Seth Udinski, FISM News
FISM News has followed the disturbing kidnapping of 17 American Christian missionaries in Haiti who were abducted over a month ago by the 400 Mawazo Gang. Over the last month, we have asked you, our readers, to join us in lifting these persecuted brothers and sisters in prayer as they face a terrifying and life-threatening situation.
The latest update came last week from a U.S. government report that confirmed at least some of the missionaries are still alive, although it is unknown how many have survived.
The missionaries belong to Christian Aid Ministries, and the organization has dedicated today, November 18, as a day of fasting and prayer for their brothers and sisters in captivity. The missionary group called on believers to join them in asking God for deliverance and protection for the missionaries.
Christian Aid Ministries said,
We invite believers around the world to join us in seeking God for His mighty hand to work. We request ongoing prayer for those being held, the families of the hostages, government officials who are assisting, and the kidnappers themselves.
The ministry ended that request with the words of Psalm 147:5:
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
On numerous occasions, the ministry has asked not only for prayer for the kidnapped believers, but also for their kidnappers – that these wicked criminals would repent and believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a mighty request, since these men have already publicly threatened the lives of these believers if their ransom demands of $17 million are not met.
However, we know that God has and continues to save those who were previously far from Him, as he “desires all men to be saved.” Paul called himself the “chief of all sinners” as he, in fact, persecuted Christians prior to his conversion on the road to Damascus. The Bible also encourages believers to “pray for those who persecute you.”
We continue to join these believers in prayer, especially today, and we ask you to do the same.
It has now been 34 days since the believers were abducted. FISM News will continue to provide updates on the missionaries as they come.