Christian Aid Ministries says it has received prayers from around the world, including from children, for a group of its missionaries who were kidnapped in Haiti a week ago.
17 people, including an 8 month old baby and 4 children were taken hostage by a gang in the capital Port-au-Prince while returning from a visit to an orphanage. They had also been supporting school children, distributing Bibles and Christian literature, supplying medicine for clinics, teaching Haitian pastors and providing food for the elderly and vulnerable.
Christian Aid Ministries says since the kidnapping, it has been a time of “many tears and thousands-if not millions-of prayers.
“We are entering day seven since the kidnapping of our staff took place in Haiti. While the group of 17 hostages (6 men, 6 women and 5 children) are still being held, we continue to face each day with the assurance that our great God is in control.
“Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it: I, the LORD . . . will hold Your hand” (Isaiah 42:5-6).
“You may wonder why our workers chose to live in a difficult and dangerous context, despite the apparent risks. Before leaving for Haiti, our workers who are now being held hostage expressed a desire to faithfully serve God in Haiti. One of them said he wants to be of use to bring glory to God, whether at home or abroad. Another shared a desire to use God-given talents to build God’s kingdom while helping those in need. Pray that their commitment to God could become even stronger during this difficult experience. “
The organisation says prayers and messages will be forwarded to the families of the hostages. Over the last week it has received messages from countries including Haiti, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Eswatini, Nigeria, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Ukraine, Australia, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Brazil :
“The families have found courage in your words of blessing, written prayers, and stories of God’s faithfulness.”
One message read : “I have a beautiful mind picture—that of thousands, likely millions of believers joining hands around the globe, their prayers ascending as a sweet incense to the Father of mercies. It matters not so much what denomination, or race, or culture...we are all joined in one common heart-rending plea...Lord, have mercy. Show yourself mighty and strong…We plead that all involved in this situation may remain faithful to the cause of Christ and that ultimately your most high name may be glorified. Amen.”
Christian Aid Ministries says it has received prayers from many children too :
“One three-year-old child prayed that ‘the naughty people would become good.’ Another five-year-old child prayed that ‘the baby could have milk and the moms and dads and children could have food’ and ‘that there would be an angel sent that could maybe help them.’"
Prayers and messages of encouragement can be sent to [email protected]