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Monday, January 12, 2009

IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES by Gracia Burnham

I have read this book before, but I am so glad I chose to reread it. I'm not sure if you remember their story. I believe the September 11 attacks on our country shadowed their story. Martin and Gracia Burnham were missionaries with New Tribes Mission in the Philippines. I started to write a summary, then I read the back of the book and felt it summed up the book perfectly...

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.

In this gripping firsthand account of faith, love, and struggle in the face of unnervingly casual brutality, you'll go behind the scenes of a real-life drama, told in gritty detail by the least likely survivor. Whatever the struggles of your life, you'll find encouragement and hope in this refreshingly honest story of a yearlong battle with the darkness that inhabits the human heart.

I highly encourage you to read this book, it will change how you think of others and how you think of yourself.
~ Jen ~

2 comments:

Barbie said...

I agree with you about that book! It is an excellent read! I read it a few years ago. I also found her second book at a yard sale, purchased it and read it. It too is a great book to read. I really admire her for her strength and love for the Lord!

Jessica said...

I heard that story but had no idea that they were with New Tribes. I just reserved it at the library. Thanks for the reading recommendation!