Pray that Martin and Gracia Burnham, and
their fellow hostage, Filipina nurse Deborah Yap, would soon be
released unharmed. Until that time, pray that they would stay
healthy and encouraged in the Lord.
 Martin,
42, and Gracia, 43, New Tribes Missionaries, originally from
Kansas, were kidnapped on May 27, 2001, by the Abu Sayyaf (Muslim)Group
from a resort off the island of Palawan in the Philippines where
they were spending a weekend to celebrate their anniversary. The
weekend was a gift from friends.
They have served in the Philippines since
1986. Martin is a pilot and Gracia serves in a variety of roles
to support the aviation ministry there.
Martin grew up in the Philippines, where his
parents have been missionaries for more than 32 years. Gracia is
a daughter of Rev. Norvin and Betty Jo Jones of Arkansas. Martin
and Gracia's three children -- Jeff, 14; Mindy, 12; and Zach, 11
-- were born in the Philippines.
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