News of the Burnhams
Missionary couple held captive for more
than a year in the Philippines
June 11 2002 As you may have heard, Martin Burnham, who was a missionary in the Philippines, was killed on June 7 during a bid to set him free. His wife Gracia, who was captured with him just over a year ago, left hospital yesterday after treatment for a bullet wound in her leg, to be reunited with her children in Kansas City, USA. Both of them were working for New Tribes Mission (NTM) when they were captured by Abu Sayyaf, rebels who are fighting for an Islamist state in the southern Philippines. Just before boarding a plane for the US, she said: "We want to thank each and every one of you for every time you remembered us in prayer. We needed every single prayer you said for us during our ordeal in the jungle."* She also thanked the soldiers who risked their lives to rescue her and Martin.* One of those who was with Gracia the day after her rescue said this about her. "Gracia is a strong woman of deep faith." Her clarity of mind as she testified of how God carried her and Martin through this long ordeal amazed all who heard her.* NTM ask for prayers for all the family members. They will be holding a memorial service for Martin at Central Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas at 10am US central time (5pm BST) on Friday.* Lucille Sanford of NTM told CSW: "Thank you for your prayers for the Burnham family through this most difficult time. We appreciate so much the Body of Christ who have stood with them so faithfully. We know the Lord has and will receive much glory from the lives of these dear ones. We know you will continue to pray for Gracia and all the family in the days and months ahead. God bless you." A Martin Burnham Memorial Fund has been established for the benefit of Gracia and their three children. If you wish to contribute, make cheques payable to New Tribes Mission with the designation "Martin Burnham Memorial Fund." Send to NTM, 1000 E. First Street, Sanford, FL 32771-1487. Any cards or letters for Gracia should be sent to Gracia Burnham c/o NTM at the same address. For more information, please go to the NTM website at www.ntm.org/index.shtml (*From the NTM website)