PRAY: Missionaries kidnapped in Haiti, Canadian and 5 children among them

Over a dozen missionaries are still in captivity in Haiti, and their mission organization is requesting "urgent prayer."

Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) says that 16 people were kidnapped on Saturday while they were visiting an orphanage on Saturday.

"We are seeking God’s direction for a resolution, and authorities are seeking ways to help," CAM says in a press release Sunday afternoon.

The group of 17 includes a Canadian citizen, five children, as well as seven women and five men from the United States. 

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"Join us in praying for those who are being held hostage, the kidnappers, and the families, friends, and churches of those affected. Pray for those who are seeking God’s direction and making decisions regarding this matter," the release says.

Haitian police say that the 400 Mawozo gang is responsible for the kidnapping which took place in Ganthier east of Port-au-Prince.

Global Affairs Canada has told several media outlets that it is aware of the situation and working with authorities in Haiti as well as CAM. 

Kidnapping and violence is on the rise in Haiti, with over 300 kidnappings reported in the first eight months of this year, the Associated Press reports. Last month a church deacon was killed in front of a church in Port-au-Prince and his wife was kidnapped.

Haitians are planning a protest for Monday to speak out against the violence and lack of security in the country.

CAM says that it is trusting in God and hoping that the Good News of Jesus might be shared in the midst of the situation. "As an organization, we commit this situation to God and trust Him to see us through. May the Lord Jesus be magnified and many more people come to know His love and salvation."