Please pray, says US Christian group after missionaries abducted

 (Photo: iStock/Stephen Howard)

Christian Aid Ministries has sent out an "urgent" prayer request after its workers and their children were abducted in Haiti on Saturday.

The group, who were taken near the capital of Port-au-Prince, is made up of 16 US citizens and one Canadian citizen. It includes five children. 

They were returning from a visit to an orphanage when they were ordered off their bus at gunpoint while en route to the airport to fly home. 

Christian Aid Ministries said they were "seeking God's direction for a resolution" and were in touch with authorities who are "seeking ways to help". 

"Join us in praying for those who are being held hostage, the kidnappers, and the families, friends, and churches of those affected. Pray for those who are seeking God's direction and making decisions regarding this matter," it said.

"As an organization, we commit this situation to God and trust Him to see us through. May the Lord Jesus be magnified and many more people come to know His love and salvation."

The group is believed to have been kidnapped by the notorious 400 Mawozo gang, which was behind the kidnapping of a nun and priest earlier this year. 

It is feared that they will demand up to $1m per person for their release. 

Gèdèon Jean, the executive director of the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, an advocacy group in Port-au-Prince, told the New York Times there was a good chance of the group being freed.

"They're going to negotiate," he said of the kidnappers. "[The hostages] are going to be freed - that's for sure. We don't know in how many days, but they're going to negotiate."

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.