Lately, the news that has made international headlines is the kidnapping of the 16 American and one Canadian missionaries and the driver of their bus. Among them, there is a mother of six children: an 8-month-old baby and a 3, 6, 14, 15  and 18  years old. The father made the trip with them to Haiti, but he was not with them at the time of the abduction. The team members are from the Mennonite and Amish communities.  The FBI sent a Violent Gang Task Force to Haiti to facilitate the release of the hostages. The gang leader has threatened to kill them if the $17 million ransom is not paid. Keep praying.

An article found on the internet states that gangs control 50% of the city of Port-au-Prince. Two pastors were kidnapped during their meetings.  Now we can’t go out without wondering whether it’s wise to go out or not.  We try to make ourselves invisible.   We have taken some steps. We never thought we would get to this point. Two young men watch the church gate.  If they see something suspicious, they close the gate with a padlock.  Two others have the mission of making the pastor disappear if the bandits enter the church. Truckers delivering fuel are on strike. They demand that the police ensure their safety. Seven truck drivers have been kidnapped.   The enemy’s job is to sow fear, panic and trauma.  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10, 10.  The solution is not to abandon ship.

After more than two years without seeing our children in Canada, we spent a few days with them. We took the opportunity to go apple picking in an orchard eight minutes from the U.S. border.  It was a wonderful day.  Unfortunately, our son Max and his wife Natalie who live in Ontario were unable to join us.

Please pray for a miracle in Haiti, that a movement of the Holy Spirit will take place and that the  people who are discouraged will turn to God. He is the only friend we have.

Louise & Michel Charbonneau