Kidnapped in Haiti: the Amazing Story of Seventeen Missionaries

by Katrina Hoover Lee

The kidnapping of seventeen missionaries in Haiti made headline news. Christians around the world prayed as the hostages faced physical danger, spiritual darkness, sickness, boredom, and discouragement.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2022

About the author

Author of Christian fiction and nonfiction, encouraging fellow believers on the race.

In-progress middle grade fiction adventure series with fruit of the Spirit themes.

Reviews

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this book since before I knew that it would be a book. My mother grew up with one of the hostages, so my family followed the story closely from the first time we heard they were kidnapped. I was surprised and delighted when I found out that an author I follow was writing the story—and that made me even more anxious to get my hands on it! Thankfully, soon after the book was published, my grandmother came to visit, so we were able to read it. And oh, what a well-written, gripping tale! This book reads like a novel, even though it really happened, and is based on multitudes of both written and spoken testimony. Some of my siblings, my father, and some friends and I took a long trip together, and this is the book we read as we traveled. Two of us took turns reading it aloud, and everyone was sad when our voices were too worn out to continue on! It made for excellent entertainment and spawned several thought-provoking conversations. As soon as we finished reading it, we loaned it to a friend who wanted to read it. If you enjoy well-written true stories and are looking for encouragement, this is an excellent read. Highly recommended!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped in Haiti was an incredibly detailed account of the 17 kidnapped missionaries and their escape in 2021! I could feel the hostages’ depression and joy and the frustration and stress of the CAM staff throughout the book.
I felt the writing could have been a little smoother at times, but that may have been due to the type of book. A page turner even if you do know many of the story’s details like I did!

[Byran Smucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. A well-written account of a fascinating real-life story that involved my cousin Austin. I liked how she looked in on not just the captives but also the CAM decision-makers and the families of the captives. The sidebars throughout that highlighted answered prayers were really nice. I read this shortly after reading the book by Cadet calling out CAM and its leadership for its handling of the sexual abuse scandal in Haiti. Surprisingly (to me), Hoover didn't seem to paper over the tensions and disagreements among those trying to deal with the kidnapping, nor the difficulties between the captives. Are there hagiographic elements? Possibly, though I don't really know enough to say. As presented, no one is the hero of this book except the Lord.

One line I appreciated just for its knowing observation: "On Wednesday morning the group had devotions with the stiff courtesy of estranged friends who are not able to talk about the issues that really matter." (p.283)

[MaryJo Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impressed that the author managed to write a story that essentially had seventeen main characters - namely all of the hostages - and make it manageable for the reader to keep them all straight.

Overall it is a very interesting and inspiring story of how the events unfolded, how the hostages managed to encourage and support each other, and how faithful God was to keep them from any serious harm.

Five of them were released earlier, but how the other twelve escaped is, truly miraculous.

[Heather Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We serve a powerful God! Appreciate this story and the people who followed His voice in faith: their humanity, their discouragement, their child-like trust. Still shocked at their deliverance— it’s beautiful.

[Susan Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with an amazing ending!

[Crystal Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Phoebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good nonfiction book and it was interesting even tho I had listened to the audio before 😀

[Nancy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this truly is an amazing story. The day-by -day story of the missionaries' experience inter-mingled with what was happening with their families and their organization, CAM, is riveting and inspiring. The missionaries included several children, one only eight months old. Their concern for the lives and souls of the kidnappers is admirable. Their group dynamics, respect and love for each other are exemplary.
I came to read the book due to meeting one of the kidnapped missionaries, Sam, several months ago near the Texas/Mexico border. I was part of a group from our church on a service learning trip and Sam was there with a group crossing the border several times a week to teach Bible classes to the people waiting on the Mexico side. When one of our group mentioned the potential danger of crossing into Mexico, he said that he was not afraid doing God's work and shared his experience in Haiti. He gave us a copy of this book and said he additionally had been back to Haiti twice since this incidence. His confidence, faith and lack of fear were evident both in the book and in his words, which have given rise to contemplation of my own faith, fears and uncertainties.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read Katrina Hoover Lee’s book “From the White House to the Amish” and really enjoyed it, so when I found out she was writing a book about the 17 missionaries kidnapped in Haiti back in 2021, I knew I wanted to read it. Lee has done an amazing job of pulling together the stories from the missionaries and others involved in working for their release. I had a hard time putting the book down, even though it was not an easy read. I highly recommend this book! You’ll be praising the Lord for all He did.

[Cindy Wiedemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing story and testament to faith and the power of prayer and relying only on God. the story of 17 Missionaries kidnapped in Haiti and their struggle to survive all that they were forced to manage while also seeing repeated miracles from God in the day to day life. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style at first. However, as the book progressed, it didn't seem to bother me as much, and I had a difficult time putting the book down. a powerful account of God's work despite how often we try to take control.

[Georgia Herod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoover Lee has given readers an almost day by day, hour by hour diary of the kidnapping incident from October 16, 2021, to December 16, 2021 in Haiti of seventeen Anabaptist missionaries. With each turn of the page, readers' emotions can radically change while waiting for news of being released.

Missionaries prayed, sang, read Scripture, encouraged and supported one another. One day they might be told that they'd be set free in two days--or five days--or . . . ? As a result they were exhausted in every way. It didn't take long for me to experience that same weariness.

Limited food and clean water, crowded living space, and lack of security were constant companions. Tension was nearly always high--and it affected relationships. Yet they trusted God to provide, protect, and prepare them from day-to-day.

Notes written on paper towels, along with in-depth conversations, made possible very detailed explanations. Choppy sentences made the reading sometimes difficult. In fact, the narrative could have been reduced by half at times. In addition, the pacing could have been tightened.

Must say that I was delighted that the ordeal ended positively.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to approach a book knowing all the key details and how it would work out in the end. It was also excruciating, knowing exactly how much time would pass before a resolution. I was inspired by the theme of prayer and it’s unusual and personal results. And who knew Anabaptists could have so many prophetic dreams? This book, and remembering the real-life events, was a faith booster.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted this book even before I knew it was going to be written. The account of the kidnapping of the Hatian missionaries and their miraculous escape was of great interest to me. Now, finally, there is here, a detailed account of their experiences and the agonies they and their families went through. It is a marvelous story of God drawing close to them in their trials and His amazing rescue. My only regret is that I didn't get around to reading this book earlier.

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the FBI is surprised how a group created unity and worked together to escape being kidnapped, shouldn't that be an eye-opener on how this special group lives their lives in general? Such an encouraging book on this group that was kidnapped and how they survived day after day of captivity wondering when or if they would be released.

[Elizabeth Eash · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of this book is complicated.. While the story line of how God worked through it all is amazing, sadly the choppy writing style makes it hard to "feel" the story. It's still worth your time to read the story, just know it could of been told in half the time without all the unnecessary details and with a much better writing style. 🙈

[Anna-Grace Heinzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story... I listened to it as an audio book and wanted to go on one long drive and hear it all... I guess what made it even more real was that this happened back in 2021 and I remember hearing about it. Its difficult to listen to this without atleast getting a lump in your throat...numerous time... GOD answers prayers and HE is still a personal GOD and ONE WHO works miracles!!

[Caleb Gerber. (Right makes Might) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring story but not a very interesting writing style. The story itself is miraculous and I learned so much about the Haitian culture and the struggles of these seventeen missionaries for several months. Some of those kidnapped were children… the book got a bit long and I wanted to just get through with it by the last couple of chapters, but it is something that happened only a couple years ago. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

[Heather Bork · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fabulous. The author did a great job of weaving the story together through first-hand accounts of both the hostages and the people who were waiting for their return. It read like a thriller, and I did not want it to end.

[Zac Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written compilation of a true story. The first third was harder to get through, with more description and less action. But then the middle and end thirds are full of relatable struggle and the account of God's work of deliverance.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real life drama about the kidnapping of 17 Christian Aid Ministry volunteers, that relates their ordeal in detail.
A great read that highlights how their faith and trust in God got them through the worst terror that they could imagine.

[Troy Stauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done account of this amazing story. I appreciated how Mrs. Lee pulled together details and perspectives from all the captives and their families, as well as the CAM leaders in Haiti and Ohio.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping. I had my nose in this book at every possible moment. Amazing. God showed Himself so wonderful and powerful in this account!

[Carol Burkholder · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite current writers--true story, well- written.

[Salinn Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept my attention. It was quite the miraculous story.

[truenorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the miracle read.

[Clarissa Unruh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read the details of the kidnapping of the missionaries in Haiti. Made me wonder how I would have handled that situation. I am in awe at the power of God in the face of such evil.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible true story. It was well written and so encouraging!

[Michael Hilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a story. Not only is it a great story, but also an interesting window into Mennonite thought.

[Samantha Brazdzionis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. Finished in 2 days.