CBF missionary Kim Abernethy (University of North Carolina) recently published her first book entitled In This Place. Below is a recent interview with Kim.
What was your inspiration for writing this book?
My three daughters were the primary inspirations. Our oldest, Michelle, was 2 1/2 when we first went to Liberia. Stefanie, our second, was born in the middle of the jungle after we had only been in Liberia for ten months. Third daughter Lauren was born during the tumultuous time after our first evacuation from our ministry and home in Liberia. I wanted them to have a written account of their parents’ missionary journey in West Africa and beyond. It is one thing to be an MK and live life in your “home away from home,” but as they are all now young women, I wanted them to see God in a bigger way. To always have a reason to keep trusting Him no matter what. Another motivation for writing this book were young missionary couples (particularly the women) who may wonder what they can expect as they enter their field of service. Though the country and circumstances may be different, I want the book to be a cultural, spiritual, and practical guide to those who will come behind us. The third reason was for those that have always been interested in the intrinsic details of foreign missionary lives. I offer this candid missionary memoir as a means to open the door to seeing us as human, exposing struggles and sharing victories.
Share a specific lesson God taught you through the writing process.
I wrote the first couple of chapters almost six years ago. Between a busy college ministry and an active family, it was difficult for me to know how to find the time I needed to make the writing effective. I always tried to give myself a self imposed deadline, but being new at writing and knowing I was going to self publish did not help my need for discipline so lacking in the early formation of this book. Two years ago, after constantly reaming myself out for not getting serious and lamenting to my family that I needed to get this book done, they rallied around and helped me carve out more substantial amounts of time for serious writing. Discipline was the key word for me in the writing process. As I attempted to write, I realized just how undisciplined I was for a specific task. Throughout my ministry, I had always flitted from one thing to another. This took extraordinary effort to stay put, stay to task. God stretched me through this process.
What is your favorite section, chapter, or story?
Any of Gladys, the white hen, stories are some of my favorite and also are favorites of my readers. So much was learned from the life of this African hen and the raising of her chicks. I share one of those stories on my website.
Has having your book in print enabled you to share the gospel or encourage someone in any special way?
More than I could ever imagine! A friend of mine recently interviewed me and posted on her blog about some of the ways that my readers have been touched. You can read it here.
Do you have plans, ideas, or dreams for any future publications?
Yes, In Every Place, is already written, now in the editing phase. It is the continuation and completion of the story of our African ministry (1991 – 2002). After that? I have several ideas swirling in this random brain of mine! Stay tuned.
Who would be interested in reading your book?
Anyone who loves a good missionary story. Anyone heading towards a mission field. Anyone in a church that supports missionaries. Anyone who loves adventure and the intrinsic nuances of West Africa.
How can someone obtain a copy of In This Place?
It is in paperback or in ebook format
For more about Kim and her ministry at UNC, you can find her on the web or on her blog.