Rating: 
Summary: Story of Strength & Courage that Surpasses All Understanding
Review: 'In the Presence of my Enemies' is a true story of two American missionaries, Martin and Garcia Burnham while on their wedding anniversary were kidnapped at gunpoint by Moslem extremists and lived a life of terror in the Philippine jungle. Garcia Burnham related to their ordeal and captivity to show others their strength in faith and the embrace of God's gladness and love. The Burnham's story is just one of many who have given their life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And their story was an example of courage, faith and strength in evil times. Garcia Burnham tells how her husband and herself endured being hostage, kept on the run by the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group that had ties to Osama bin Laden.
The Burnhams faced exhaustion, starvation and cruel imprisonment. Through all this they relied on each other and the Faith they brought to the Philippines to proclaim. Garcia tells of her husband rare courage and level-headedness, how God prepared her way, her experience in crisis of faith. During more than a year of their captivity that even under the tragic circumstances, they continued to put all of their trust in the Lord. In the process of their rescue, Martin was killed in the gunfire and Garcia was injured from the indiscrimnate fire from government troops. A year after her captivity Garcia now living in Rose Hill, Kansas reflects on life during that time and what God has blessed her even in the face of adversity. Garcia's story tells others that every day is a gift. Her freedom to her is a gift and to be happy. In a world where we all can't change alot of things there's an omnipotent God whose in control.
Rating:
Summary: You Have Got To Read This Book
Review: During their long struggle in the Phillipine jungles, an entire nation was praying for the Burnhams. I followed their plight and even put their picture on my computer desktop at work to remind me to pray for them.
However, this book was absolutely refreshing--first to hear the real story behind the account. (It's amazing how poor our news media is at getting the story right!). Secondly, Gracia writes in a moving, human way that inspires all Christians to love and serve God with all their heart. Gracia is a human being who echoes what all of us would feel were we put in the same position. Furthermore, she doesn't edit out her frustrations and doubts--her internal wrestling matches with God. I'm glad for that. Unlike most books of its type, the editing on the book is superb. Dean Merril manages to tell a compelling story in Gracia's voice. You'll enjoy her sense of humor in difficult times. There are moments where I was tickled to death and moments I was in tears. Gracia also pays a loving tribute to her husband, Martin throughout the book. She really doesn't take any credit for herself, pointing only to God and to her husband. And after reading it, I think all Christian men will aspire to live like Martin--selfless, caring, and devoted to Christ and family. I would strongly suggest picking up this book, especially if you've grown depressed, doubtful, or weary of your calling. You can't help but be thankful for what God has given you and you can't help but grow more committed to His calling.
Rating:
Summary: The Quality of Mercy
Review: Even though I knew from news accounts that Martin Burnham was killed during the bungled rescue attempt, it still hit me with such force when I read of his needless death in the jungle. He was a true hero and a man of God. He could have escaped but would not leave his wife behind with such merciless men. I was horrified by the attitudes of those terrorists, even though I should not have been surprised. I read Daughter of Jerusalem, An American's Woman's Journey of Faith, and I learned about the absence of personal accountability and and the absence of mercy in the cultures fostered by Islam. Gracia is a woman of valor and I give thanks for her and Martin.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting and Very Sad
Review: Gracia Burnham dedicated the book to her husband Martin who died while in captivity. Gracia is an intelligent and educated woman. She does an excellent job in retelling their story by interweaving flashbacks of her life while bringing the reader back to the kidnapping. The digressions are interesting and add depth to the story. The reader learns of the Burnham family's history before they were married and their life as missionaries delivering supplies and encouragement to sick patients in the Philippine jungle. The few disturbing visual descriptions of their year of terror are retold without gory details. Martin and Gracia were courageous Christians while facing many near death circumstances in the jungle. They redeemed tedious hours of captivity by singing psalms and quoting scripture. They prayed for their enemies and encouraged other missionary captives. As the book concludes, it is hard to hold back tears. The Burnhams' exemplify God's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt 5:44). God's word was written on the hearts and minds of the Burnhams. His word uplifted and encouraged their spirits during the most difficult trial of their lives. I recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting and Very Sad
Review: Gracia Burnham dedicated the book to her husband Martin who died while in captivity. Gracia is an intelligent and educated woman. She does an excellent job in retelling their story by interweaving flashbacks of her life while bringing the reader back to the kidnapping. The digressions are interesting and add depth to the story. The reader learns of the Burnham family's history before they were married and their life as missionaries delivering supplies and encouragement to sick patients in the Philippine jungle. The few disturbing visual descriptions of their year of terror are retold without gory details. Martin and Gracia were courageous Christians while facing many near death circumstances in the jungle. They redeemed tedious hours of captivity by singing psalms and quoting scripture. They prayed for their enemies and encouraged other missionary captives. As the book concludes, it is hard to hold back tears. The Burnhams' exemplify God's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt 5:44). God's word was written on the hearts and minds of the Burnhams. His word uplifted and encouraged their spirits during the most difficult trial of their lives. I recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Terrific Story of Faith and Love
Review: Having followed the news stories of the Burnham's capture and captivity and his death, this book answered many of my questions of "how" they lived thru this time. Gracia Burnham goes past her grief to tell us a story of God's love and grace under the worst of cicumstances and of the love she and her husband shared. You will finish this book with a clearer understanding not only of what this couple experienced, but also of what the love of Christ can do when lived through believers who have put their complete faith and trust in Him.
Rating: 
Summary: honest, but not exciting
Review: honest, but not exciting. a look into the burnham's amazing story
Rating: 
Summary: RonB
Review: Honestly is much easier to dislike yet Gracia's stark honesty endears her to us and is hopeful in their hopeless world. Their ongoing "adventure" seems as endless as His grace and far more daunting but there's a quality in her soul of grace when they needed to be gracious and a strength when they needed to strong. A lethal combination. Remarkable sharing of a gut wrenching saga of loss but a true example of anticipation of challenge; the next one.
Rating:
Summary: RonB
Review: Honestly is much easier to dislike yet Gracia's stark honesty endears her to us and is hopeful in their hopeless world. Their ongoing "adventure" seems as endless as His grace and far more daunting but there's a quality in her soul of grace when they needed to be gracious and a strength when they needed to strong. A lethal combination. Remarkable sharing of a gut wrenching saga of loss but a true example of anticipation of challenge; the next one.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely inspirational!!
Review: I also could not put this book down!! The book is well written and easy to follow. It is the account of Martin and Gracia's captivity through their eyes, not the media. It was truly convicting and thought provoking. I was humbled by this book. I will truly think before I complain again. Through it all.....Gracia and Martin remained faithfull to God, displaying courage and strength that comes from Christ. Their example of faith through adversity is remarkable! It was no accident that I read this book. There were things in my life I needed to be convicted of. Anyone who reads this book will truly understand what the fruit of the Spirit means. It is my prayer that many read this book and their lives are changed! Thanks to Gracia for sharing!!
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