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NTM | Burnham special report
ChronologyNTM missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham have served in the Philippines since 1986. Martin is a pilot and Gracia assists in a variety of roles that support NTM's aviation program there.
Martin grew up in the Philippines, the eldest son of Paul and Oreta Burnham who continue to minister there. Gracia is a daughter of Rev. Norvin and Betty Jo Jones of Arkansas. Martin and Gracia's three children -- Jeff, 15, Mindy, 12, and Zach, 11 -- were born in the Philippines.
The Burnhams were kidnapped May 27, 2001, while celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary at Dos Palmas Resort off Palawan Island. Rebels from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) seized several more guests, including another American, Guillermo Sobero, and took them to Basilan Island, an ASG stronghold.
Early in the ordeal, the Philippine military surrounded the hostages and their kidnappers, who had holed up in a hospital, but the ASG escaped with more hostages, including Filipina nurse Deborah Yap. In the ensuing months, Mr. Sobero's body was found. Other hostages were killed, but most were set free. Since November 2001, only the Burnhams and Ms. Yap remain in captivity.
In the same month, a Philippine television network broadcast a video clip of the Burnhams. Martin's considerable weight loss and the couple's emotional fatigue were evident. Nonetheless, released hostages reported that the faith and hope Martin and Gracia have in Christ has been evident and encouraging.
The Philippine military has repeatedly said it has the ASG rebels surrounded. The Philippine government is pursuing a military solution. In mid-December US authorities told NTM representatives and Burnham family members that the USA would take a more active role in seeking freedom for Martin and Gracia. US troops have been sent to the Philippines.
The couple has now been in captivity a year. We do not understand all that God is doing, or why, but we will continue to trust Him.