Recently, author Mabel Ninan contacted me about her new book Far From Home. Mabel Ninan was born and raised in India and an immigrant in America shortly after marriage, Her topic sparked immediate interest. And I did not hesitate to “say yes” to her request. Once the manuscript arrived by electronic file, I poured a delicious latte and devoured the book.
(Image source: MABEL NINAN )
Mabel is the story behind many women in my community near Silicon Valley, California. She takes off the veil of mystery and shares her experience. Quiet, soft spoken, and respectful of her new surroundings, Mabel feels unnoticeable. She experiences insignificance and frustration with her new surroundings.
Yet in her native land, Mable is powerful, well-respected, connected, and highly educated. Because of her husband’s job transfer, she leaves her value and identity in her native society. Then she seeks purpose in a foreign country.
Uprooted into the busyness of America, her story explores immigration as a “trailing spouse.” Her initial isolation and her struggle to regain importance are deeply internal. She struggles to connect. Even at the local coffee shop, where she is awakened by the rudeness of barista on duty.
Looking for her identity in a new culture, Mabel opens her Bible to discover a true identity in Christ. Powerful skeins (loosely coiled threads or yarn) are woven into her testimony.
This is a must-read for merging of cultures into the Christian faith. How can we invite REVIVAL if we are not accepting the citizenship of ALL God’s people?
Mabel’s story invites me to examine my Mother-in-Law, an immigrant from the United Kingdom. In World War 2, she worked as a British decoder, New York runway model, and national security.
And my Great-Grandfather, an immigrant from Ireland who worked in the coal mines and later died of lung cancer.
Mabel’s story also reminds me of my neighbors next door, immigrants from Mexico and joyfully living as an uprooted family. Or my former boss, an app developer from the Ukraine who shares his Christian faith with a generous heart. Even my husband’s Silicon Valley IT department, where they celebrate all cultures and religions with weekly meal gatherings.
Instead of looking through the mini-blinds, shuttered windows, or over the rim of a Venti Latte… it’s time we take off American ambivalence and love our NEW neighbors.
Mable reached out to her Christian community with intentional vulnerability. She experienced the love and identity of Christ through Bible study groups, church attendance, and spiritual growth- Far From Home.
ENDORSEMENT FOR MABELS BOOK: Beautifully transparent, Mabel Ninan shares her personal insight from a unique experience of immigration. Yet the revelation of her modern history, is also a reflection of Biblical history when God moves. Inside the stories of uprooted people, we discover the heart of God. This book is a beautiful reminder of our citizenship in His kingdom. – Christine Abraham, Founder & Executive Director Bible Café™ Ministries LLC
ABOUT THE BOOK
Explore the intersection between culture, identity, and faith in this new release from an earthly immigrant who gained a spiritual perspective.
What is my purpose? Why do I exist? A sense of self and belonging are two questions many of us struggle to answer.
And what if you are a foreigner in another land?
How does one adjust to a new culture? Discover their place in a new society?
For Mabel Ninan, born and raised in India and an immigrant in America shortly after marriage, the search for those answers sent her on a journey that led to an unexpected and exciting discovery.
God revealed she was not only an earthly immigrant but also a spiritual one, created with a unique calling to impact His kingdom. Mabel’s renewed perspective imbued her with joy and hope, urging her to share the message with others.
Drawing from her personal experiences and by examining the lives of biblical heroes, Mabel sheds light on what it means to live as a citizen of Heaven on earth. Far from Home will inspire you to:
- Embrace your identity as a foreigner on earth.
- Make your home with God.
- Find community and common purpose with fellow sojourners.
Mabel’s story and book release: www.mabelninan.com
Publisher: Iron Stream (July 12, 2022)
Disclosure: I received an Advanced Manuscript of this book as a member of the Endorsement Team.
CHRISTINE ABRAHAM is a Writer Redeemed by Christ. Lifetime Bible Reader. Coffee Drinker. Beach Walker. Mother of Girls. Bible Teacher. Founder at Bible Café™ Ministries.
