Graham Staines, an Australian missionary, and his two sons, Phillip and Timothy were martyred on 23 June 1999. The death of Graham and his children has had significant impact: in his homeland, Australia, in his adopted country, India, and in the hearts and minds of people around the world. Their story is told in a book, Burnt Alive - The Staines and the God they loved. Gladys, his wife, and Esther, his sole surviving child have provided a sustained, helpful, and inspiring Christian witness which India itself recognizes. Graham's life is a reminder of the impact of the love of Christ shining forth in a human frame to the benefit of those around. His death is a reminder to the church of its mission and its cost and its reward. Graham has blessed us all in his life and in his death. Gladys and Esther continue to bear witness of God's love, his forgiveness, his forbearance, and his constancy. Their sacrifice has been of a husband, a father, two sons and two brothers. It is from these, that we learn how to walk in Christ's footsteps and it is by their example that we are encouraged.
