Missionaries (Burnhams) alive, safe, well

New Tribes Mission e-mail | Apr. 9, 2002 | New Tribes Mission

[repubmom]

MANILA, the Philippines (April 9, 2002): New Tribes Mission has reason to believe that kidnapped missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham are alive, and relatively safe and healthy.

Sources that NTM considers reliable have recently reported that Martin and Gracia are alive and together. Their kidnappers, the Abu Sayyaf Group, are reportedly holding the third hostage, Filipina nurse Deborah Yap, at another location. She is said to be tending members of the ASG who were wounded during combat with the Philippine military.

Over the Easter weekend, we were concerned by reports of combat in the area where Martin and Gracia were being held. However, there are now indications that the couple has been moved to a safer location.

The information NTM has received says that the Burnhams are in relatively good health and not suffering from any illness. However, we know they have been physically weakened by their ordeal, which has included stress, almost constant movement in rugged terrain, and inadequate nutrition. At the same time, food is reported to be more plentiful at their new location.

Praise God for the good reports we have received. Pray that soon, we and their families will be able to see them alive, well and free.

Martin, 42, and Gracia, 43, from Kansas, were kidnapped on May 27, 2001, by the Abu Sayyaf Group from a resort off the island of Palawan in the Philippines. Martin grew up in the Philippines, where his parents have been missionaries for more than 32 years. The Burnhams have been members of NTM since 1985.

[repubmom]

Good news re. Burnhams - praying for their release!

[repubmom]

Prayer bump for the Burnhams!

[contessa machiaveli]

ransom was paid, it's time for them to come home. don't be surprised though if they suffer a bit from stockholm syndrome... they've been through hell.

[repubmom]

I don't think any ransom has been paid. I do pray for their soon release though. They will need a lot of medical attention. I know New Tribes has started a fund to help pay for their medical needs when they are released.

[oc-flyfish]

Another prayerful bump.

[oc-flyfish]

Hey, I just saw in your profile that you live in Orange County. Have you gotten word of the OC Free Republic chapter meeting taking place this weekend at BadJoe & WillaJohn's place?

[Non-Sequitur]

If they're still being held then they aren't really safe, are they? I admit that I entered this link thinking that they had been rescued. The headline is a little misleading.

[contessa machiaveli]

i thought we "facilitated" the payment of ransom a couple of weeks ago (but i'm not sure).

[repubmom]

Sorry about the title - that was the one that NTM used in their e-mail and I didn't want to change it - other than add Burnhams. Believe me when they are rescued - there will be no doubt in the title! I pray that day comes quickly!

[repubmom]

No, it was publicized that someone had paid the ransom, but that was a false report. NTM's policy (and all their missionaries know this) is that no ransom will be paid for release in the case of kidnapping. It's a policy most mission organizations have.

[repubmom]

No, I didn't put my e-mail down so I didn't get the notice. Our weekends are pretty full with 5 kids, so probably wouldn't attend. But thanks for passing the info along.

[oc-flyfish]

Ok, just wanted to make sure. I have to leave my son's baseball game early to make it. :-(

[Free the USA]

Check the Bump List folders for articles related to and descriptions of the above topic(s) or for other topics of interest.

[mombonn]

May today be the day, dear Lord! Please give them comfort, strength, and a sense of your Presence while they are still being held.

May some of their captors come to know salvation through your Son through the testimony of the Burnhams.

[altair]

Bump for the Burnhams.

[Cindy]

This is great news if it is true. I pray that it is and that the Burnhams will be released soon!

NTM.org - Special Report: THE BURNHAMS

[maestro]

Amen,..........More Grace and Mercy,.............In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen!!!

[repubmom]

Thanks for the link to NTM's site.

[Cindy]

You're welcome.

[trevorjohnson]

Martin Burnham is a missioanry pilot. He taught my flight instructor to fly in the "bush" - who is now teaching me and preparing me for mission aviation in West New Guinea. This one man has influenced countless people - Priase God for him and please preserve their lives.