Here is Gracia Burnham talking about her experience as a missionary who were kidnapped by Islamic extremist group in Philippines. She wrote her story in a book entitled, “In the Presence of My Enemies.” For me, one of the most impactful statement that she makes in her testimony was this:

“People sometimes ask me, What was the hardest thing about being held a hostage?’ The hardest thing for me was that I saw what I was really like… I came face to face with Gracia I didn’t want to see. I saw a me I didn’t even wanna believe existed…”

She was talking about how we as Christians don’t see how sinful we really are until we are faced with evil, struggling with pain and suffering, and frustrations with uncertainties of the future. The loving God sometimes leads us to these difficult circumstances and trials to do a spiritual surgery on us, so that we can rid ourselves of sin nature and allow Christ’s nature to grow in us.

The story of Martin and Gracia Burnham is a powerful story of faith and perseverance, and God’s enduring presence in the midst of terrible trials. In May 2001, Martin and Gracia, missionary aviators serving in the Philippines with New Tribes Mission (now Ethnos 360), were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf, an Islamic extremist group. For over a year, they were held captive, enduring grueling forced marches through the jungle, constant threats, malnutrition, and the emotional torment of not knowing if they would ever see their children again. Despite the terrible circumstances, their journals and later accounts reveal a remarkable commitment to their faith. They prayed, read Scriptures, encouraged each other, and even witnessed to their captors. On June 7, 2002, during a rescue attempt by the Philippine military, Martin was tragically killed, and Gracia was wounded but eventually freed. Gracia wrote her story in a book entitled, “In the Presence of My Enemies,” that highlight the amazing spiritual lessons learned.