Gracia Burnham is the featured speaker during the concluding weekend of Ebenezer Mennonite Church's 53rd Festival of Missions.

She will speak at 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13. Gracia is the widow of Martin Burnham. For 17 years, Gracia and Martin served with New Tribes Mission in the Philippines.

On May 27, 2001, while celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary at Dos Palmas Resort off Palawan Island, the Burnhams were taken captive by a militant group of Muslims called the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Soon after the events of September 11, 2001, the news media took a greater interest in Gracia and Martin’s plight and kept their story in the national headlines.

On the afternoon of June 7, 2002, over a year since their abduction, the Philippine military attempted another rescue. Tragically, Martin was killed during the gunfight.

Wounded, but alive, Gracia was rescued and returned home under a national spotlight. Since that time, Gracia has authored two books, "In the Presence of My Enemies," and "To Fly Again."

The public is invited and welcome to attend these events. Call the church at 419-358-8588 for more information.