This past week was eventful to say the least in the life of Phillip Snyder, co-founder and president of GLOW Ministries, International. Glow is a missionary organization serving Haiti, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere as well as other nations around the globe. Phillip was in Haiti on a mission to bring a young Haitian boy (Shelton) back to the states for a much needed eye surgery. On Thursday Dec. 1st Phillip and Shelton were kidnapped while on their way to the American Embassy in Port Au Prince to obtain a medical visa for Shelton. During the kidnapping Phillip was wounded by gunfire directed at his vehicle by the kidnappers.
Philip's son Chad, also serving in Haiti as a missionary, was immediately thrust into the role of negotiator/intermediary in conjunction with the FBI. The kidnappers were demanding a ransom of $300,000.00. After 36 hours or so of negotiations Phillip and Shelton were both released late on Friday afternoon.
As it turns out a small ransom was paid and was delivered by my long time friend Emmanus. After
arriving at the kidnapper's location Emmanus had a gun put to his head until he retrieved the money from a sock where he had been hiding it. Thank you Emmanus for your courage in risking your own life for your Christian brother Phillip.
Details of the actual kidnapping and release are slowly beginning to emerge. Today's Grand Rapids Press contains an article with the latest details.
We are rejoicing and thanking the Lord that Phillip and Shelton are safe. They both arrived in Michigan this week, Phillip to be reunited with his family and friends and Shelton to receive the eye surgery he needs.
Please keep them and their families in your prayers.
Blessings,
Ray