The remaining 12 American and Canadian missionaries kidnapped in Haiti in October have regained their freedom, Christian Headlines is reporting.
The missionaries were freed by the Haitian gang members on December 16, a statement by Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), which sponsored the missionaries’ trip, said.
Five of the 17 missionaries (16 Americans and one Canadian) had earlier been released. While two of the abductees were released in November, three others were released earlier in December.
The missionaries were kidnapped by a Haitian gang, 400 Mawozo, on October 16 while travelling to an orphanage in Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital.
The journey from the CAM’s office to the orphanage is merely one hour thirty minutes.
“We glorify God for answered prayer. Join us in praising God that all seventeen of our loved ones are now safe,” CAM said in a statement posted on its website.
“Thank you for your fervent prayers throughout the past two months. We hope to provide more information as we are able.”
It also quoted a passage from Exodus 15:1, which says “I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously.”
CAM did not release further details of how the missionaries, comprising six men, six women and five children, were freed.
The United States Government confirmed the release of the missionaries.
“We are tremendously relieved for them and their families, with whom they will soon be reunited.
“We want to thank our partners in the Haitian National Police, international organizations, and the U.S. interagency who worked tirelessly for their freedom.
“The welfare and the safety of U.S. citizens in Haiti, as in all countries, is the Department’s highest priority,” spokesperson of the State Department, Ned Price, said.