riding on and that someone onboard reached out to other religious contacts to tell them what happened and ask for prayers. the the group of mostly americans, 15-17 of them, part of the ohio-based christian aid ministries operating in haiti. the associated press reports that a ministry member sent this yesterday. quote: this is a special prayer alert. pray that the gang members would come to repentance. in a statement provided fox news, the state department confirmed they are aware of the ongoing situation and, quote: the welfare and safety of u.s. citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the department of state. the missionaries had remained in haiti despite a do not travel advisory in place by the state department citing the risk of being kidnappedded specifically. fox news was told that the members of the group are largely from amish and mennonite communities. here's illinois congressman adam kinzinger. >> we need to track down where they are and see if negotiations without paying ransom are possible or do whatever we need