In the Presence of Mine Enemies

I recently read a copy of the book In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham. This is the story of Gracia and her husband Martin Burnham who were New Tribes Missionaries captured by Abu Sayyaf (a group of Islamic Terrorists associated with Osama Bin Laden) in the Philippines in May 2001.

I had remembered hearing about the story when it happened, but it was interesting to read the book by Gracia and learn what was going on from her perspective and to read of the journey that God took them through during the captivity of over one year.

While there is much that could be said about the book, an unexpected consequence of reading the book is that it makes you want to hold on to your kids a little tighter and it helps you to appreciate some of the modern "conveniences" that we tend to take for granted (such as toilet paper).

While I am disappointed at the direction that New Tribes has taken over the last 15 years or so and that direction shows itself occassionally throughout the book, I think that if you take the time to read it, you will find it a compelling read.

Just my thoughts,

Frank