Story number 2 for 21 Jun 2001

(Philippines)–Next, the missionary hostage situation in the Philippines has emphasized the need for Christians to pray for missionaries around the world. New Tribes Mission’s Scott Ross says Martin and Gracia Burnham’s kidnapping 26 days ago should remind people that sharing faith can be dangerous. “This can happen on college campuses. It can happen in countries around the world, just in major cities, and for us, because we’re in pioneer tribal work our people are soft targets and can be facing, not only these rebels, but the guerrilla problems or the drug cartel people.” Ross says while kidnapping is difficult, God works through these situations. “People have volunteered and said, hey, we want to stand in the shoes of those who have been taken out of service. And, New Tribes has been able to share the story of its missionaries and the story of its work and purpose to tens of thousands of people across the country and around the world, actually.”