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Bradenton youth group reflects on their time stranded in Haiti during protests

Members of the Woodland Community Church called their extra two days a blessing because they were able to continue with their missionary work.

BRADENTON, Fla.- The local youth group that returned home after being stranded in Haiti during riots joined their congregation for the first time since their trip Sunday morning to discuss their journey.

PREVIOUS: Bradenton youth group back home after protests stranded them in Haiti

Members of the Woodland Community Church called their extra two days a blessing because they were able to continue with their missionary work. They said they wanted their community to know they were never in any danger.

“I know a lot of you knew what had been happening while we were there and how we weren't able to make it to the airport but I just want to assure you of one thing, that is that God had us there for a purpose,” Pastor Jeff McCauley said.

Riots erupted from July 6 through July 8 to protest the government's attempt to raise fuel prices by up to 51 percent. The administration backed off after seeing the chaos.

Protesters attacked and looted grocery stores, hotels and other businesses across the country.

Saturday, the Associated Press reported The Haitian Prime Minister resigned following those violent protests that killed at least seven.

“I'm not going to lie and tell you there wasn't a sense of unease, there was,” McCauley said.

During their trip, church members helped with the community’s soccer and food camps. It was an experience that had students wanting to go back.

“We can't speak enough about how amazing the people in Neply, Haiti are,” Middle school pastor for Woodland Community Church, Sammy Duran said. “The community was so welcoming to our team.”

In the next few summers, church leaders said they’ll be back in Haiti for another trip.

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