Story number 1 for 19 Dec 2001

(Philippines)–Topping the news, Philippine troops say they need more time to free the hostages being held by the Abu Sayyaf. The Army had vowed to free the missionary couple, Martin and Gracia Burnham, and a Filipino nurse by December 16th. However, heavy fog and the dense jungle environment prevented them from finding the gunmen and their captives this past weekend. New Tribes Mission’s Scott Ross. “We were looking to the end of Ramadan as a time when sins are forgiven, and possibly a release would take place. We’re still praying to that end. We’re just praying that maybe, as the weather clears, this matter will resolve.” Ross says they’re asking believers to make December 19 a day of prayer. He asks people to pray especially for the family and a quick resolution. “The kids are wanting their parents home through the holidays. We believe some things are going on; and, we would just ask Christians to pray that the hearts of the rebels would be pricked in a way that would allow Martin and Gracia to be returned. We’re concerned about their safety because of the reports that the military is pressing.”