Houston Reunion: Missionary rescued from Haiti, his parents meet his wife and daughter for the first time

HOUSTON - Houston parents whose son was stuck in war-torn Haiti for the past several years have him back in their arms. FOX 26 was there for the emotional reunion, the hugs, kisses, and tears at Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday morning.

What we know:

Not only have Rick and Dianne Ennis spent the last three years praying for protection for their son, they also have a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter they've never met until Friday.

The young family was just rescued from rising gang violence in Haiti by a group of U.S. military veterans who help Americans when they literally need to escape other countries.

The non-profit is called Project Dynamo, but at least two Houston parents call them an answered prayer.

Dig deeper:

"We have been rescuing Americans around the world since 2021, when Afghanistan failed. We've been to every continent in the world, and we have now rescued over 7,000 Americans," Duarte, a U.S. Army Veteran, explains.

Project Dynamo member James Judge was in the U.S. Coast Guard. They say the reason they risk their lives to save others is simple, literally going into other countries to rescue fellow Americans.

"First of all, if you're an American, you kind of expect someone is going to come get you if you get jammed up. That's the reason I joined the Coast Guard to save lives. Also, the support we got from Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Brian Mast, along with the government of the Dominican Republic, without it, it would have been impossible," Judge said. 

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What they're saying:

"It's been a hard three years," says Dianne Ennis.

"We're just so happy to be back, be home and be with our family," adds Dianne's son, Zach Ennis, who was just rescued from Haiti.

"We have just been praying and believing that at some point God would make a way for them to come, and he has. Jesus has outdone Himself," Zach's mom said. 

"It's our daughter's first time meeting any of my family and so it's been very emotional," Zach explained. 

His wife, Mica Ennis, said, "I am just so excited. I get to meet the rest of my family, and at the same time, sad, because I left part of my family behind."

"We took a helicopter into the town where they were hiding. It's a little town that's surrounded by a lot of gang activity. In fact, about two weeks ago, they left a decapitated body in front of the compound where they were staying," explains Project Dynamo President Mario Duarte.

So, were there lots of incidents like that where gang members were sending messages?      

"Luckily, around our area, it was relatively OK. You would hear gunshots and things like that, and there would be threats of gangs wanting to come take over the city," says Zach, who went to Haiti on a Christian mission. He met his wife there. Then they had a little one, a baby girl, Niah, nearly six months ago. But because of the turmoil, his family couldn't go to the wedding or see their granddaughter born.

"Yes, it was just too dangerous," says Zach's mom.  

"I'm just so grateful. There are no words. If it wasn't for Project Dynamo and the grace of God, I'm just thankful they are home," says Zach's dad, Rick Ennis.

"It almost kind of feels like a dream a little bit. I'm not sure that its real or if I'm still dreaming, but God has made a way. (So, if you're dreaming don't pinch you and wake you up?) Exactly, exactly," Zach's mom said.

What's next:

Now that the young couple is in Houston, they all have to get medical care, specifically Mica, who had complications during her pregnancy.

The family says they now plan to celebrate together and rest.

What you can do:

If you need or would like to give help to Project Dynamo, a donor-funded organization, reach out to them by clicking here.