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Remaining missionary hostages, including Michigan family, released in Haiti

The Detroit News - 12/16/2021

Dec. 16—Washington — The remaining missionary hostages in Haiti have been released two months after being kidnapped, including four members of a Michigan family, according to the Ohio-based group that sponsored them.

Haitian police spokesman Gary Desrosiers told the Associated Press on Thursday that the gang who kidnapped the group had released all remaining hostages.

The freed hostages include four still being held who are from west Michigan, after two from Michigan had been released in the first week of December.

"We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining twelve hostages are FREE! Join us in praising God that all 17 of our loved ones are now safe," Christian Aid Ministries said in a Thursday statement.

"Thank you for your fervent prayers throughout the past two months. We hope to provide more information as we are able."

The Michigan family, a mother and five of her children, was part of a group of 17 missionaries taken hostage Oct. 16 after they had just left an orphanage outside Port-au-Prince.

The five Michigan children who were seized included a son, age 6; daughter, 13; son, 15; daughter, 18; and another daughter who is a young adult, according to the Rev. Ron Marks, their pastor.

"Today is the day we have been hoping for, praying for, and working so hard to achieve," said U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland.

"I want to thank members of the hostage negotiation team for their diligence in securing the safe release of all the hostages. This is a great day for families in Michigan and across the nation who have been worried about the safety of their loved ones."

Two other missionaries had been released earlier, in late November, but they were not members of the Michigan family.

The Michigan family has participated in other trips as missionaries and belong to the Hart Dunkard Brethren Church, a small congregation in Oceana County led by Marks.

The 400 Mawozo gang had claimed responsibility for kidnapping the missionary group. Its leader asked for a $1 million ransom for each captured missionary and threatened violence if he isn't paid.

Haiti has seen a dramatic jump in kidnappings this year, as well as civil unrest and a spike in crime after former President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in July and a devastating earthquake hit the country in August.

The U.S. Department of State has warned Americans not to travel to Haiti, specifically citing the risk of kidnapping for ransom. In November, the U.S. government advised Americans in the country to leave.

mburke@detroitnews.com

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