2 Christian Missionaries Kidnapped In Haiti Freed After A Month, 15 Others Still In Captivity

Two of 17 members of the Christian Aid Ministries, abducted in Haiti in October have been released by the 400 Mawozo gang, as stated by the Ohio-based church organization Sunday afternoon.

The organization confirmed that two people were in a safe place and being taken care of. They did not identify nor give the locations of the individuals. Also, the reason for their release was not revealed.

"We encourage you to continue to pray for the full resolution of this situation," the statement said. "While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the fifteen people who are still being held. Continue to lift up the remaining hostages before the Lord."

The missionary group conducts Bible classes, operates a medical clinic, guides orphans and distributes seeds to farmers.

During the Oct. 16 Christian Aids Ministries trip to an orphanage, 17 members were abducted in Ganthier, consisting of one Canadian national and 16 Americans. The group consisted of five men, seven women and five children. Their Haitian driver was also included in the hostages.

Haitian police confirmed that 400 Mawozo gang members were behind the abduction. The leader of the gang, Wilson Joseph, threatened to kill the hostages if the gang's demands were not met.

It was reported that almost a year ago, Haitian police released a wanted poster for the gang's acting leader, for murder claims, attempted murder, kidnapping, auto theft and the hijacking of trucks carrying goods. The leader goes with the nickname ''Lanmò Sanjou,'' meaning "death doesn't know which day it's coming."

The gang's name translates to 400 "inexperienced men," who control the Croix-des-Bouquets area, including Ganthier, where the members of Christian Aid Ministries were abducted. According to the authorities, the gang was asking for $1 million per person as rasom.

Meanwhile, the US government encouraged the Haitian citizens to leave due to the country's lack of security and fuel. On Friday, Canada recently announced that they are pulling everyone aside from the essential personnel from its embassy.

A source from the US embassy told ABC News that aside from the 17 Christian missionaries, two French priests were also abducted at the exact location early the same day.