NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–New Tribes Mission, the agency that sent Martin and Gracia Burnham to the Philippines, is circulating a list of prayer requests for Gracia as she adjusts to life without her husband.
The prayer requests, as listed by NTM, include:
— Where to call home. Settling this question will greatly help with emotional healing.
— Finances. Gracia is now responsible for the decisions she and Martin used to share.
— Telling the story. What is the best way for Gracia to relate the story of God’s faithfulness? Opportunities abound.
— Gracia’s health. Her leg wound is slow to heal; pray that it will mend completely. Pray that she will take time to rest and recuperate. Pray too for emotional healing for her and her children.
— For Gracia to continue to have boldness and clarity in testifying to God’s faithfulness.
— Gracia’s parents, Norvin and Betty Jo Jones, and Martin’s parents, Paul and Oreta Burnham. Pray also for the family of Deborah Yap, Martin and Gracia’s slain co-hostage.
In addition, the members of NTM’s Contingency Team need prayers for strength, stamina and wisdom as they work through legal matters and other necessary details. The Contingency Team members and their families need time to heal emotionally as well, according to New Tribes’ prayer alert June 26. The team hopes that the lessons learned in dealing with hostage situations will be analyzed and utilized across the missions community, to the glory of God.
Gloria, 43, and her husband, Martin, 42, were kidnapped on May 27, 2001, as they were celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary at a resort. After being held captive by Muslim terrorist rebels for more than a year, Martin was killed and Gracia was shot in the leg during a June 7 rescue attempt by the Philippine military.
The Burnhams had been NTM workers since 1985; he was a pilot and she had worked with NTM aviation needs. Based in Sanford, Fla., the interdenominational missions agency focuses on planting indigenous churches among unevangelized people groups in remote areas around the world.
A Martin Burnham Memorial Fund has been established for Gracia and their three children. Contributions, payable to New Tribes Mission with the designation “Martin Burnham Memorial Fund,” may be sent to NTM, 1000 E. First St., Sanford, FL 32771-1487. Any cards or letters for Gracia should be sent to Gracia Burnham c/o NTM at the same address.
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