World

17 Oct 2021

17 U.S. Christian Missionaries and their Families Kidnapped in Haiti

The Index Today

U.S. media reported on Saturday, as many as 17 American Christian missionaries and their families, including children, were kidnapped by gang members in Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince.

The New York Times said that the kidnapping happened after the missionaries left an orphanage in the crisis-engulfed Caribbean nation.

The Washington Post reported that an audio from the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries said “men, women and children” associated with the group were being held by an armed gang.

“The mission field director and the American embassy are working to see what can be done,” the audio was quoted as saying. “Pray that the gang members will come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.”

The victims included 14 adults and three minors, CNN said, citing an unnamed source in Haiti's security forces.

CNN reported that they were traveling to Titanyen after visiting the orphanage in the Croix des Bouquets are. The Times, citing local officials, said the missionaries were taken from a bus headed to the airport to drop off some members of the group before continuing to another destination in Haiti.


The U.S. State Department is aware of the reports, a spokesperson told Reuters but did not offer details. "The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the Department of State," the spokesperson said in an email.

There are still no statements and response from the U.S. Embassy in Haiti and with the Christian Aid Ministries.


©Photo: Joseph Odelyn/AP