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In the Presence of My Enemies
In the Presence of My Enemies, the gripping true story of American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham’s year as hostages in the Philippine jungle, was a New York Times best seller and has sold nearly 350,000 copies. Now releasing in trade softcover for the first time, this updated edition has a new look and contains never-before-published information on the capture and trial of the Burnhams’ captors; Gracia’s secret return trip to the Philippines; and updates on recent events in Gracia’s life, ministry, and family.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 495 reviews
July 13, 2012
A story about missionaries being captured, tortured and/or killed is not new. There are many missionaries who live this day in and day out, but it doesn't at all detract from the purpose of God's plan in why it happens. The Burnham's story is incredible, but more than that is the conviction that set in as I read. If all my life's luxuries were stripped away, everything I take for granted and everything I didn't even know I took for granted was stripped away, what kind of person would I be? Would I reflect Christ as I should, as I believe I do with all I have? Or would the real me shine right through? This story left me thinking and praying about my own walk with the Lord and whether or not I truly reflect Him. We serve a God who has blessed us with free will, which we choose to use for good or evil. The Burnham's story was thought-provoking as I pondered how great our God is that He does not trample on us and turn us into puppets who do what we ought to do. As so many of us forget, the other side of free will means that there are people who will choose to do evil instead. But, we are to seek God and allow Him to work through our situations rather than expect Him to take us out of them. This story is an honest story to read and to share.
February 3, 2012
I picked up this book after reading the story of a missionary kidnapping of 100 years ago, The Miss Stone Affair: America's First Modern Hostage Crisis. The central question at the heart of both crises is this: Should a ransom be paid for a hostage's release?
It's a shame that this is the central theme of Gracia Burnham's book. From the outset, she knew that her mission's policy was not to pay a ransom, as it might only encourage more kidnappings and finance terrorism. She mentions this in the first few pages of the book. Throughout the Burnhams' ordeal as hostages of a Philippine terrorist group she returns repeatedly to the hope that a government, any government -- even Quaddafi's Libya! -- will pay their ransom. Even when ransom money does come in (apparently from the Burnham family, although she does not say so) she and her husband Martin are not released. Yet she continues to work toward and hope for that end.
And who could blame her, really? Most of the other hostages are ransomed and released -- if they're not beheaded first. But if you focus solely on the author's recurring question of ransoms, you'll miss the riveting story of her captivity.
Gracia is totally human and unflinching in reporting her life as a hostage. She isn't graceful and accepting of her situation. She complains, she weeps, she makes demands. She portrays herself as so far off the charts of acceptable behavior that the other hostages, especially her husband, must make huge efforts to keep her emotionally stable. Who among us would be brave enough to admit that? Some readers might have wanted a more saintly captive, but I did not. Her despair is leavened by her discoveries of faith, and both make for valuable and moving reading.
The one chapter that came across as odd, though, was the actual raid in which Martin was killed. She is almost entirely unemotional at this point. You don't feel her deep despair over the loss of her husband, either at that moment or in the weeks that follow. But she does say that she and her husband had mentally and even verbally said good-bye during the long year of their ordeal, so maybe that emotion was already spent. But she comes across as clinical, even abrasive, in the moment, which dulled the impact of the tragedy for me.
Missionary hostage situations are becoming more common these days than outright killings, so the question of how to deal with them is very timely. It's worth reading this book to become more informed about the issues that hostage-takings raise, and to become more sympathetic to people who put themselves in harm's way in risky parts of the world.
It's a shame that this is the central theme of Gracia Burnham's book. From the outset, she knew that her mission's policy was not to pay a ransom, as it might only encourage more kidnappings and finance terrorism. She mentions this in the first few pages of the book. Throughout the Burnhams' ordeal as hostages of a Philippine terrorist group she returns repeatedly to the hope that a government, any government -- even Quaddafi's Libya! -- will pay their ransom. Even when ransom money does come in (apparently from the Burnham family, although she does not say so) she and her husband Martin are not released. Yet she continues to work toward and hope for that end.
And who could blame her, really? Most of the other hostages are ransomed and released -- if they're not beheaded first. But if you focus solely on the author's recurring question of ransoms, you'll miss the riveting story of her captivity.
Gracia is totally human and unflinching in reporting her life as a hostage. She isn't graceful and accepting of her situation. She complains, she weeps, she makes demands. She portrays herself as so far off the charts of acceptable behavior that the other hostages, especially her husband, must make huge efforts to keep her emotionally stable. Who among us would be brave enough to admit that? Some readers might have wanted a more saintly captive, but I did not. Her despair is leavened by her discoveries of faith, and both make for valuable and moving reading.
The one chapter that came across as odd, though, was the actual raid in which Martin was killed. She is almost entirely unemotional at this point. You don't feel her deep despair over the loss of her husband, either at that moment or in the weeks that follow. But she does say that she and her husband had mentally and even verbally said good-bye during the long year of their ordeal, so maybe that emotion was already spent. But she comes across as clinical, even abrasive, in the moment, which dulled the impact of the tragedy for me.
Missionary hostage situations are becoming more common these days than outright killings, so the question of how to deal with them is very timely. It's worth reading this book to become more informed about the issues that hostage-takings raise, and to become more sympathetic to people who put themselves in harm's way in risky parts of the world.
June 7, 2022
Just as I finished the last pages of this book the song M'envoler Vers Toi started to play. How very appropriate. Martin Burnham was a pilot, he flew supplies and people all over the Philippines, and at his funeral they sang I'll Fly Away. The imagery of flying is pervasive throughout the book even down to my reading of it. I like to think this coincidence is just a tiny little blessing dropped in my lap as a present to give me a bit of encouragement today.
Well, that and the entire content of the book, which is quite good. I had heard of the Gracia and Martin Burnham story, of those who were alive in the early 2000s who hasn't? But, well, let me tell you, it's one thing to just read a story. It's another thing completely to get to know the author and then read the story. This book is so Gracia. She is a warm, bubbly, kind, and straightforward person. She doesn't mince words, she goes straight to the topic at hand, and speaks her mind. I really admire that. She calls others servants, but she is one, and although she doesn't seem to see it, at least in this book, it comes out. People coalesce around her, the other women who were in captivity came to her for help and suggestions. They did that not because she put herself above them, but because she was willing to listen to them and help as much as she could, I think that's the essence of servanthood.
It was also a convicting book because she dealt with her carnal nature very forthrightly. She was in a terrible situation, and it brought out all the pieces of her that she wanted to pretend didn't exist, or even that she had trouble acknowledging existed. I can relate. Not because I am in a terrible hostage situation, because I'm not, if anything I am less mature than she was, because being in a merely uncomfortable situation is enough to bring out all the pieces of me that I want to pretend don't exist. I suppose that is what makes this book a hopeful book. She went into the jungle and came out a changed woman. The experiences she had there rooted out her fear, selfishness, bitterness, and anger. Was it easy? No. The process of pulling those weeds out of the soul is painful and hard, but look at her now, a more gracious and kind woman, I have never met. Maybe this time of discomfort, that is bringing all of my flaws out into the glaring light, is a time that will pull out my own soul weeds and turn into a time of growth and development. Maybe at the end, someone will look at my story and think 'a more humble and hopeful woman I have never met.'
I hope so.
Well, that and the entire content of the book, which is quite good. I had heard of the Gracia and Martin Burnham story, of those who were alive in the early 2000s who hasn't? But, well, let me tell you, it's one thing to just read a story. It's another thing completely to get to know the author and then read the story. This book is so Gracia. She is a warm, bubbly, kind, and straightforward person. She doesn't mince words, she goes straight to the topic at hand, and speaks her mind. I really admire that. She calls others servants, but she is one, and although she doesn't seem to see it, at least in this book, it comes out. People coalesce around her, the other women who were in captivity came to her for help and suggestions. They did that not because she put herself above them, but because she was willing to listen to them and help as much as she could, I think that's the essence of servanthood.
It was also a convicting book because she dealt with her carnal nature very forthrightly. She was in a terrible situation, and it brought out all the pieces of her that she wanted to pretend didn't exist, or even that she had trouble acknowledging existed. I can relate. Not because I am in a terrible hostage situation, because I'm not, if anything I am less mature than she was, because being in a merely uncomfortable situation is enough to bring out all the pieces of me that I want to pretend don't exist. I suppose that is what makes this book a hopeful book. She went into the jungle and came out a changed woman. The experiences she had there rooted out her fear, selfishness, bitterness, and anger. Was it easy? No. The process of pulling those weeds out of the soul is painful and hard, but look at her now, a more gracious and kind woman, I have never met. Maybe this time of discomfort, that is bringing all of my flaws out into the glaring light, is a time that will pull out my own soul weeds and turn into a time of growth and development. Maybe at the end, someone will look at my story and think 'a more humble and hopeful woman I have never met.'
I hope so.
February 26, 2015
I have quite a few reasons to like this book. I grew up in the Philippines, and I had seen the Burnhams and stayed at Aritao where they worked. My mom went to boarding school with Martin Burnham, and our family was actually evacuated from the Philippines due to threats from the terrorist groups in the book. I followed their captivity with quite a bit of interest, and I felt brokenhearted for the family both during and after the events chronicled in their book.
I also did PR for Dean Merrill, who co-wrote the book with Gracia Burnham, and I found him to be one of the most thoughtful, reliable, and professional Christian authors I ever worked with.
So, with the utmost respect for Gracia Burnham, and for co-author Dean Merrill, I have to say that the book was a severe disappointment. Instead of engaging me in the story- and believe me, it is a great story- the writing served to distance me from the characters and the situation.
It was just hard to read too many sentences like, "After about three days of living with this torment, I was totally miserable."
I found myself moved to tears toward the end because of the facts of what happened, and because I knew and cared about the people involved, but even then, the telling felt heavy-handed, and it felt obtrusive.
I also did PR for Dean Merrill, who co-wrote the book with Gracia Burnham, and I found him to be one of the most thoughtful, reliable, and professional Christian authors I ever worked with.
So, with the utmost respect for Gracia Burnham, and for co-author Dean Merrill, I have to say that the book was a severe disappointment. Instead of engaging me in the story- and believe me, it is a great story- the writing served to distance me from the characters and the situation.
It was just hard to read too many sentences like, "After about three days of living with this torment, I was totally miserable."
I found myself moved to tears toward the end because of the facts of what happened, and because I knew and cared about the people involved, but even then, the telling felt heavy-handed, and it felt obtrusive.
July 31, 2017
This book was hard to read. I knew the story and how it ended and what happened to Gracia's family. But the story was well written and it made me think about my faith and how I would react.
June 25, 2012
I found this book as a freebie for my Kindle and thought it would be interesting. I was partially wrong. I was riveted. When Gracia and Martin Burnham were going through this experience (kidnapping by an Islamic terrorist sect), I was graduating from college and starting veterinary school: I was blissfully unaware of what they were going through. The only real exposure I had to the world outside of my small corner was the tragedy of 9/11/01 where I joined in grieving with the rest of America and much of the world. Even though I knew intellectually that there were people around the world that saw that day as a victory, the portion of the text that described what the Burnhams went through that day put it in a completely knew perspective for me. I can't imagine people cheering and being excited over that day. I found the conversations that Gracia had with her captors informative and interesting as I evaluated the thought processes of the terrorists.
I was also entranced with the relationship that the Burnhams had with God during that time in their lives. "To serve Him with gladness where ever you are" is a central message to me right now that I needed to hear. How often do we (or shall I say "I") complain about the mundane things in life or how things are not working out the way we/I would have liked?
I was also entranced with the relationship that the Burnhams had with God during that time in their lives. "To serve Him with gladness where ever you are" is a central message to me right now that I needed to hear. How often do we (or shall I say "I") complain about the mundane things in life or how things are not working out the way we/I would have liked?
October 4, 2012
Excellent book. My wife read it to me while we traveled and it was hard to stop reading when we arrived. You won't have trouble staying motivated to keep reading. At the end when they are "rescued" you will be crying. A lot.
I also appreciated her honestly throughout—she didn't present herself as a hero or perfectly Christlike all the time. You got an honest window into her struggles and the challenges she grappled with.
My only complaint came in the last chapter. She talks about the fact that so many people were praying so faithfully and asks why God didn't answer their prayers and bring Martin out. Her answer is essentially open theism. Very disappointing. She went through amazing trials and endured in ways that I could only wish I would do. But her theology is still defective.
I also appreciated her honestly throughout—she didn't present herself as a hero or perfectly Christlike all the time. You got an honest window into her struggles and the challenges she grappled with.
My only complaint came in the last chapter. She talks about the fact that so many people were praying so faithfully and asks why God didn't answer their prayers and bring Martin out. Her answer is essentially open theism. Very disappointing. She went through amazing trials and endured in ways that I could only wish I would do. But her theology is still defective.
December 11, 2020
I thought it was a well-told story of the Burnhams' experience. I seem to recall just a bit of the story as the news of the day when it happened, and at the time did not place it in the context of terrorism, or Islam. But the opening vignette about cavalier attitude of the local culture toward theft and kidnapping seemed apt.
November 8, 2023
Interessante Geschichte aber leider nicht interessant geschrieben. Ab der Hälfte hat man das Gefühl es würd sich alles wiederholen.
Das Buch erzählt ja eine wahre Begebenheit und es haben sich die Ereignisse ja wirklich so wiederholt aber das ganze wird gerade zum Ende hin langatmig und man hat das Gefühl, die Autorin wollte einfach noch ein paar Seiten füllen.
Ich dachte, dass Buch hätte mehr mit Mission zu tun. Trotzdem eine interessante Geschichte. Krass, dass so etwas in der Welt abgeht und kaum jemand etwas davon mitbekommt.
Keine Urlaubslektüre 😅
Das Buch erzählt ja eine wahre Begebenheit und es haben sich die Ereignisse ja wirklich so wiederholt aber das ganze wird gerade zum Ende hin langatmig und man hat das Gefühl, die Autorin wollte einfach noch ein paar Seiten füllen.
Ich dachte, dass Buch hätte mehr mit Mission zu tun. Trotzdem eine interessante Geschichte. Krass, dass so etwas in der Welt abgeht und kaum jemand etwas davon mitbekommt.
Keine Urlaubslektüre 😅
July 26, 2008
This is a compelling true story. Martin and Gracia Burnham were from the KC area so we were constantly paying attention to their plight while they were gone. I got to hear Gracia speak after she published her book and got my book autographed.
January 3, 2011
true story of hostages taken by the Taliban - it really is an amazing story - wow!!
March 10, 2012
The story of the kidnapped Protestant Missionary Couple who were held captive on a Filippino Island for a year should be dynamite. But a cloying pietism and a lack of theological depth manage to take a lot of the drama and potential out of this book. Living in the Philippines when I read this, could have turned it into a page turning thriller for me - but it was a damp squip. Which is quite an achievement since there is ample scope for a fascinating story to be told with important discussions about religious hypocrisy, intolerance and fanaticism.
The author paints herself in fairly bland and unattractive role - whilst projecting her husband as a quiet strong, hero with depth. This may be accurate - but it is telling that as the tale reaches its climax - the shooting of them both in a botched take over by the inept and corrupt Philippino army - there is very little emotional climax. My lack of emotional connection to her, or to her dying husband was a testament to the poor quality of this book. And the final chapters - like an overlong and contrived evangelical sermon trying to shoehorn in messages of poor theological quality - are just irritating.
A wasted opportunity. As the tiresome refrain in the book about the good guys and the bad guys limps on .... it makes me want to say, in these simplistic terms, there are good books and bad books. I know which category I put this into.
The author paints herself in fairly bland and unattractive role - whilst projecting her husband as a quiet strong, hero with depth. This may be accurate - but it is telling that as the tale reaches its climax - the shooting of them both in a botched take over by the inept and corrupt Philippino army - there is very little emotional climax. My lack of emotional connection to her, or to her dying husband was a testament to the poor quality of this book. And the final chapters - like an overlong and contrived evangelical sermon trying to shoehorn in messages of poor theological quality - are just irritating.
A wasted opportunity. As the tiresome refrain in the book about the good guys and the bad guys limps on .... it makes me want to say, in these simplistic terms, there are good books and bad books. I know which category I put this into.
March 18, 2012
Can faith, hope, and love survive a year of terror?
For American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, what started out as a relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime anniversary getaway at an exotic island resort turned into one of the most horrific nightmares imaginable.
Kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group with ties to Osama bin Laden, the Burnhams were snatched away from friends and family and thrust into a life on the run in the Philippine jungle. During a perilous year in captivity, they faced near starvation, constant exhaustion, frequent gun battles, coldhearted murder—and intense soul-searching about a God who sometimes seemed to have forgotten them.
Fascinating read and hard to believe anyone could survive what she did.
For American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, what started out as a relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime anniversary getaway at an exotic island resort turned into one of the most horrific nightmares imaginable.
Kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group with ties to Osama bin Laden, the Burnhams were snatched away from friends and family and thrust into a life on the run in the Philippine jungle. During a perilous year in captivity, they faced near starvation, constant exhaustion, frequent gun battles, coldhearted murder—and intense soul-searching about a God who sometimes seemed to have forgotten them.
Fascinating read and hard to believe anyone could survive what she did.
January 15, 2020
A remarkable testimony of God's provision even in the worst of circumstances. And faithfulness to God by turning those circumstances into soul winning opportunities. I should never whine about my circumstances but oh how I do.
October 30, 2019
Finally got around to reading this book on the missionary couple--Martin & Gracia Burnham--taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization in the Philippines, back in 2001. They spent just over a year in captivity, unfortunately ending in Martin's death at the time of their rescue by the Philippine armed forces (who appear rather inept throughout). Gracia does an excellent job of giving insights into the hardships of their captivity--the constant hunger, walking/running/dropping ("mobiling"), the fire fights & explosions from numerous encounters with the Philippine armed forces (AFP)--who seem quite unaware of how many times they almost killed some/all of the hostages, and who would give up tracking them after a "day's work" and who also demanded percentages of ransom money paid for various hostages. Gracia gives a very gracious perspective on the Abu Sayyaf terrorists (some of whom were forcibly "recruited" from their villages)--who were lost souls seeking God's favor by going on jihad & hoping to be martyred in the fight. I loved the post-hostage update Gracia gives on her three children, as well as her transition back into "normal" life in the US and how God provided so wonderfully for her & her family. Also how she has started a foundation to support various projects among the most unreached--including supporting outreach in a Philippine prison which has seen some former Abu Sayyaf terrorists come to faith in Christ. I listened to this audiobook on my phone--purchased from Chirp.com, at a great price.
April 11, 2021
Amazing story! I loved this book.
October 14, 2022
Four stars for some theological points I don't agree with, but an amazing and gripping account nonetheless of God's glory and strength shown in one couple's time of weakness.
December 27, 2024
Gracia Burnham is the picture of Psalm 100❤️ "Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence singing"
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October 9, 2013As we see the increase of Islamic terrorism worldwide, this story needs to be heard more than ever. It is a powerful story of forgiveness and of God’s grace and mercy. The book is an account of Martin and Gracia Burnham, who were missionaries in the Philippines that were captured by Muslim radicals in 2001 and held as hostages in the jungle for over a year. The story is told by Gracia, who survived the ordeal. Her husband was killed during the raid by the Armed Forces of the Philippines that finally freed (and for some, killed) the hostages. Between the time of her capture and the final liberation by the military, the Burnham has gone through seventeen firefights and countless other artillery shelling and terrible ordeals with the jungle. I was drawn by Gracia’s honesty of her shortcomings and struggle during her journey. She was honest in the book of how she felt, including her feeling that God has betrayed her and how she finally coped with the kidnapping. She was also honest about how she felt about the terrorist, and quite understandably. But perhaps most disturbing was her honest portrayal of what drove Abu Sayyaf, the terrorist group that kidnapped her and her husband. It is a frightening ideology of hate and readers but this will come at no surprise for those familiar with the ideology of Al Qaeda and jihad. Although the topic is sobering, the book is by no means hopeless, for as the book progresses you will see the faith of Martin and Gracia grow and being lived out of what it means to bless your enemies. The book also manages to have some funny moments with Gracia’s sense of humor coming out in the book and at times her sarcasm towards the irony around her. You will laugh—and you will cry. Readers will likely be tearful of the moment in the book when her husband is killed—and her final rescue. The book also has a lengthy account of her time after the hostage situation, and how the Lord has worked through this event. An excellent book that I totally recommend, a beautiful testimony of the Gospel applied and a moving account of what it means to be a Christian—even in the presence of one’s enemy.
May 12, 2013
I really enjoyed reading the riveting and inspiring book In the Presence of My Enemies. I decided to read this book because I heard a lot about their experience from my parents, peers, and other adults. My favorite part of this book was when Mrs. Gracia Burnham was rescued and reunited with her family. I was also inspired that Mrs. Burnham kept on going with her life despite all the hardships she endured and desired to continue to serve God. In the Presence of My Enemies, has had a huge impact on my life and perspective. I never really grasped the full concept of how quickly and how unexpectedly we can be taken away from those we love. It made me realize that it can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. With that concept, it really made me think about how I would react or handle it if I was kidnapped. I was also challenged to rely on the Lord and not on my own strength and to trust Him with everything even when I myself cannot control the situation. By reading this book, it made the whole possibility real to me and not just something that happens in certain places and to specific people. Another impact that In the Presence of My Enemies had on me was that the Burnham’s hope, faith, and love survived through that long year of extraordinarily difficult circumstances. In addition, I really liked how Gracia Burnham incorporated Philippine words in the text because it added to the authenticity and it was also fun to learn new words. I HIGHLY recommend this book
February 20, 2025
This book is for those who want to hear about a scary real story about a kidnapping of an American missionary to the Philippines. This book made me more thankful for the position I am in. This story is 100% for grades 10 or possibly 11 and up (just because it is about a real kidnapping). This story is written through the perspective of the wife. She is great at describing things in the story but sometimes gets a bit too descriptive. It is a great book that will show you how God can work through the hard hearted, stubborn, weak, and doubtful hearted to give a great lesson on faith. This book could definitely scare a lot of people so just be mindful and ask a parent first. Just because of what the story is about, *highly recommended* ask your parents to read the book first before you read it. My parents read the book before me to discern whether I could read it or not and that was helpful.
-Great plot line (but a bit confusing in the beginning)
-Fine for grades 10 or possibly 11 and up (PLEASE ask your parents about it and ask whether or not they can read it before you read it)
-Some parts get a bit descriptive and mildly inappropriate for most people (PLEASE ask a parent first!!!)
-Great book for a research project about a person’s life
PLEASE ASK A PARENT ABOUT THIS BOOK BEFORE READING IT!!! PLEASE!!!
-Great plot line (but a bit confusing in the beginning)
-Fine for grades 10 or possibly 11 and up (PLEASE ask your parents about it and ask whether or not they can read it before you read it)
-Some parts get a bit descriptive and mildly inappropriate for most people (PLEASE ask a parent first!!!)
-Great book for a research project about a person’s life
PLEASE ASK A PARENT ABOUT THIS BOOK BEFORE READING IT!!! PLEASE!!!
November 29, 2013
I'm still drying my eyes after reading this book.
Gracia provides an honest account of her conflicting emotions, and her frustrations with God during her time as hostage in Philippines jungles. While I can't relate to her experience, I can definitely understand the doubts she experienced. It is wonderful to read how her husband would spiritually bolster her during her darkest days.
The love and respect for her husband shines through her record of their endurance as hostages. It makes the conclusion all the sadder to read.
Ultimately, Gracia's ability to maintain her faith is amazing. She accepts the negative and tries to forge hope from it. In the final chapter she calls upon Christians to "find ways to defuse the raging resentment and hatred that fuels 'holy war' and introduce a God who does more than demand rituals - he truly loves us." I find the compassion in these words, after all that she went through, truly inspiring. This true story stays with the reader long after the book is finished, and drives us to love one another more.
Gracia provides an honest account of her conflicting emotions, and her frustrations with God during her time as hostage in Philippines jungles. While I can't relate to her experience, I can definitely understand the doubts she experienced. It is wonderful to read how her husband would spiritually bolster her during her darkest days.
The love and respect for her husband shines through her record of their endurance as hostages. It makes the conclusion all the sadder to read.
Ultimately, Gracia's ability to maintain her faith is amazing. She accepts the negative and tries to forge hope from it. In the final chapter she calls upon Christians to "find ways to defuse the raging resentment and hatred that fuels 'holy war' and introduce a God who does more than demand rituals - he truly loves us." I find the compassion in these words, after all that she went through, truly inspiring. This true story stays with the reader long after the book is finished, and drives us to love one another more.
August 22, 2012
At first I was a bit reticent to get into this book, expecting "just another missionary story." But as the hostage situation went on and on, I could not help but to be drawn into the drama. When I thought they surely could go no further, the plot thickened. Something far deeper and more significant that the "Stockholm syndrome" developed as the Burnhams displayed a godly love for their captors as well as clear perspectives with respect to the evil of their actions. Although compassion was shown for the captors' humanity, the missionary couple never lost sight of their own identity as God's people. Gracia is very transparent about her struggles with God, but her resilience attests to the power of God to hold on to His children. It is a story that you cannot read without reflecting on the inscrutability and goodness of the purposes of God.
May 4, 2012
In the Presence of My Enemies is Gracia Burnham's heatbreaking yet uplifting memoir reflecting on her time as an Abu Sayyaf hostage in the Philippines in the early 2000's. Gracia and her husband Martin were taken as hostages in the name of jihad. As Americans, they are kept as the prime bargaining chip in ransom negotiations between the Islamic extreamist known as the Abu Sayyaf. The Burnham's rely on their faith to carry them during their time in captivity. It is a remarkable of story of perserverance and faith in a hopeless situation. I would recommend In the Presence of My Enemies to any Christian or person interested in reading about a true hostage story.
September 6, 2013
This is the sort of book where it feels a little strange to say you enjoyed reading it since it is the real life story of a couple taken hostage in the Phillippines and held hostage for a year. The story is told by Gracia Burnham of not just the time of their captivity but also their life leading up to it and then a return to 'normal' life.
I knew it was likely to be a harrowing read in places when I picked it up but decided it was well worth it. The story is really well told and the courage and grace of this couple just shine throughout - even when they are at their darkest moments and struggles. A really inspiring read and plenty of food for thought.
I knew it was likely to be a harrowing read in places when I picked it up but decided it was well worth it. The story is really well told and the courage and grace of this couple just shine throughout - even when they are at their darkest moments and struggles. A really inspiring read and plenty of food for thought.
November 25, 2017
I have never been 'cool' with missionary work because I'm of the live and let live variety, but I wanted to read this book and figure out how in the world anyone could spend a year as a captive to terrorists. This book did pretty well at outlaying the struggles of every sort: mental, physical, spiritual, emotional. I do recommend it, despite not sharing the same faith as the writer. Their ordeal is something that needs to be recognized, if only to remind ourselves of our many daily blessings we take for granted and those suffering in the world.
July 6, 2018
This book was captivating and kept me reading hours longer than I should have. I had not heard of the Burnham’s before starting this book and their ordeal was heart wrenching. While I did enjoy the book, parts of it left me feeling like the emotions portrayed by the author were awkward for that specific trial. I had to reread several passages to understand what was being “said” as I felt the emotion of the writing didn’t match what was said. I did enjoy reading about an updated Burnham family and they have given so much back to help teach those that caused so much pain in their lives.
August 18, 2008
Although not exquisitely written, this is an amazing story of one woman's missionary life, thwarted by Muslim extremists who kidnapped her and her husband in the Philippines. In the end, Gracia is rescued but her husband is killed. I appreciated the author's honesty and strength, not to mention her faithfulness in the face of trial. The book also offers insight into the minds of Islamic terrorists, which I found both fascinating and disturbing.
July 15, 2014
Fast-paced, engrossing, and uncomplicated, this is the perfect summer read (or better yet, one to have on hand for the next time you're laid up in bed!). Unflinchingly honest, Gracia refuses to paint herself as a hero. Her struggles to control her emotions, to keep faith in a seemingly-silent God, to maintain moral consistency are all open and laid bare. What reader could help but imagine his own sins amplified by such circumstances?
January 19, 2013
Such a gripping and real story. I was struck by the strength of their marriage, the way they saw their own sin while in captivity and let the LORD change their hearts in the midst of deep suffering. At the end, I sobbed and sobbed: partly for what was lost, but more for what was gained for the Kingdom of God.
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