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The remaining 12 missionaries held for ransom in Haiti have been released

Port-au Prince, Haiti
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wikimedia commons
Port-au Prince, Haiti

West Michigan family held captive.

It was Saturday, October 16th when 17 missionaries serving with Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries were kidnapped during a visit to a Haitian orphanage. U.S. officials and law enforcement began a search. The kidnappers soon revealed their identity as the 400 Mawozo gang. It was demanding $1 million ransom per hostage.

In November, two of the captives were released followed by three more this month. Thursday, the remaining 12 were released. Among the hostages an Oceana County family; a mother and four children. They’re members of West Michigan’s Hart Dunkard Brethren Church.

Thursday morning Christian Aid Ministries provided this recorded update: “We glorify God for answered prayer. The remaining 12 hostages are free!”

U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga said “Today is the day we have been hoping for, praying for.” In a news release the Zeeland Republican added, “I want to thank members of the hostage negotiation team for their diligence in securing the safe release of all the hostages.”

Patrick joined WGVU Public Media in December, 2008 after eight years of investigative reporting at Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV8 and three years at WYTV News Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio. As News and Public Affairs Director, Patrick manages our daily radio news operation and public interest television programming. An award-winning reporter, Patrick has won multiple Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter/Anchor awards and is a three-time Academy of Television Arts & Sciences EMMY Award winner with 14 nominations.
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