[AUTHENTICITY CERTIFIED: Text version below transcribed directly from audio]

Good day to each of you, and thank you for coming out.

Before beginning this release, I do want to just clarify once again that we won't be able to take questions today.

Today, as you've probably noticed in our previous releases, we are observing a special day of prayer and fasting -- but we don't want that to just include we ourselves as CAM associates -- or Christian Aid Ministries associates -- but we are inviting believers from all around the world to join us in praying for our workers, our loved ones that are being held hostage in Haiti.

On this special day of -- of prayer, I would like to relate to you a message that family members of the hostages are wanting to share with the world. And I'll -- I'll read the letter to you:

Dear Church of Christ around the world,

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of our family members who are being held hostage in Haiti.

God has given our loved ones the unique opportunity to live out our Lord's command to "love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you" (Matthew 5:44).

God invites us to call upon His name in the day of trouble (Psalm 50:15). We thank Him that He is God, and ask Him to hear our prayers and bring our families home.

We also pray that the light of God’s love might shine out against the darkness of sin, that the gang members might be freed from their bondage to sin and experience freedom in Jesus Christ.

Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, and PLEASE keep praying!

The Families of the hostages.

That's the end of the letter.

These families are from Amish, and Mennonite, and other conservative Anabaptist communities in Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Ontario, Canada.

They continue to ban together and support each other with prayers and encouragement during this difficult time. It's amazing how times of difficulty have a way of bringing people together. Pray for these families. They are in a -- in a difficult spot.

I will mention a few other specific things to pray for since we are observing this special day of prayer and fasting. First of all, of course, pray for the hostages. We desire their release. And also pray that they could endure faithfully, and display a spirit of Christ-like love. Jesus, when nailed to the cross said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."¹

Also, pray for the kidnappers -- that they would experience the love of Jesus and turn to Him. And we see that as their ultimate need.

We also ask for prayer for government leaders and authorities, as they relate to the case, and work for the release of the hostages. We greatly appreciate the work and assistance of people that are knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with situations like this.

Thank you again for your prayers.

We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from all around the world during this difficult time.

God bless each of you.

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¹ Luke 23:34

See also: Christian Aid Ministries Updates on Abducted Missionaries

Page Created: 12/21/21

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