Freed missionary staying in Kan. worries that detainees’ story has pulled focus off Haiti
By APFriday, February 19, 2010
Freed missionary worries that focus is off Haiti
TOPEKA, Kan. — An American missionary who was freed from a Haitian jail says he’s worried that child trafficking accusations are taking away attention from the earthquake-ravaged country.
Paul Thompson made his remarks Friday during a taped segment of NBC’s “Today” show.
Thompson was among eight American missionaries freed Wednesday after three weeks in custody in Haiti. Two were left behind in jail.
Four of the eight are now in Kansas. Three are home in Idaho, while the eighth is back in Texas.
The group denies the child trafficking charges, arguing the trip was a do-it-youself “rescue mission” for young victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake.
Thompson says he doesn’t want the missionaries’ story taking attention away from Haiti, which he says still has an incredible need for help.
