot provide or confirm the names of those released, the reasons for their release, where they are from, or their current location. We ask that those who have more specific information about the release and the individuals involved would safeguard that information,” it added.

The Wall Street Journal reported:

The missionaries were abducted last Saturday in an eastern suburb of the capital when armed members of the gang forcibly stopped a minibus carrying the men, women and children. The group, which includes an 8-month-old baby, was returning from a visit to a nearby orphanage.

A reporter asked Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a White House press briefing about the hostages, specifically about how seriously the Biden administration was taking the situation and how it was going to respond to it.

Jean-Pierre responded first by highlighting a statement from Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said:

First, with regard to the specific incident that you referred to, the kidnapping of missionaries, including 16 Americans, we have in the administration been relentlessly focused on this, including sending a team to Haiti from the State Department; working very closely with the FBI, which is the lead in these kinds of matters; in constant communication with the Haitian National Police, the church that the missionaries belong to, as well as to the Haitian Government.  And we will do everything that we can to help resolve the situation.

Jean-Pierre also highlighted a statement about Haiti’s security:

We have been working closely with the Haitian National Police to try to build their capacity, as well as help put in place programs that can effectively deal with the gangs. But it’s a very challenging and long-term process. We’re focused on it, but is it absolutely essential that this security dynamic change if Haiti is going to make real progress.

Jean-Pierre said that for privacy and security reasons, she could not disclose more at the time.

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