The world looked on in horror upon learning that 17 Christian missionaries (16 American and 1 Canadian) were taken hostage by the most violent gang in Haiti.
While five missionaries were released over the last two months– the remaining 12 remained trapped – until they attempted a daring escape.
By God’s grace they survived! And just wait until you hear the incredible details of how they broke free from their kidnappers.
The missionaries banded together in prayer, crying out to God, asking Him for a sign of what they should do.
They were determined to wait on Him.
When all the missionaries agreed it was time to escape – they headed out in the night – circumventing the guards and trudging through a mess of brambles until they happened to stumble upon a house – finding two Christians inside preparing for Sunday church.
One of the Christians lent them his phone, and the group called Christian Aid Ministries who extracted them safely, reported Christianity Today.
Praise God for His divine intervention in not only keeping all 17 missionaries alive – but illuminating their way out.
As a testament to their faith in God, the missionaries and their sending organization made the decision to forgive the kidnappers – not dismissing the pain that was caused – put pointing to Jesus as an example of radical forgiveness.
David Troyer, the general director of Christian Aid Ministries had a few words to add.
Christianity Today reported:
“A word to the kidnappers: We do not know all of the challenges you face. We do believe that violence and oppression of others can never be justified. You caused our hostages and their families a lot of suffering,” he said.
“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,” he said. “Therefore, we extend forgiveness to you.”
Troyer said the hostages had “prayed for their captors and told them about God’s love and their need to repent.”
Beautiful.
It is only through the strength of Jesus that a person can have the power to forgive one who caused such harm.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in prayer for the safe return of these Christian missionaries!
We are delighted they were reunited with their families before Christmas, and can end the year with those they love most.
While we rejoice in their freedom, we must continue to keep these missionaries in prayer as they continue to work through the trauma they endured.
May God give them strength and wisdom on their next steps.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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