SALISBURY, Md.- Since November 1972, Tom and Beverly Brumbley have built 14 churches, 8 schools and an orphanage in Haiti. They were supposed to return to Salisbury mid-October, but their Haitian pastors told them to stay in the United States for their own safety.
"We had two of our main pastors who have told us not to come, and our national pastor said if you do go, you can't go anywhere. You have to stay inside your house," said Tom Brumbley.
Tom and Beverly were heart broken to hear of the 17 missionaries kidnapped in Haiti.
"We've been praying every morning every night for God's protection over them and for their safe release," said Tom Brumbley.
The couple say they've had friends who were kidnapped in Haiti and say they are especially worried for women and children.
"We've had a few people that we knew and the experience, none of them are very pleasant. It's not just sit in a room, it's very sadistic and so we're worried about them," said Tom Brumbley.
The couple's good friend was kidnapped for 5 days and was rapped. Beverly says other friends said food is scarce for those who are kidnapped.
"First hand we've heard that they're given very little food while they're being held so knowing there were children, some of them as young as two years old that just really broke my heart," said Beverly Brumbley.
Beverly says kidnappings are common in Haiti, but she was surprised by how many people were taken.
"They've become very bold to take that many Americans in their own vehicle and go off with them. So it was astonishing in a way though we know that kidnappings happen and very sad especially when I head about how many women there were and young children," said Beverly.
Despite the dangers, the Brumbley's say their bags are packed to go as soon as it's safer.
"All of our family and friends and acquaintances are happy that we're here. But we're not. Our lives have been in Haiti and you know we think about all the people who are there and the suffering"
The couple say they will try again this January.