Sam Isaacson says:

I'm not generally a fan of reading a book in which someone just talks about themselves for a long time - in my experience it has just been a lesson in pride and boredom! Not so with this one. The true story of Martin and Gracia Burnham's kidnap and year in captivity is phenomenally compelling. Gracia has a real gift of words, expresses her feelings and circumstances very well, and really draws you into the action.

The book follows everything from Martin and Gracia's courtship, through the incredible trial of their captivity, and the years since the release. Gracia captures her emotions and battles in full, she's not apologetic about her questions along the way, and she communicates every part of the ordeal in the perfect amount of detail.

Reading this book will make you laugh at times, and cry at others. Sometimes it inspires joy, sometimes mourning, but constantly some action. It's difficult to take this book on board without wanting to do something!

Look out for lessons in grace, forgiveness, joy, prayer, community, mission, persecution, marriage, and parenting among many others.

This audio version is narrated well. There are not many audio books read by ladies, and I have to say that the voice suited this perfectly.

I got this audiobook for free as part of the christianaudio.com book reviewer programme. I'm not required to give a positive review. #

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Dave Anthold says:

Missionaries have a unique calling upon their lives that non-missionaries may never understand - Gracia and Martin Burnham were two such missionaries. In the Presence of Mine Enemies by Gracia Burnham, tells of tragedy and hope in a world that many of us will never experience. They (along with their children) ministered in the Philippines with a mission aviation ministry. Martin, an accomplished pilot and missionary kid himself, was uniquely qualified for this outreach ministry.


Little did Martin and Gracia know that an anniversary getaway would turn into a year long trek through the Philippian jungle as prisoners of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization. Gracia masterfully crafts a narrative of suspense as each day in the jungle is a battle of will and a test of their dependance upon our Lord.

Through jungle and gunfire, the reader learns of the atrophies of war and the reckless pursuit of ill-trained soldiers for recovering hostages. The story unfolds with life after the jungle adventure, and the pain of moving on after tragedy. This story offers hope and redemption in a flawed world. #

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Rollalyn Ruis says:

I was somewhat familiar with the story of "In the Presence of My Enemies," so there were no big surprises for me. I was glad to finally read and listen to this firsthand account by Gracia Burnham. "In the Presence of My Enemies" is the story of Martin and Gracia Burnham who were American missionaries in the Philippines. They were celebrating a wedding anniversary when the Muslim terrorist group, the Abu Sayaf, kidnapped them in the middle of the night. The terrifying ordeal lasted for over a year.
I appreciate the honesty and transparency of Mrs. Burnham. She could've sugar-coated what really happened, but I believe she was truthful. There were times when she wasn't very Christ-like at all. But don't we, as Christians, act like that also? And we're not even held hostage! What's important is that despite the low points of their kidnapping, the Burnhams still shared the Gospel with their enemies, whether in word or deed.
In regards to the audiobook, Pam Ward narrated the book full of emotion. The only problem I had was the pronunciation of some of her words. I'm familiar with Tagalog, and it bothered me when she mispronounced the words.
The story really made me think about how far would I go to defend my faith. Would I be strong enough to hold onto my convictions? I'd like to think I would. But I know when actually coming face-to-face with that fear, one might react differently. I pray that I never have to be in a situation like the Burnhams, but if I do, I want to be able to proclaim Jesus Christ at all costs!
m.
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