Three more missionaries released from kidnapping in Haiti; 12 remain captive

Dec. 6—Three more missionaries captured by a Haitian gang in October were released Sunday night, according to Christian Aid Ministries, the Ohio religious organization that organized the trip.

"Those who were released are safe and seem to be in good spirits," a Monday statement from Christian Aid Ministries states. "As with the previous release, we are not able to provide the names of the people released, the circumstances of the release, or any other details."

It wasn't clear if any members of a Michigan family — a mother and five children — were among the three released after 17 missionaries were captured in October. All the missionaries are from the United States or Canada and are members of Amish, Mennonite and other conservative Anabaptist religious groups.

Two hostages also were released Nov. 21, meaning 12 people are still held captive . The first two freed were not members of the Michigan family, according to a source familiar with the release. It is unclear whether any Michigan missionaries were among those released Sunday.

The group was taken by a Haitian gang on Oct. 18 as they left an orphanage outside Port-au-Prince. The 400 Mawozo gang has taken responsibility for the kidnapping. The gang had demanded a $1 million ransom for each hostage.

The State Department on Monday confirmed the release of the three hostages in Haiti.

Spokesman Ned Price said the matter is something "we continue to treat with the utmost priority," noting a number of U.S. citizens remain in the kidnappers' custody.

"We're continuing to work at the highest levels with the Haitian government, continuing to work as an interagency, and together with our Canadian partners, to do everything we can to see to it that the remaining hostages are released as soon as possible," Price told reporters at a briefing.

Christian Aid Ministries asked people to pray and fast for the hostages.

"Please continue to intercede for those who are still being held as well as those who have been released," the group said in a release. "We long for all the hostages to be reunited with their loved ones. Thank you for your prayer support."

ckthompson@detroitnews.com

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