Gunmen Slay American Missionary in Haiti, Kidnap Child

Colleagues say an American missionary who has been working in Haiti for two decades has been fatally shot by gunmen in the country’s capital as she was behind the wheel of her auto.

Church members from the Estes Church of Christ in Henderson said Edwards knew that living in Haiti could be unsafe, but she didn’t let that stop her.

The church said Edwards was the administrator and “Mom” at SonLight Children’s Home in Port au Prince, where dozens of children have received foster care over the years.

As she drove through the streets of Haiti’s Croix-des-Bouquets district, another vehicle blocked her path. Gunmen emerged from the vehicle and fired into her auto, killing her, the Estes Church said in a statement.

“Investigators are working to find the killers and the kidnapped child”, Haitian National Police spokesman Frantz Lerebours said. “Her only concern was the children of Haiti and the children she was caring for”, Solley told the news site. She also directed a nutrition center that feeds 160 children two meals a day, five days a week, in addition to providing funds for the children to attend school.

Edwards “had committed herself to care for children in Haiti despite these risks”, the church said.

Two boys who were traveling with her were able to escape and ran for help, said Solley, who is director of worldwide Education Development with Healing Hands global.

Roberta Edwards served the people of Port-au-Prince for more than 20 years.

‘It is our intention to honor her memory by continuing the battle against Satan in Haiti and pressing on in the work of God’s kingdom, ‘ the group said in a statement posted on their website. Roberta Edwards was killed in Haiti. “Haitian authorities are investigating, and the identity of the perpetrators and the motive are not known at this time”.

“Truly, she made quite an impact for Christ during her life in Haiti”, friend Theresa Watkins told the StarNews on Tuesday.

Robertson – who also teaches Bible at Freed-Hardeman – said Edwards had never before been a target of violence during her time in Haiti.

“We have other folks there, but it’s important they come home today”, Robertson said.

Memorial services and funeral arrangements are pending.