Meridian pastor releases statement about detained church members

Pastor Clint Henry of the Central Valley Baptist Church in Meridian released a statement to the media on Friday, Feb. 5 about its members detained in Haiti on kidnapping charges.

 

 

 

"As we all know the world’s attention is focused on the situation in Haiti...and as you would expect our attention is focused there as well. We want to apologize for not allowing media into our building both yesterday and today. There came a time when we needed to be alone with our emotions...a time for complete strangers to get acquainted, as family and friends came here from out of town...a time for us to begin to work together to secure the release of our friends and family.

We believe the best thing that could happen not only for our loved ones, whom we miss dearly...but also for the people of Haiti...is for their government to release them as quickly as possible, allowing the world’s attention be focused where it should be...on helping a nation that experienced a devastating earthquake.

One thing I would like to correct, as reported in some media coverage, is that the 10 Americans are not full-time missionaries. They are members of local churches from 3 different states who joined together to participate in this trip. They are friends and neighbors who have big hearts and lots of love to share. They come from churches much like ours here at Central Valley Baptist Church. Churches that take short term volunteer trips both here and abroad to carry out the work our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded.

Please know that we will continue our efforts to secure the release of our loved ones. We would especially like to thank Senators Risch and Crapo and their office staff for the time and energy they have given to us and we believe that all of these efforts help.

This week, a fund was set up at USBank called the "10 Americans Support Fund". Those who care about our friends and family can give at any USBank location. It will help us as we carry on and will bless those that we serve from home.

Thank you for your prayers. Through them God will give strength, as we struggle through issues we could have never imagined. Let’s bring them home as soon as possible."