An American nurse, who spent weeks in captivity after being kidnapped by gangsters in Haiti, has conveyed to her captors that she holds "no grudges" against them.
In a video published on YouTube, Alix Dorsainvil told her kidnappers that she forgives them and encouraged them to commit their lives to Christ.
Speaking in the native Haitian language of Creole, she said: “For the gangsters, I have a message for you. I want you guys to know that everything I said during my time in captivity was sincere. They were not the manipulative words of someone desperate to escape, but simply the truth, especially when I told you my clinic doors are always open to you or anyone in need when you're sick or wounded, without any problem," said Dorsainvil, addressing the group of armed men who kidnapped her and held her captive for two weeks.
"I understand now why that doesn't seem like a possibility for you guys. But, if it were up to me, I would care for you without any prejudice and receive you with open arms. I want you to know that I hold no grudges against you in my heart," she continued.
"That doesn't mean that I agree with what you are doing, especially what you are doing against your own Haitian brothers and sisters, because even if ransom is paid and the victims are released, this particular event leaves a scar in their heart. That will never go away. “
According to the Associated Press, Dorsainvil and her daughter were abducted on 27th July while the nurse was looking after patiences in a clinic near Port-au-Prince. They were both released on 8th August with no confirmation as to whether a ransom was paid.
Dorsainvil continued with her message to her captors: "I understand that all of you are in search for happiness, satisfaction, money, power and status to fill the void in your hearts; like a hole in your heart, an empty space within your heart, and you're searching for all those things as a way to try to fill that hole, that empty space. But, I want you to know that those things will never truly satisfy you," Dorsainvil said.
"They will never fill the void in your hearts. The only way for this hole to be filled is with the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus is always willing to forgive you, no matter what you have done. All you need to do is accept that love."
"That's my message for you. I love you in Christ and one day, I hope to hug you in Heaven."
She concluded her video with a message to the Hatian population: “"Despite what has happened to me, my love for you all, my love for Haiti, has not changed or gone away. I may need some time to pray and seek God's direction because I cannot take one step out of God's will," Dorsainvil said.
"If it were uniquely my decision, I'd be working in the clinic today. But, I know I have undergone a lot of trauma, emotional trauma and I need to take some time to heal. But, I would like to come back, to be there for you, and to support you in Christ. Thank you very much," she added.
"Have a good day. Hang in there. I know that Haiti is very difficult in these times. I know. But, God hears you. Don't give up faith. OK? Goodbye."