All hostages freed.

A couple from the Hart Dunkard Brethren Church prays during a vigil in Hart, Oct. 24
— OCP file photo

All hostages freed.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The remaining 12 hostages kidnapped by a violent gang in Haiti two months ago have been released, according to Chistian Aid Ministries, the Ohio-based organization that sponsored the mission.

A Shelby woman and her four children were among the he 17 missionaries kidnapped, Oct. 16.

“We glorify God for answered prayer—the remaining 12 hostages are FREE!,” states the Chistian Aid Ministries website. “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.”

Three missionaries had most recently been released Dec. 6, and two were freed Nov. 21.

The local family belongs to Hart Dunkard Brethren Church on North 56th Avenue. 

The hostages had visited an orphanage in the Croix-des-Bouquets suburb prior to their abduction. They were being held in a location outside that suburb, which is controlled by the 400 Mawozo gang that captured them.

The local father was back at the missionary camp in Haiti at the time of the kidnapping. He stayed back from the group’s trip to an orphanage because was writing a sermon for the next day’s service.

One of the captured children was 8 months old at the time of the kidnapping. The ages of the other abducted children are 3, 6, 13 and 15. The adults include six men and six women up to the age of 48.

The gang that snatched the missionary group demanded $17 million — $1 million per person — in ransom. 

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