Famous Missionary to share her story in Drexel

You have heard the gut-wrenching story of her and her husband’s torturous ordeal in the Philippines... now hear for yourself.

On Sunday, January 24th, Berries and Blossoms will be sponsoring a presentation by Gracia Burnham. Gracia Burnham is the widow of missionary Martin Burnham.
For 17 years Gracia and Martin served with New Tribes Mission in the Philippines where Martin was a jungle pilot delivering mail, supplies and encouragement to other missionaries and transporting sick and injured patients to medical facilities. Gracia served in various roles supporting the aviation program and also home-schooled their children--all of which were born in the Philippines.
While celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary at Dos Palmas Resort off Palawan Island, the Burnhams were kidnapped on May 27, 2001, by the Abu Sayyaf Group, a militant group of Muslims. They seized several more guests and took them to Basilan Island, an ASG stronghold.
In the ensuing months some of the hostages were killed, but most were set free. From November 2001, only the Burnhams and one other hostage remained in captivity.
During their 376 days of captivity, they faced near starvation, constant exhaustion, frequent gun battles, coldhearted murder-and intense soul-searching about a God who sometimes seemed to have forgotten them.
On June 7, 2002, in a firefight between the Philippine military and the Abu Sayyaf Group, Martin was killed. Gracia was wounded, but was freed.
Since that time Gracia has authored two books, In The Presence Of My Enemies, was written after she returned to the United States to be with her children, and To Fly Again, a reflection on the spiritual truths she learned in the jungle and how they apply to anyone’s life. The Drexel Baptist Church is graciously opening their doors to host the occasion. Gracia will be speaking in the church sanctuary at 4:00 p.m. It will then continue in the Mission Hall with a chili/vegetable soup supper along with beverages and desserts prepared by the ladies of Berries and Blossoms as a convenience for those attending. Gracia will be available during the meal to sign books.
Because of the limited seating capacity...
Read the complete story in the January 14th edition.