In the Presence of My Enemies

1. Sudden Abduction Plunges Missionaries into Terror

Instantly, we knew who we were dealing with: the dreaded Abu Sayyaf.

Anniversary trip interrupted. Martin and Gracia Burnham, American missionaries in the Philippines, were celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary at Dos Palmas Resort when armed men burst into their cabin at dawn. The attackers, quickly identified as the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, rounded up resort guests and staff, forcing them onto a speedboat. This marked the terrifying, unexpected beginning of their ordeal.

Immediate fear and uncertainty. Pulled from their beds and stripped of possessions, the hostages faced immediate fear and confusion. The Abu Sayyaf's shouts of "Allah akbar!" confirmed their identity and purpose. Gracia quickly hid her wedding ring, a small act of defiance and preservation in the face of overwhelming power.

First moments of compliance. Drawing on past training, Gracia initially focused on complying with orders to ensure immediate safety. However, the shock and fear were palpable among the hostages, who were crammed onto an overloaded boat, heading into the unknown across the Sulu Sea.

2. Captivity Reveals Harsh Realities and Deprivation

I woke up each day with nothing to accomplish—nothing at all, except to stay alive.

Basic needs unmet. Life in captivity meant constant deprivation of basic necessities. Food was scarce and often unappetizing (rice, cassava, dried fish, carabao hide), hygiene was nearly impossible (saltwater baths, no toilet paper), and sleep was fitful on hard ground or crowded boats/hammocks.

Constant movement and danger. The group was constantly on the move ("mobiling") to evade the Philippine military (AFP). This involved difficult hikes through jungles, rivers, and swamps, often with heavy loads. Firefights and artillery shelling were frequent, adding immense psychological stress.

Loss of identity and control. Stripped of their roles as missionaries and parents, Martin and Gracia were reduced to mere "war booty." They had no control over their circumstances, schedules, or even personal safety, leading to feelings of helplessness and degradation.

3. Spiritual Crisis Leads to Deeper Faith

It was as if God were saying to me, “If you’re going to believe that I died for you, why not believe that I love you?”

Faith tested by suffering. The prolonged, brutal captivity led Gracia to a crisis of faith, questioning God's love and presence. She struggled with anger and despair, feeling abandoned despite her prayers and belief in God's power. This period was marked by intense emotional turmoil and tears.

Martin's steady example. Martin's unwavering faith and calm demeanor served as a quiet strength. He encouraged Gracia to trust God's plan and reminded her of biblical truths, even when circumstances seemed hopeless. His consistent prayer life and gentle spirit were a powerful witness.

Finding God in the darkness. Through her struggle, Gracia realized that true faith meant trusting God's character and promises regardless of feelings or circumstances. This turning point allowed her to find peace and even joy amidst the suffering, relying on God's strength rather than her own.

4. Understanding the Complexities of the Captors

To them, a merciful person was a weak person.

Contradictory motivations. The Abu Sayyaf presented themselves as fighters for justice and a Muslim homeland, yet their actions often contradicted their stated ideals. They engaged in kidnapping for ransom, theft, and violence against civilians, including fellow Muslims. Their interpretation of Islam emphasized justice and retribution over mercy.

Internal dynamics and personalities. The group had various leaders (Janjalani, Musab, Sabaya, Solaiman) and members with distinct personalities. Some were harsh and cruel (Haija), others surprisingly polite (Bro), and some seemed conflicted or coerced (Hurayra, young recruits). Internal squabbles over money and leadership were common.

Propaganda and worldview. The captors actively tried to justify their actions and convert hostages to Islam, presenting it as a superior way of life. They viewed Western culture as corrupt and saw their struggle as part of a global jihad, though their understanding of Islamic texts and global politics was often simplistic or distorted.

5. The Power of Prayer and Connection

We needed every single prayer you prayed for us during our ordeal in the jungle.

Sustained by prayer. Martin and Gracia were deeply aware of and comforted by the prayers of family, friends, and strangers around the world. This spiritual support was a vital source of strength and hope throughout their captivity, helping them endure unimaginable hardship.

Communication lifelines. Despite the isolation, occasional contact with the outside world through satellite phones, radio interviews, and letters/packages provided crucial emotional boosts. Hearing their children's voices on the radio or receiving letters with pictures reminded them of what they were fighting for.

Outside efforts and negotiations. Family, mission colleagues, and government officials worked tirelessly for their release, though often facing frustrating obstacles and conflicting strategies. Rumors of ransom payments and negotiations, though frequently false or stalled, kept a flicker of hope alive.

6. Resilience and Adaptation Become Daily Necessities

You can do this, Gracia. You’ve got to go home whole.

Adapting to harsh conditions. Survival required rapid adaptation to primitive living. This included learning to:

• Eat whatever food was available, regardless of taste or origin.
• Manage hygiene with limited resources.
• Endure constant physical discomfort and exhaustion.
• Navigate dangerous terrain and evade military forces.

Mental and emotional fortitude. Maintaining mental resilience was crucial. This involved:

• Controlling fear and panic during battles.
• Finding small moments of joy or humor.
• Setting small, achievable goals (like making it to the next rest stop).
• Using mental exercises (singing, planning future activities) to cope with boredom and despair.

Mutual support. Martin and Gracia relied heavily on each other for emotional and spiritual support. They prayed together, encouraged one another, and shared the burden of their suffering. Support from other hostages, particularly the Filipino women, also helped create a sense of shared experience and solidarity.

7. The Tragic Climax and Survival

Martin is dead. All the kids are going to have left is what he’s written to them in the green bag.

Final, fatal encounter. After over a year in captivity, the group was located by the AFP. A sudden, intense firefight erupted during a rain shower. Despite their efforts to evade capture, Martin, Gracia, and fellow hostage Ediborah Yap were caught in the crossfire.

Loss and rescue. Martin was shot and killed instantly, and Ediborah also died. Gracia was wounded in the leg but survived. She was quickly rescued by the AFP soldiers, airlifted out, and taken to a military hospital, marking the abrupt end of her captivity but the beginning of profound grief.

Martin's final legacy. In the immediate aftermath, Gracia's priority was ensuring Martin's body was recovered and that his personal effects, especially letters written to their children, were preserved. These writings became a precious link to their father for the kids.

8. Returning Home and Reconnecting

Oh, thank you, God! We’re back together!

Whirlwind return. After medical treatment and debriefing in the Philippines, Gracia was flown back to the United States. Her arrival was met with intense media attention and an outpouring of community support in Rose Hill, Kansas.

Emotional reunion. The reunion with her children and extended family was a moment of immense joy mixed with the deep sorrow of Martin's absence. Reconnecting with her kids, who had also endured a year of uncertainty and fear, became her immediate focus.

Beginning to rebuild. Facing life as a widow and single mother, Gracia began the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. This involved navigating grief, adjusting to life outside captivity, and making decisions about their future, prioritizing her children's well-being.

9. Reflecting on Loss, Faith, and Forgiveness

Martin was rescued from the jungle on angels’ wings.

Grappling with "Why?". Gracia reflects deeply on the question of why their prayers for safe release were not fully answered and why Martin had to die. She grapples with theological concepts like God's sovereignty, human free will, and the nature of suffering, finding comfort in the mystery of God's plan.

Forgiveness and bitterness. The experience forced Gracia to confront her own capacity for hatred and bitterness towards her captors. She recognizes the internal struggle between her desire for justice and the Christian call to love and forgive enemies, acknowledging her own imperfections.

Enduring faith and purpose. Despite the trauma and loss, Gracia's faith is ultimately strengthened. She finds purpose in sharing her story, honoring Martin's legacy, and living out the lessons learned in captivity: relying on God's strength, finding joy in simple things, and trusting in God's love and faithfulness.

Last updated: May 31, 2025