Gracia Burnham, my wife's sister, was just presented a Special Courage Award from the US Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime on Friday, April 24th in Washington, D.C. by Attorney General Eric Holder.
From an Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association article:
In May 2001, Mrs. Burnham and her husband, Martin, missionaries for more than 15 years with New Tribes Mission in the Philippines, were awakened by armed gunmen affiliated with the terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). The Burnhams were among 20 hostages seized that morning and were held captive for more than a year. Throughout their terrifying ordeal, they exhibited remarkable strength and courage. On June 7, 2002, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines found the terrorists’ encampment, and in the subsequent firefight, Mr. Burnham was killed, and Mrs. Burnham was shot in the leg; but she survived and was rescued. Since that time, she has dedicated herself to pursuing justice against the terrorists who held them captive.
In a recent ceremony in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Eric Holder presented Gracia Burnham with a Special Courage Award, recounting her efforts to protect victims’ rights. The ceremony was a prelude to the nation’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 26–May 2, 2009; nine other individuals and programs were also recognized for their service to crime victims.
TYNDALE HOUSE WILL PUBLISH UPDATED EDITION OF BEST SELLER
IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES
Read the entire post from ECPA HERE
I have some more updates on how Gracia and the children are doing:
Last week Jeffrey, the oldest, graduated from Liberty University in Lynchburg Virginia. Jeffrey and Sarah live in the area. Besides getting a higher education there, he is also involved as a flying instructor, at the university. He may stay on and get his Master's degree. Congratulations to Jeff!
Melinda is attending New Tribes Bible Institute in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She just got engaged to Raymond Andrew Hedvall, an MK from New Tribes Mission, this month. Congratulations, Mindy!!!
Zachary just graduated from high school in Rose Hill Kansas. He received a full scholarship in music and will be enrolled at Butler College in El Dorado, KS in August. Congratulations to Zach!
In late July, Gracia will be travelling with her parents to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to attend the Experimental Aircraft Association's "fly in" which is making it's main feature "Missionary Aviation". Gracia will be speaking and having a display of her books at the "fly in". Jeff will be flying in his Super Cub from Virginia. It will be a wonderful experience for my father-in-law, Norvin Jones, who is a WW2 veteran, who flew as a US Air Force pilot in the war in Italy.
