Story number 1 for 30 May 2001

(Philippines)–We begin today in the Philippines where a mission organization is facing another hostage situation. Missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, church planters with New Tribes Mission, were abducted early Sunday morning along with 18 other people in what’s believed to be a random act of violence. New Tribes Scott Ross says they were taken from Dos Palmas Island. “They were spirited away in a couple of boats and headed south into the area of the Philippines that this extremist group works. And so, there was a bit of a military chase which ended when dark ensued. So, we’ve been now working at trying to determine exactly where they are.” The Islamic group Abu Sayyaf is claiming responsibility. Ross says people need to pray. “Be praying for Martin and Gracia and their safety. Their traveling in open ocean in boats. Who knows how they’re being treated.” Rebel leaders say they will conduct mass killings if the government sends in the military.