Relatives and supporters of 17 missionaries kidnapped in Haiti are praying at least as much for the captors as the captives.
They’re tapping into a long history in their conservative Anabaptist tradition when they use phrases such as “Love your enemies,” “Forgive them,” and “Pray for the kidnappers.”
The missionaries from the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries were abducted Oct. 16 by a gang seeking ransom.
People “hope for a good outcome” to the crisis, said Wayne Wengerd, member of a steering committee representing the Amish in church-state relations.
But, he added: “We realize as Christians, as followers of Christ, there will be persecution.”
