April 2, 2021 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Haiti has been praying for the safe return of four of its members who were kidnapped during a live online program last night. The program was taking place at a studio owned by the church in Diquini, Carrefour, on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince.
“We are shocked and concerned for our church members, but we must strengthen our faith in God, even in these very uncertain times in our country,” said Pastor Pierre Caporal, president of the church in Haiti.
The four church members who were abducted are part of the Adventist Gospel Krèyol Ministry. They were leading a live online praise and worship program when the captors interrupted their singing and took them away.
The group is part of a large choir that travels throughout the country but is based in Diquini. The group shifted to an online ministry when the pandemic lockdown went into effect in 2020, and last night’s program was supposed to mark the one-year anniversary of the transition.
Caporal encouraged church members during a live radio and online session today to keep praying fervently for God’s deliverance. “Trust in God, believe in His promises, always use His Word as an anchor for your life in the midst of all the challenges,” he said.
“This hits very close to our hearts,” said Pastor Elie Henry, president of the Inter-American Division (IAD). Pastor Henry and his daughter were released safely after four days of captivity in Haiti in December.
Pastor Henry is urging church members across the IAD to pray.
“We feel for our brothers and sisters in Haiti and know that this very concerning incident will not shake our faith,” said Pastor Henry. “God is our deliverer, the One who listens, and understands, so we must pray fervently for His intervention on behalf of our members.”
“This has been very difficult to deal with, but I know God has the power to solve this and I believe this will be resolved soon,” said Dr. Figaro Greger, founder and director of Adventist Gospel Krèyol Ministry. Greger started the group 26 years ago.
“We have to pray, pray, pray. We all need to pray and wait for God’s miracle,” Greger said.
The church will continue its special prayer sessions tonight during its vespers program and throughout the Sabbath, Caporal said.