The Dunkard Brethren Church recognized all members of the West Michigan household for the primary time, six of whom had been taken hostage.
HART, Mich. — The minister of Hart’s Dunkard Brethren Church gave an replace Tuesday on the six freed missionaries from West Michigan.
He stated the household has been re-united, and they’re all in good well being and good spirits.
The Dunkard Brethren Church recognized all members of the West Michigan household for the primary time, six of whom had been taken hostage. They have been among the many 17 missionaries kidnapped by the infamous 400 Mawozo gang in October.
Cheryl Noecker was kidnapped, together with 5 of her kids, Brandyn, Kasondra, Courtney, Shelden and Cherilyn. Their ages haven’t but been confirmed. Their father, 50-year-old Ray Noecker, was additionally in Haiti on the time, however was not kidnapped as a result of he was in one other location when the household was kidnapped.
He launched an announcement that was learn by Minister Ron Marks, saying, “I wish to thank everybody who joined collectively to wish for the safety and launch of the hostages. Please proceed to wish for these in Haiti and around the world who’re nonetheless being held in opposition to their will.”
4 of the six Noecker relations have been a part of a daring escape late final week the place they walked for miles in tough terrain. The opposite two, Cheryl Noecker and her 6-year-old son, Sheldon Noecker, have been launched almost two weeks in the past.
In an announcement, Ray Noecker stated that his household is wanting ahead to celebrating Christmas after the ordeal, particularly since they missed the Thanksgiving vacation collectively.
Carleton Horst, a good friend and spokesperson of the household, sat with Minister Ron Marks from the Hart Dunkard Brethren Church to present an replace from the household.
“I used to be inspired,” stated Horst, “as I heard that that they had have been in a position to spend so much of time singing and praying collectively. From what I heard, they have been all capable of spend time collectively as as a bunch, they weren’t saved in separate areas. In order that was a blessing as nicely, they have been capable of encourage each other.”
On Monday, leaders with Christian Support Ministries, the group liable for organizing the mission journey to Haiti in October, stated the hostages have forgiven their captors.
“From what I do know of the household,” stated Horst, “I do not see this as being the factor that can cease them from persevering with to achieve out outdoors of outdoor of the US.”
“My ideas with the abductors has been simply to proceed to wish for them,” he added.
In keeping with Ron Marks, the Noecker’s father stated they don’t seem to be house simply but however they plan to return to West Michigan someday earlier than the brand new yr.
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