02.28.15

Hoeven Statement on the Release of Devils Lake Medical Missionary Team from Detention in Venezuela

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement concerning the release of a four-person missionary medical team from Devils Lake being detained in Venezuela. The group was working on a joint health initiative with a Venezuelan church.

“Upon learning yesterday that a team of missionary medical workers from Devils Lake had been detained by authorities in Venezuela, we contacted the U.S. State Department to ensure that everything possible was being done to bring them home and to make sure they were safe and well.  We also reached out to their pastor, Bruce Dick of Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Devils Lake, and Devils Lake Mayor Dick Johnson to inquire about the group’s status and welfare.

“Today, we were relieved to learn from Pastor Dick that the team has been freed and is now en route back to North Dakota. They are reportedly in good health and will soon be reunited with their friends and families. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with them as they travel home.”