In the Presence of my Enemies

Last February, I read a very inspiring and page-turning non-fiction book-In the Presence of my Enemies by Gracia Burnham with Dean Merrill. If we remember Gracia was abducted by the Abbu Sayyaf.She was held captive with her husband, Martin who didn't survive in a year of terror. They are American missionaries who dedicate themselves to God. They humble themselves, become God's servants, and have lived in the Philippines for their mission.

"The issue...is not why an all-powerful God might choose to subject a man to evil, 

but how a man, with God’s help, responds to evil...

The Burnhams, under torturous conditions, befriended their guards, 

comforted their fellow hostages and kept their faith in a God 

who seemed to have abandoned them." USA TODAY

I like the book. I learned how hard it is to be kidnapped.To be taken away from your love ones with no life assurance the following day.I always hear news about the  Abbu Sayyaf group on TV but I've learned more about them after reading Gracia's book. The book describes each person who's involved in the story.The hostages and the Filipino terrorist who were engaged in the islamic movement are identified.So you get to know them before reading the entire story.

If you're down at the moment, reading the book will definitely encourage you to get your hope back. With the couple's experiences in the jungle in the hands of their abductors, you'll realize that despite difficulties the couple remained strong.There's a part of the book when Gracia started asking God about their situation. She felt like God abandoned them in Philippine jungle.She almost gave up her faith but Martin was there to remind her about God's way.

Wherever we go, we will be facing threats.Enemies are like thieves waiting for the perfect time to attack.Problems won't leave us. In the Presence of my Enemies is a great book that defines faith, courage and hope.Gracia believed that she can make it through the rain and was reunited when her children in the states.She has proved that God has a purpose for letting it happened.

Big thanks to my co-worker who shared the book with me.She happens to have the same name with me.We took in turns in reading it.