Tyndale to update Gracia Burnham memoir Print
Written by Staff   
Monday, 01 June 2009 01:00 AM America/New_York
Tyndale House Publishers will release an updated trade paper edition of missionary Gracia Burnham’s best-selling memoir, In the Presence of My Enemies, in early 2010. Originally published in 2003, the book became a New York Times best-seller and received a Gold Medallion Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

“Since we published the original hardcover edition, much has happened in the life of Gracia Burnham, including, most recently, special recognition from the United States government,” said Nancy Clausen, Tyndale’s marketing director, referring to Attorney General Eric Holder’s presentation to Burnham of a Special Courage Award, recounting her efforts to protect victims’ rights.

The April 24 award ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., was a prelude to the nation’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Burnham was among 10 individuals and programs recognized.

“What a great honor to receive the Special Courage Award from the Department of Justice,” said Burnham. “I don’t think of myself as either courageous or worthy of this award, but I do feel that it is a gift from God and a gentle reminder that—even after seven years—we are not forgotten.”

Tyndale’s new edition of Burnham’s memoir, written with Dean Merrill, will tell what has transpired in her family in the seven years since she and husband Martin were held hostage for a year. Also included will be the account of Gracia Burnham’s return to the Philippines in 2004 to testify against her captors.

The Burnhams were missionaries with New Tribes Mission in the Philippines and were kidnapped in 2001 by gunmen affiliated with the terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf Group. In June 2002, a firefight ensued when members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines found the group. Martin was killed, and Gracia was shot in the leg, but rescued.