Missionary Killed

June 7, 2002

American missionary Martin Burnham was killed when Philippine Army soldiers attempted a rescue. Burnham and his wife, Gracia had been held captive for over a year by a Muslim terrorist group, Abu Sayyaf. Gracia Burnham suffered a leg wound and a nurse hostage was killed. Four terrorists were also killed. Eight Philipino soldiers were wounded.

The Burnhams had been taken captive in May 2001 while celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary. Another California tourist, Guillermo Sobero, taken hostage at the same time was beheaded last year. It has been reported that a ransom of $300,000 had been paid, but did not result in the release of the hostages. The terrorists had demanded two million dollars.

Gracia Burnham will return to Whichita Kansas where the grandparents had been taking care of their three children.

 

Afghan Missionaries Testify

On Sunday, Nov. 4, 2001, Dayna Curry turned 30 in a prison in Afghanistan. She was one of the eight Christian missionaries who were arrested by the Taliban for spreading Christianity in Afghanistan. The penalty for such behavior could have been the death penalty.

Sister Dayna was not discouraged, but rather she could look beyond the circumstances and see God working. From prison she sent word to her church in Waco, Texas that she appreciated their prayers. "I hope they are praying for this country along with us.... We believe that is one of the reasons we are here -- to motivate and awaken people to pray for this nation." Dayna and a fellow worker, Heather Mercer are graduates of Baylor University and were among 24 workers with Shelter Now, a German-based ministry, who were arrested by the ruling Taliban authorities. The events of September 11 and the massive bombing in Afghanistan caused great concern for the missionaries. It appeared they would be killed, but God is in control and He heard the prayers for this little band of aid workers in Afghanistan.

Sister Dayna was encouraged as she knew many Christians around the world were praying. "Our Father in heaven is up to something great for this nation -- and all the prayers are needed to help it come to pass. We are excited to see what He will do. I'm so thankful for you and all the others at home that are laboring for us. I really don't think we would be doing so well if people weren't praying. We have seen God's favor in so many ways. And His presence has been incredible!" Sister Heather also could look beyond the danger and realize that God was working. In a letter to those back home she said "I have thought of you often and hope this letter finds you well! I never thought I'd write you from prison, at least not so soon! What a crazy place this world can be! I'm so glad we know and love the One who carries the whole world in his hands. I hope that in light of all the world's changing events, that your lives are carrying on with some level of normalcy. "I have seen more clearly in my time here what an exciting hour this world is in; but equally or more so what a dangerous hour. This helps to keep me sober and thankful. Right now I'm writing in the middle of the night, under a blanket with a flashlight. The lights across the city are shut down every evening to prepare for the aerial and fireworks show. No light is allowed. Besides it's often hard to sleep in anticipation of the evening's events, so writing becomes my great joy.

"I want to thank you with all my heart for every way you've stood with me. Really your remembrances are hope for us every day. When I am afraid, I remember that our Father in heaven hears the cries of his children and answers them, to know that you and others cry out day and night for a good outcome gives me great joy and faith! "There are times as Paul said to his Corinthian friends that this pressure has been so great we've even sensed the sentence of death within ourselves, but even that is so we trust not in man nor in ourselves, but in Him who raises the dead. We know He is our only hope and deliverance; therefore we are so grateful to all who call upon Him. Please remember this nation as well. Just like us they need a miracle as well. We believe for a new day a glorious day to dawn for these precious people. I really miss our times together and hope they come again very soon! "Please share this letter with whoever you think would be interested. I couldn't address it to everyone I wished, so I'll let you two pass on the greetings where necessary. I love you all so much and hope this is soon over so we can see one another again. Stand firm! Hold on to the hope to which you were called. "Though at times everything in me screams otherwise, we'll soon see the purpose and glory in this mad situation. May it be to glorify our friend and to rebuild this desperate nation. My heart is with you!"

The eight aid workers were rescued as the Taliban were losing their hold on Afghanistan. They were picked up by American Special Forces helicopters outside Ghazni, a city about 75 miles south of the Afghan capital. It was an answer to the prayers of many Christians from around the world.

 

The Remnant-Online

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