Christians asked to fast and pray for missionaries kidnapped in Haiti

 (Photo: CAM)

A day of prayer and fasting will be held on Thursday for a group of 17 missionaries and children kidnapped in Haiti.

Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) said it was praying for their safe release, as well as for the kidnappers to turn to Christ.

The group is formed of 16 Americans and one Canadian, and includes five children, the youngest of which is just 8 months old. 

They were kidnapped near capital Port-au-Prince on their way back from visiting an orphanage supported by CAM. 

The gang behind the kidnapping, 400 Mawozo, has demanded $17m for their release.

The US-based non-profit said it was working closely with government authorities to bring the group home. It has not commented on whether it will meet the ransom demand.

Asking people to pray and fast, CAM said: "We invite continued prayer for: the victims—for endurance, faithfulness, and a spirit of Christlike love ... the kidnappers—that they would experience the love of Jesus and turn to Him [and] government leaders and authorities—as they relate to the case and work toward the release of the victims."

One of CAM's ongoing projects in Haiti is to provide meals for school children. (Photo: CAM)

CAM is also asking for prayer for Haiti.

"This time of difficulty reminds us of the ongoing suffering of millions of Haitians," it said.

"While our workers chose to serve in Haiti, our Haitian friends endure crisis after crisis, continual violence, and economic hardship.

"Despite the difficulties and dangers involved in working there, both our Haitian and American workers carry a vision to minister the love of Jesus in Haiti.

"Our goal is to seize opportunities around the world, even in difficult contexts, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who 'went about doing good' (Acts 10:38)." 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Missing pages from ancient Bible manuscript recovered
Missing pages from ancient Bible manuscript recovered

An international team of researchers has recovered dozens of long-lost pages from one of Christianity’s earliest New Testament manuscripts, including the letters of Apostle Paul, shedding new light on how early believers read and studied Scripture.

Pakistan urged to end forced conversions and marriages
Pakistan urged to end forced conversions and marriages

A UN-appointed body has urged Pakistan to intensify efforts to eradicate forced conversions/marriages, noting that young minority girls consistently fall victim to Islamist coercion.

Judge throws out charges against Scottish grandmother arrested in abortion clinic buffer zone
Judge throws out charges against Scottish grandmother arrested in abortion clinic buffer zone

Lawyers for a Scottish grandmother who was arrested for offering conversation in an abortion clinic buffer zone have welcomed a judge's decision to throw out the charges, declaring it a "free speech victory".

Holy Land risks becoming 'Christian Disneyland'
Holy Land risks becoming 'Christian Disneyland'

Anti-Christian sentiment from the Jewish community “can no longer be considered marginal”.