KTKA

Members of Bethel Baptist Church gathered Sunday morning to pray for the release of their youth pastor, Drew Culberth.

The Bethel Baptist Church Elders released the following statement Sunday morning:

"Our desire is that Pastor Drew Culberth be released, without delay. We believe he has been wrongly accused and that his motives and goals in going to Haiti were both honorable and pursued in good faith.

We condemn child trafficking and all such abuse; however, as we have known and worked closely with Pastor Drew as our Youth Pastor since 2004, we not only know his character but we also know his heart. He is a dedicated family man, a hard worker, honest and has a love for people, especially for children, young people and those in need. He chose the profession as a fire fighter because he cares about people and has been trained to risk his life in order to save others.

We are confident that the charges of kidnapping, for the purpose of adoption, are not accurate. Drew's goal was to provide shelter, food and to care for the needs of children who were both homeless and orphans.

This statement only refers to our support of Drew Culberth, it does not reflect, in any way, upon the remaining members of the team."

Culberth was charged Thursday with child abduction and conspiracy after attempting to take a bus load of 33 Haitian children out of the country.