Seth Udinski, FISM News

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FISM News has covered the disturbing kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries in Haiti several weeks ago. The believers were taken hostage by the violent 400 Mawazo Gang, headed by gang leader Wilson Joseph who then released a threatening ransom video claiming he would murder the hostages if he was not paid a ransom of $17 million.

According to Reuters, U.S. government officials confirmed late last week that some of the kidnapped missionaries are still alive. The number is unknown at this time.

Christians Ministries, the missionary organization to whom the hostages belong, released a statement on Friday afternoon affirming their confidence that their brothers and sisters are safe, while also urging Christians to continue to pray for their safe release. The statement reads, in part,

It is now the 21st day since the kidnapping in Haiti took place. The past three weeks have been an intense journey, but God has faithfully carried us and the families of the hostages. We trust He has been carrying the hostages as well. Though the hostages face difficult circumstances, we pray that God will give them joy and reminders of His faithfulness and goodness….If we had a way to speak to the hostages, we would assure them they are constantly in our thoughts and prayers, we are working for their return, and many believers around the world are remembering them.

There is no doubt that thousands of Christians prayed specifically for these kidnapped saints on Sunday’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We at FISM News join in these prayers and will continue to provide updates on the well-being of the missionaries as this ongoing story develops.