They freed the kidnapped missionaries in Haiti: what we know 2:50
(CNN) -
The 17 Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) missionaries who were taken hostage in Haiti by the 400 Mawozo gang have returned safely, David Troyer, CEO of Christian Aid Ministries, said in a statement Friday.
A US-flagged plane left Haiti with the remaining hostages released Thursday afternoon, he said.
"Everyone, including the 10-month-old, the 3-year-old and the 6-year-old, appears to be reasonably well," Troyer said in the statement.
Troyer thanked the US government "and everyone else who assisted in the safe return of our hostages."
While the missionaries were kidnapped, the group began to sing the chorus: "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them," based on Psalm 34: 7, "he said, adding that the song became a favorite of the hostages, and they sang it many times during their days of captivity.
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“The hostages were able to spend their captivity together as a group.
They spent many hours of the day praying, singing and encouraging one another. "
The missionaries did not have a Bible during the time they were held hostage, but "they recited the Bible verses from memory to each other," he said.
In a message to the kidnappers, Troyer said Christian Aid Ministries does not know "all the challenges they face," but added that "we believe that violence and oppression of others can never be justified."
He blamed the kidnappers for causing "a lot of suffering to our hostages and their families," but extended his pardon.
Troyer said the hostages knew "it's dangerous in Haiti," but they went anyway because "it's usually where the need is greatest."
“That is what Christian Aid Ministries has been doing for decades.
If we only went where it is safe, we would stay in our own communities, "he added.
However, Troyer noted that the event "has given us greater awareness of the need to strengthen our safety protocols and better educate our people about the dangers involved."