A ministry is asking for prayers for kidnapping victims after being taken while leaving an orphanage and the organizations looking to free them.

On Saturday in Haiti, 12 adults and five children were taken while in a dangerous empty suburb called Croix-des-Bouquets. This includes children aged eight months, three, six, 13, and 15. The adults are aged 18-48. Everyone is American except for one Canadian.

"Our first priority is always the safety and security of Canadian citizens. Global Affairs Canada is aware that a Canadian citizen was kidnapped in Haiti," John Babcock, a Global Affairs Canada spokesperson says.

Now, the gang that kidnapped them is asking for one million dollars in exchange for one victim, totalling $17 million for all 17.

"This group of workers has been committed to minister throughout poverty-stricken Haiti. Their heartfelt desire is to share the love of Jesus," Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) says.

They were taken while leaving an orphanage. The group has been in Haiti coordinating a home rebuilding project for victims of August's earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people. They were are aiding in providing food for the elderly and vulnerable and supplying medicines for numerous clinics.

The Christian group has been teaching pastors and distributing Bibles and Christian literature. 

"Pray that our workers could respond to hatred with Jesus’ love, overcome the spirit of fear with faith, and face violence with a genuine desire to bless their oppressors. We request prayers for the Haitian and American civil authorities who are working to resolve this situation."

Turning to I Timothy 2:2-3 "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." 

The group is also leasing on Psalm 91:11, “for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."

The Canadian victim's family, asking for privacy, says they appreciate the prayers.

CAM says they appreciate the outpouring of support. CAM management, and Haitian and U.S. authorities, including the FBI, are working together to rescue the group. 

"Consular officials are in contact with the family of the individual and are providing consular assistance. Canada takes this situation very seriously and is collaborating with Haitian and American policing authorities as well as implicated NGOs on this incident," Babcock says.

The New York Times says the President of the United States is aware of the situation, receiving regular updates. We have reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada for comment.

Haiti is currently experiencing turmoil, as they face civil unrest, further driven by the pandemic. Gangs are creating supply chain issues. In July, two missionaries with Gospel to Haiti died in a plane crash. A year ago, two missionaries were killed during a home invasion in Haiti.