Ransom freed some missionary hostages in Haiti, workers say
By Peter Smith — January 6, 2022
An unidentified person paid a ransom that freed three missionaries kidnapped by a gang in Haiti under an agreement that was supposed to have led to the release of all 15 remaining captives early last month, workers for their Ohio-based organization have confirmed. The person who made the payment was not affiliated with Ohio-based Christian […]
Church agency: Captive missionaries made daring escape
By Peter Smith — December 20, 2021
Berlin, OH (AP) — Captive missionaries in Haiti found freedom last week by making a daring overnight escape, eluding their kidnappers and walking for miles over difficult, moonlit terrain with an infant and other children in tow, according to the agency they work for, officials said Monday. The group of 12 navigated by stars to […]
All from US missionary group freed in Haiti, police say
By Peter Smith and Evens Sanon — December 17, 2021
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — 'We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining 12 hostages are FREE!” Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement. “All 17 of our loved ones are now safe.'
Women breaking through to top roles in Black churches
By Adelle M. Banks and Peter Smith — December 9, 2021
(RNS/AP) — Most major Black Christian denominations in the U.S. have no doctrinal bar to ordained women leaders. Yet denominational leadership remained all-male until the 21st century, and women are still the exception in the top rungs.
US religious group says Haitian gang releases 3 hostages
By Evens Sanon and Peter Smith — December 6, 2021
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A religious group based in Ohio announced Monday that a violent gang in Haiti has released three more hostages, while another 12 remain abducted. The statement from Christian Aid Ministries said the people were released on Sunday in Haiti and are “safe and seem to be in good spirits.” The group […]
Prayer for kidnappers deeply rooted in mission group’s faith
By Peter Smith — October 28, 2021
The missionary group was kidnapped Oct. 16 while returning from a visit to an orphanage supported by Christian Aid Ministries. The 400 Mawozo gang has threatened to kill the 16 Americans and one Canadian if ransom demands aren’t met.
