What do missionaries go through? We can listen to their stories and look at their presentations, but they only give us a small glimpse into the trials they face. We often see only the good things that they feel we would like to hear. The rest of their lives are tucked into their hears, or a journal somewhere.
The book In The Presence Of My Enemies tells about a missionary couple's journey to the mission field. You'll hear, firsthand, from Gracia Burnham, missionary wife to the Philippines about their calling, preparation, and time on the field. You'll see into the trials and heartaches they endure. The joys they feel, and the blessings they receive. You'll get to hear about the day to day details of "third world" counrty living.
If you are like me, these things will be new to you. You would never have imagined some of the cultural differences that these missionaries face.
But, the most amazing part of this book is the time that God allowed them to be captives to the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group in the Philippines. For around a year of their life, you get to read a nightmare most people would never imagine- sleeping in the jungle, barely eating enough to survive, running from soldiers and enduring gun battles, waiting to be rescued and watching all hope disappear.
God's grace will become real to you as you see Him protect this family while they try to live for Him in the presence of their enemies. It should make you pray harder for those out there serving the Lord in dangerous, lonely places around the world!
Note: This book does not always use the King James Version.
