A group of American missionaries kidnapped in Haiti over the weekend are being held by one of the country's most notorious gangs, according to a Haitian police official.

nationals and one Canadian were visiting an orphanage on Saturday as part of their work for Christian Aid Ministries, according to a statement from the nonprofit issued on Sunday.

It is in their control," former Special Envoy to Haiti Ambassador Daniel Foote told NBC News on Oct.

A senior State Department official told NBC News, "We are engaging with Haitian authorities at the senior most levels." A spokesperson added that "the welfare and safety of U.S.

Christian Aid Ministries offers a school aid program for children and Biblical training to local church leaders in Haiti's Titanyen and La Source villages, according to its website, as well as providing food and material support to locals

Caroline Radnofsky is a senior reporter for NBC News' Social Newsgathering team based in London

Suzanne Ciechalski is a New York-based reporter for NBC News' Social Newsgathering team specializing in verification and social discovery.