Posted on 02/27/2002 2:59:33 PM PST by repubmom
Administration's efforts encouraging
MANILA, The Philippines (Feb. 27, 2002): NTM continues to be encouraged by the efforts of the US Administration to seek freedom for kidnapped missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham.
The newly appointed US ambassador to the Philippines has returned from the Philippines to Washington, DC, for high-level meetings. In public statements and personal meetings with NTM representatives and Burnham family members, Ambassador Ricciardone has demonstrated an eagerness to do all he can to see Martin and Gracia released.
The State Department has told NTM that a media report Monday attributed to the US Undersecretary for Asian Affairs, Jack Kelly, was not accurate. The report quoted Mr. Kelly as saying there would be no rescue attempt or other involvement by the US military relating to the Burnhams. The State Department said Mr. Kelly did not make such a statement, and again reassured the mission that the US government is committed to do all it can.
We appreciate the help of the US government, but we remember that the resolution of this is ultimately in the hands of God. Please pray for wisdom for the US and Filipino government and military officials involved. We also ask that you remember the Filipino and American troops in prayer.
Pray that Martin and Gracia, and their fellow hostage, Filipina nurse Deborah Yap, would soon be released unharmed. Until that time, pray that they would stay healthy and encouraged in the Lord.
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.
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