American nurse and child kidnapped from Christian ministry in Haiti

An American nurse and her child were kidnapped Thursday from a Christian education ministry founded and directed by her husband in Haiti less than two years after 17 missionaries were kidnapped in the troubled Caribbean nation.

The ministry, El Roi Haiti, founded by Sandro Dorsainvil, a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, announced Friday that Dorsainvil's wife, Alix Dorsainvil, and their child were kidnapped.

"We can confirm that Alix Dorsainvil, our Director's wife, and their child were kidnapped on the morning of Thursday, July 27th from our campus near Port au Prince while serving in our community ministry," El Roi Haiti said in a statement Saturday.

"Alix is a deeply compassionate and loving person who considers Haiti her home and the Haitian people her friends and family. Alix has worked tirelessly as our school and community nurse to bring relief to those who are suffering as she loves and serves the people of Haiti in the name of Jesus."

In a video posted on the ministry's website, Alix Dorsainvil shares how she left New Hampshire to live in Haiti after she was invited by her now-husband to help him care for the children at the El Roi Academy and Institution Mixte Vwatizang Ayisyen Yo run by the ministry.

"Our goal is to provide a quality Christian education that will empower children to use their God-given abilities to fulfill His purpose for their lives. Students receive a quality education and a hot meal every day, regardless of their family's capability to afford tuition," the ministry explains on its website, noting that in Haiti education is not free. "We encourage parents/guardians to be active participants in their child's education by providing their child's uniform, volunteering at the school, attending parent-teacher meetings, and by encouraging their child's regular attendance."

In their statement on Saturday, El Roy Haiti thanked supporters for praying for the safety and return of Dorsainvil and their child. The ministry asked the public not to speculate on the situation on social media or attempt to contact the family.

"Our team at El Roi Haiti is grateful for the outpouring of prayers, care, and support for our colleague. We continue to work with our partners and trusted relationships to secure their safe return," the ministry said