The 17 missionaries are still being held captive by the 400 Mawozo Gang (Papaya Gang). They are the most notorious gang in Haiti. The mother and her eight-month-old baby have not been let go. This shows you what type of gang this is. We’ve dealt with them for two and a half years now, just down the road from us. Now, they say they have taken over Croix-des-Bouquets. They are growing in power and strength, along with BBQ G-9 and all the other gangs.

Our hearts are torn to pieces for the 17 missionaries. We are praying day and night. I personally believe they are not keeping them all together. They have been separated, moved to different locations. I’m praying for hope… I’m praying that if the gang is smart, they will negotiate for a smaller amount of money and let them go. They can still make everyone think they received what they asked for. When someone is kidnapped here, no one ever knows how much was paid. This is always a secret. I’m afraid if the Mennonites do not pay anything, the Papaya Gang may kill them. They are not playing. I’ve seen the Papaya Gang kill people right here on our road.

We’ve had a little baby die in our clinic, shot by the gang. Others come in “almost dead.” If the Papaya Gang members have been shot or hurt, some have come to our clinic. We minister the love of God to them. I’m sure their wives or girlfriends come to our Birthing Center to have their babies. We share the love of God with them…

I do believe the U.S. Embassy, along with the FBI, is doing all it can to negotiate. This is not an easy job. I do not believe the U.S. will send troops into Haiti to crush the gangs. I hope that I am wrong. Please, we need your prayers. Haiti is being destroyed, along with its wonderful people. No fuel is coming into the country. Gangs control all the routes. Out here, in Fond Parisien, we are at the brink of having “no diesel,” along with the people and missionaries of Haiti. Please pray for us and Haiti.

Thank you for your comments on Facebook, they are very encouraging. We feel all alone. This too will pass and I’m still optimistic for the future of Haiti. The SUN will shine through the storm.

Missionary Bobby Burnette