'We extend forgiveness to you': Organization speaks out after missionaries freed in Haiti

A group of missionaries who were kidnapped in Haiti have now returned home, though "their journey back to normal life has only begun."

David Troyer, General Director of Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), says in a statement that "Everyone, including the 10-month-old baby, the 3-year-old boy, and the 6-year-old boy, seem to be doing reasonably well." The 17 people, including five children, were kidnapped on October 16 after visiting an orphanage.

The statement includes a long list of gratitude, first and foremost to "Almighty God, who so wonderfully answered our prayers! As it is written in the Bible, 'You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created' (Revelation 4:11 NKJV)."

The Connections podcast: real life, real faith

The organization also thanked the people of Haiti as well as the thousands of people who had been praying for a peaceful resolution.

Singing Psalms together

CAM says that "As they became aware of what was happening at the time of capture, the group began singing the chorus, 'The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them,' based on Psalm 34:7. This song became a favourite of theirs, and they sang it many times throughout their days of captivity."

The ministry says that the missionaries and children were able to spend their time together as a group. "They spent many hours of each day praying, singing, and encouraging each other. Unfortunately, they did not have a Bible, but they recited Bible verses by memory among themselves. They prayed for their captors and told them about God’s love and their need to repent."

Offering forgiveness

The ministry says that it is also offering forgiveness to the kidnappers.

"We do not know all of the challenges you face," Troyer says in a portion of the release directed at the kidnappers. "We do believe that violence and oppression of others can never be justified. You caused our hostages and their families a lot of suffering. However, Jesus taught us by word and by His own example that the power of forgiving love is stronger than the hate of violent force. Therefore, we extend forgiveness to you."

The missionaries shared the gospel with the kidnappers, Troyer says, and he expresses hope that they would commit their lives to following Jesus. "Jesus died for all so that all can be saved," he says.

The organization will be holding a press conference on Monday in Ohio at its headquarters.