Captured!

Title: In the Presence of My Enemies

Author: Gracia Burham

Rating: ****1/2

Review: I loved this book. I didn't want to read it when I first saw it, because I judged it by its cover. The back of the book describes the Burham's being captured on an anniversary vacation in the Philippines. My issue was: who vacations in the Philippines? Even if you are a missionary, its not exactly a vacation destination. I couldn't relate to people like that. Then my grandma gave me a copy of Gracia's second book, To Fly Again. I wanted to read that, but I felt I needed to read Presence first. I borrowed her copy and did just that.

Once I got passed the first chapter, I immediately felt the book was poorly marketed. Gracia's husband was called to a business trip in the Philippines, and since it was over their anniversary, Gracia decided to tag along so they could have a few minutes together. One morning, terrorists enter the grounds and capture several vacationers and employees.

Now, keep in mind, this is a Pre-9/11 world. People weren't so nervous about travelling. On the flip side, we see 9/11 through the eyes of Al-Quieda. Gracia and Martin are repeatedly threatened. People are shot, stabbed and beheaded. Gracia is the reason I read the whole book. She's honest about her anger, jealousy and hatred for her captors. She has no qualms about admitting Martin held firm, Martin was kind, Martin had faith, during the whole ordeal.

The reason I only gave this book 4 1/2 stars: 1) The poor marketing. I feel if it said "When called for business, the Burhams decided to celebrate their anniversary" it would've better suited the situation. 2) is so many chapters foreshadow Martin's death, and yet two sentaces sum it up. I didn't know what to expect, but I certainly hoped for more than that. I finished reading this two days after Pastor Fred Winter's was gunned down inside the First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois. I've lived most of my life a few miles away. It could've been my church. It could've been my dad. That puts a whole new spin on the final chapters. We as a people must understand Al-Quieda will not stop. The Muslim terrorists who want us to all turn to their faith want nothing less. Death or Commitment. Once we understand that, we can fight it. Until then, there is little hope for America. My strongest prayer is that Christ will return, and return soon. The terrorists will not stop. We are no longer safe anywhere.