In response to the recent kidnapping of seventeen U.S. and Canadian Christian missionaries in Haiti, Bishop Walter A. Hurley, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Gaylord, has issued the following statement:
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the kidnapping of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been ministering in Haiti. Please pray for the safe release of the seventeen children, women and men being held hostage and for a quick resolution to this disturbing situation. These missionary families have been Jesus’ hands and feet to the people of Haiti — a people facing increasingly dire circumstances. Their ministry work tangibly demonstrates God’s love and brings light to the dark circumstances of abject poverty, increasing gang brutality, extreme political violence, and devastation caused by recent hurricanes and tropical storms. We are grateful for their courageous service to the Lord, and now more than ever, we pray for their safety and protection.
"The sponsoring mission society, Christian Aid Ministries, has asked all Christians to join today, Oct. 21, in a special time of fasting and prayer. Together, let us pray for the victims, for their safe release and protection; for all authorities involved in working towards the liberation of these families; and for the kidnappers, that they would experience the love of Jesus and turn to him.”
