resaspieces's review against another edition
5.0
Gripping. Heart-wrenching. Raw. Real. Give yourself time as you won't want to put this one down.
donnakaye64's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting book. It does drag a bit but, overall it kept my attention.
reneesuz's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing story of the kidnapping of missionaries in the Philippines; an even more amazing story of forgiveness
bcbartuska's review against another edition
5.0
What an incredible (and gripping!) story. I could hardly put this down and was impressed with the descriptive storytelling. I was brought to tears more than once as I imagined what it must have been like to endure all that they did.
I think what I will most take away from this read is the simple beauty of how Gracia honored Martin in her storytelling. She was brutally honest about her own struggles with faith and mental stability, but always managed to praise Martin for his steadfastness.
Of course, through it all, they both chose to believe God’s promises in Christ that they had based their lives on. She writes about their faith in such simple terms, but it is the simplicity that makes it beautiful and highlights God’s central role in carrying them through.
Highly recommend this story!!
I think what I will most take away from this read is the simple beauty of how Gracia honored Martin in her storytelling. She was brutally honest about her own struggles with faith and mental stability, but always managed to praise Martin for his steadfastness.
Of course, through it all, they both chose to believe God’s promises in Christ that they had based their lives on. She writes about their faith in such simple terms, but it is the simplicity that makes it beautiful and highlights God’s central role in carrying them through.
Highly recommend this story!!
iamnotamerryman's review against another edition
3.0
Another kindle freebie. Interesting read but dragged quite a bit at times. I can't imagine going through what these people did!
papuakacie's review against another edition
3.0
The story of the Burnham's year-long captivity with Muslim terrorists in the Philippines is compelling. The book is the situation through Gracia's words and memory, so it is not made as dynamic as such a strong story could be if it were told by a master story-teller. It is, however, honest.
bmwpalmer's review against another edition
5.0
http://myadventuresintucson.blogspot.com/2007/12/book-review-in-presence-of-my-enemies.html
sarahjoko's review against another edition
5.0
This was a tough one for me to listen (audiobook) to. Maybe because as the story unfolds I already knew what would happen. That said— I read it for spiritual growth not fun. From that viewpoint, here are some things I appreciated about the book:
Understanding Islamic culture and jihad better.
The picture of Martin and Gracia’s marriage. I was so inspired by the way the Lord encouraged them via each other. And by Martin’s indomitable faith and courage.
The testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness in daily needs.
The importance of knowing the Word and having it hidden in our hearts.
Understanding Islamic culture and jihad better.
The picture of Martin and Gracia’s marriage. I was so inspired by the way the Lord encouraged them via each other. And by Martin’s indomitable faith and courage.
The testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness in daily needs.
The importance of knowing the Word and having it hidden in our hearts.