Two of the 17 members of a missionary group — comprised of mostly Americans and five children — who were kidnapped in Haiti more than a month ago have been released, that’s according to Christian Aid Ministries, which sent them on the mission trip.
The two who’ve been freed are “in good spirits, and being cared for,” the ministry said in a statement while withholding their names, current location or the reasons for their release.
The statement added — “We praise God for this! Only limited information can be provided.”
The group of missionaries, including six men, six women and five children, were kidnapped on Oct. 16 by the 400 Mawozo gang, which is demanding a $17 million ransom for their release.
Since the kidnapping of the missionaries, Wilson Joseph, leader of the gang, has threatened to “put a bullet in their heads” if his $17 million ransom demand for their release isn’t met.
Joseph was the subject of a wanted-poster campaign launched by police last year. Joseph faces charges, including murder, kidnapping, auto theft and hijacking trucks.
The kidnapped Christians range in age from an 8-month-old baby to a 48 year old.
At least 628 kidnappings have been reported in Haiti since January.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan previously said President Joe Biden continues to be briefed daily about the kidnapping of the missionaries and noted that he was particularly concerned about the five children in the group.