Two Haiti Missionaries Released, No Ransom Paid

TWO HAITI MISSIONARIES RELEASED. Thank God, the 400 Mawozo gang that kidnapped 17 missionaries on Oct. 16 has released two of them. Both had become sick, and

TWO HAITI MISSIONARIES RELEASED. Thank God, that the 400 Mawozo gang that took away 17 missionaries on Oct. 16 has released two of them. Both had become sick, and were said to “in good spirits, and…cared for.” But their mission, Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries did not provide more details for safety’s sake. However, a source told The Miami Herald that no one paid ransom to the kidnappers.

That comes as a relief. Because the gang had asked for $1 million per person, which such a mission of course could not afford. Also, the gang leader Wilson Joseph had threatened to “put a bullet in their heads.”

Haitian police want Joseph for murder, kidnapping, hijacking trucks and auto theft. His gang is blamed for 80% of the 221 abductions in June-September. Earlier this year they allegedly kidnapped five priests and two nuns.

“Depart Haiti now”

The US State Department has urged Americans to “depart Haiti now.” A federation of nine Haitian gangs only recently lifted blockades of fuel terminals crippling the nation. But fuel shortages remain. Now is the time to travel before they get worse again.

The release of the two missionaries came within three days after Christian Aid Ministries called for another “special day of prayer and fasting” for them on Nov. 18. Let’s agree with them in prayer for “for those being held, the families of the hostages, government officials who are assisting, and the kidnappers themselves.”