GRACIA BURNHAM’S STORY
In
2002, Christians around the world followed the kidnapping of
missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham. The Filipino terror group, Abu
Sayyaf, held them for more than a year before a rescue attempt resulted
in Martin's death and Gracia's release. On this 10-year anniversary of
Martin's death, Gracia is still using their story to set others free
Former terrorist hostage Gracia Burnham reflects on the
lessons learned during her terrifying captivity and offers insight on surviving
life's unexpected crises
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About the Author Burnham, Gracia
Gracia Burnham was born in Cairo, Illinois , January 17, 1959, daughter of Norvin and Betty Jo Jones, a WWII veteran and former pastor and Bible teacher, currently residing in Cherokee Village, Arkansas. She graduated from Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1981, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Education.
Gracia Burnham was born in Cairo, Illinois , January 17, 1959, daughter of Norvin and Betty Jo Jones, a WWII veteran and former pastor and Bible teacher, currently residing in Cherokee Village, Arkansas. She graduated from Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1981, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Education.
Gracia was married to Martin Burnham on May 28, 1983 and
they graduated together from the New Tribes Mission Training Institute in
Durant, Mississippi in1984. In March, 1986, Martin and Gracia left the states
for a mission aviation assignment with New Tribes Mission in Aritao,
Philippines. They worked as New Tribes missionaries in the Philippines from
1986 to May 2001. Gracia’s responsibilities included flight following, radio
net control, home-schooling her children, and assisting Martin in his
responsibilities of pilot, mechanic, and field leadership.
Martin and Gracia are the parents of three children, all
born in the Philippines, Jeffrey (Jeff) born February 11, 1987; Melinda (Mindy)
born October 17, 1989; and Zachary (Zach) born December 13, 1990.
Gracia and her children now reside in Rose Hill, Kansas,
near Wichita, Kansas. Gracia is author of the book, In the Presence of My
Enemies (Tyndale Publishing House), the story of her and Martin’s year spent as
hostages of the Abu Sayyaf in the jungles of the Philippines. Since the rescue
attempt by the Philippine military that resulted in Martin’s death and Gracia’s
release, Gracia has been adjusting to life in America and life as a single
parent. Gracia has launched the Martin & Gracia Burnham Foundation, which
will support mission aviation and tribal mission work around the world, seek to
find ways to show Christ’s love to the Muslim community, and offer assistance
to Christians who are suffering for their faith around the world. The
foundation will be funded through money raised by speaking fees, sales of books
and by donations.
Martin Burnham
Martin Burnham was born in Wichita,
Kansas, on September 19, 1959 and grew up in the Philippines, the eldest son of
Paul and Oreta Burnham, who have served as New Tribes Mission missionaries in
the Philippines since 1969. He graduated from Calvary Bible College and Wichita
Aviation Education Center, and completed missionary training with New Tribes
Mission. Martin served with New Tribes Mission in the Philippines for 17 years,
delivering mail, supplies, and encouragement to other missionaries, and
transporting sick and injured patients to medical facilities.
Martin was killed June 7, 2002, in the Philippines during a
military action between Abu Sayyaf and Philippine forces. He had been kidnapped
along with his wife, Gracia, May 27, 2001, by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
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| "In
the Presence of My Enemies," the gripping true story of American
missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham's year as hostages in the
Philippine jungle, was a "New York Times" best seller and has sold
nearly 350,000 copies. Now releasing in trade softcover for the first
time, this updated edition has a new look and contains
never-before-published information on the capture and trial of the
Burnhams' captors; Gracia's secret return trip to the Philippines; and
updates on recent events in Gracia's life, ministry, and family. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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