FROM THE GUEST EDITOR mabel ninan
embracing the diversity of heaven What would it be like to sign my name with a fancy pen on my first book contract? I’ve been dreaming of writing and publishing a book for years. I’ve spent hours revising book proposals and even more countless hours waiting for responses to my submissions. While the dream remains elusive, I’ve come to realize that publishing a book is not the end goal. I am an immigrant with a story to tell. Born in India, I moved to America more than a decade ago. As I struggled to fit in and longed for rootedness and belonging, God opened my eyes to the fact that I am a spiritual immigrant too, a foreigner on earth who does not belong in this world. I am a citizen of heaven, my identity inextricably linked to Christ and His church. My mission is to encourage believers to embrace their immigrant journey on earth and live out their calling with boldness and passion. Published books can serve as milestones on my writing path, but they do not imply a destination. The journey continues until I’m welcomed into heaven and hear my Father say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Till then, I must stay true to my calling and write the message God has entrusted to me. As Christian communicators, we are called to use every opportunity, pathway and forum to share our God-given story with the world. Rejections from publishers and publications might discourage us, but our message motivates us to press on. The pandemic compelled me to ramp up my efforts. Imbued with a sense of urgency, I wrote more articles. I also launched a YouTube channel — Immigrant Faith Stories — where I interview firstgeneration immigrants whose powerful testimonies bring to life truths about finding identity and belonging in Jesus. The stories of immigrants showcase God’s faithfulness to His children, regardless of their ethnic identities or their countries of residence. I’m amazed to see how God uses me, a flawed woman and an obscure writer, to give a voice to others. The chaos of 2020 revealed to us that God has appointed and positioned us at this significant moment in history to make an impact on an ailing world. So what if everything has suddenly gone online? Let’s use technology to bombard the world with our message. Let’s broadcast through every air and sound wave, through every social media platform, the steadfast love and saving grace of our Almighty God. Book contracts can wait.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
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