Far from Home with Mabel Ninan

The Bible is replete with stories of men and women who were immigrants, like Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and Esther, to name a few. Their experience of living in foreign cultures and lands not only intersected with their personal spiritual formation but also played an important role in the meta narrative of the Bible. One of the goals of this podcast is to highlight biblical immigrant characters so that we recognize how migration intersects with Scripture and draw important truths from their stories not only to strengthen our faith but also to adopt a right perspective on migration and migrants. In this episode I explore the story of Ruth with author and speaker, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, whose latest Bible study is titled, Redeemer: God’s Lovingkindness in the Book of Ruth . Ruth, a Moabite widow, became an immigrant when she moved with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem. She’s an important biblical character not only because she’s included in the genealogy of Jesus but because her story points to God’s power and purpose through redemption. Takeaways Both Ruth and Naomi were widows familiar with grief and loss. God redeemed their lives, turning their pain into joy. He can do the same for anyone who’s mourning the loss of someone or something significant. Boaz, the son of Rahab who was also a foreigner, showed extraordinary kindness and generosity toward Ruth. He acted as her kinsman-redeemer, pointing us to Jesus who came to restore and redeem us by sacrificing Himself on the cross. God’s providence is one of the key themes in the book of Ruth. In our lives too, God orchestrates circumstances and appointments in order to accomplish His plan for our lives. Join our online community to share your thoughts on this episode. Links Learn more about Dorina. Buy the Bible study, Redeemer: God’s Lovingkindness in the Book of Ruth . Connect with Mabel on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Instagram Check out Mabel’s book, Far from Home Watch & Subscribe on YouTube https://youtu.be/xWDanInbnqQ Subscribe to Mabel’s Emails

Author and entrepreneur Eloise Benoit was born in Haiti and moved to the U.S. after a catastrophic 7.0 earthquake struck her country in 2010. The disaster was traumatic not only for her but also for everyone in Haiti. Eloise shares some details of her life before and after the tragedy. She talks about the challenges and joys of integrating into the American culture as a teenager and the people who welcomed and helped her as she tried to fit in. She and I also discuss the importance of faith in helping her endure wilderness seasons in her life and the inspiration behind her book, Unwired , and her organization, Made for More Legacy . Takeaways Natural disasters and other extreme climate events are major factors that lead to displacement and migration. Poorer countries do not have the resources both to prepare for disasters and to respond to them, leading to widespread devastation of basic infrastructure and a staggering death toll. Looking back at God’s faithfulness in our lives strengthens our faith in him and helps us press on during times of suffering. God has a purpose for every season in our lives. We have to trust that He’s working all things for good that will bring Him glory and mature our faith. Godly entrepreneurs are driven by a strong sense of purpose that aligns with their unique identity and God-given strengths. Join our online community to share your thoughts on this episode. Links Learn more about Eloise Benoit Buy Benoit’s book, Unwired . Connect with Mabel on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Instagram Check out Mabel’s book, Far from Home Watch & Subscribe on YouTube https://youtu.be/MmMvSlI98Bg Subscribe to Mabel’s Emails

Jenn Suen Chen is a spiritual director, speaker, and leader in the area of spiritual formation and cross-cultural ministry. In this episode we discuss her latest book, Dim Sum & Faith: How Our Stories Form Our Souls . As an Asian American and a child of immigrants, Jenn’s unique perspective on storytelling and spiritual formation is powerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring. She and I talk about her upbringing in an immigrant household, how navigating two cultures can be both a joy and blessing, how to cope with spiritual dryness, and the role of hospitality in storytelling, among other topics. Takeaways Our value has been assigned to us by God who created us in His image. This powerful truth transforms how we see ourselves and others and how we receive and give love. Many immigrants or Third Culture Kids live between two or more cultures. Being grounded in our biblical identity can make us confident and empathetic as they navigate cultures. Sharing stories helps build empathy, process our spiritual formation journey, and bridge cultural gaps. Hospitality can lay the grounds for a safe space where people can share stories. Join our online community to share your thoughts on this episode. Links Learn more about Jenn Suen Chen Buy Jenn’s book, Dim Sum & Faith: How Our Stories Form Our Souls Connect with Mabel on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Instagram Check out Mabel’s book, Far from Home Watch & Subscribe on YouTube https://youtu.be/c4yaQ31hZPg Subscribe to Mabel’s Emails

Our guest, Jenny Miedema, is the founder and director of Remember Ministries, a Canadian charity focused on encouraging and equipping churches to sponsor and welcome refugees to Canada. The name of the organization was inspired by this passage from Scripture: “ Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering .” Hebrews 13:1-3. Jenny felt called to help those who are suffering persecution around the world by sponsoring them as refugees to Canada. She works with churches to welcome and resettle refugees. To her, it’s a practical and powerful way of living out the gospel. Jenny and I talk about the important role of churches in helping refugees settle into a new country and feel welcome and accepted. Takeaways Christians must care about all refugees in distress. Jesus’ magnanimous and unconditional love toward us can motivate us to show love and kindness to strangers in need, especially refugees. We can learn important lessons from refugees whose unwavering faith in God helps them endure persecution with patience and joy. The global church displays Christ’s love when they strive to help their brothers and sisters across the world who are facing intense persecution. Join our online community to share your thoughts on this episode. Links Learn more about Remember Ministries Connect with Remember Ministries on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Instagram Check out Mabel’s book, Far from Home Watch & Subscribe on YouTube https://youtu.be/rho-NY_VO4U Subscribe to Mabel’s Emails

Our guest is author Pirkko Rytkonen who emigrated from Finland to Canada when she was a little girl. Raised in a Christian home, her immigrant experience intersected not only with her faith journey but also her unique love story. Her memoir, Between Us: True Story of Longing for Love and Letters , published in 2023, centers around her romantic relationship with her then-boyfriend, Antti, who is her husband. This episode is part two of Pirkko’s story. You can listen to the first half of her story here . Takeaways Believers who’re in a romantic relationship, looking to get married, must take time to know each other while seeking God’s will for their relationship as well as their individual lives. Couples who are dating (and/or engaged) can develop the discipline of praying together to lay a good foundation for their relationship. We do not need a spouse to complete us. As believers, we are made whole in Christ. It’s wise to look for a partner who’s secure in his/her identity in Christ. Join our online community to share your thoughts on this episode. Links Check out Pirkko’s , Between Us: True Story of Longing for Love and Letters Learn more about Pirkko Rytkonen Connect with Pirkko Rytkonen on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Instagram Check out Mabel’s book, Far from Home Watch & Subscribe on YouTube https://youtu.be/w8DVJoSGcQE Subscribe to Mabel’s Emails

In this episode, I chat with author Pirkko Rytkonen who emigrated from Finland to Canada when she was a little girl. Raised in a Christian home, her immigrant experience intersected not only with her faith journey but also her unique love story. Her memoir, Between Us: True Story of Longing for Love and Letters , published in 2023, centers around her romantic relationship with her then-boyfriend, Antti, who is her husband. Pirkko and I chat about the Finnish community in Thunder Bay, Canada, living between two cultures, and her long-distance relationship when she was a young woman. This episode is part one of Pirkko’s story. Takeaways Moving from one place to another can test our faith. When Pirkko and her family moved from Finland to Canada, they faced many challenges, but their faith was strengthened as they depended on God for their needs. Our faith matures in community. As we grow in our faith, our desire to serve God also grows. Young people must be patient while seeking God for guidance in every area of their lives. He is faithful and will show them the way. Join our online community to share your thoughts on this episode. Links Check out Pirkko’s , Between Us: True Story of Longing for Love and Letters Learn more about Pirkko Rytkonen Connect with Pirkko Rytkonen on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Instagram Check out Mabel’s book, Far from Home Watch & Subscribe on YouTube https://youtu.be/FXpqVkZassE Subscribe to Mabel’s Emails

On today’s episode, I talk with author Marie Chan about her book, Mamie Takes a Stand: The True Story of Mamie Tape, a Chinese American Girl’s Fight for School Rights. The book highlights an important part of American history—segregation in American schools—and its impact on Asian Americans in particular. It tells the true story of a Chinese American girl who was denied admission in a California public school in the 1800’s simply because she was of Chinese descent. Marie and I explore themes such as justice, diversity, advocacy, empathy, and compassion, and how they are connected to our faith. Takeaways Our faith should inform our fight for justice. We can use our resources, power, and influence to stand up against any injustice we see around us. God created us all equal and beautiful in His image. As Christians, we can see others through God’s eyes and treat them with respect and fairness. Immigrants have contributed to the flourishing of American society in the past and are continuing to do so even today. Join our online community to share your thoughts on this episode. Links Check out Marie Chan’s award-winning book, Mamie Takes a Stand: The True Story of Mamie Tape, a Chinese American Girl’s Fight for School Rights . Learn more about Marie Chan Connect with Marie Chan on Instagram Connect with Mabel on Facebook Connect with Mabel on Instagram Check out Mabel’s book, Far from Home Watch & Subscribe on YouTube https://youtu.be/4Nx-RwYuStE Subscribe to Mabel’s Emails

On today’s episode I talk with Alexis Busetti and Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, about their latest Bible study, Migration: Experiencing God’s Care for Immigrants . This conversation is timely and relevant. It’s also perfect for launching a new season of the podcast because we dig into the basics of what Scripture says about God’s posture and our posture toward immigrants. We discuss the myths surrounding immigration and how migration is interwoven with the story of God and His people. Takeaways Scripture calls us to love foreigners and care for them. God works through the experiences of migrants who reply on Him, shaping their faith and transforming their character. God wants to cultivate the heart of a migrant within us. He wants us to make our home with Him rather than anchor our sense of home and belonging to earthly things. Join our online community to share your thoughts on this episode. Links Check out the Bible study, Migration: Experiencing God’s Care for Immigrants . Learn more about Alexis Busetti Learn more about Dorcas Cheng-Tozun Lear more about IVP Watch & Subscribe on YouTube https://youtu.be/vIekusBLTZ8 Subscribe to Mabel’s Emails

Sometimes, hitting pause is the most powerful move you can make — and that’s exactly what I needed to do. I stepped back to focus on my mental and spiritual health. So now, I’m returning with clearer vision, stronger purpose, and fresh content I can’t wait to share with you. The podcast is officially relaunching on Tuesday, September 9th. Thank you for sticking with me. I’m grateful to continue this journey with you. My goal remains the same, which is to encourage you to think biblically about immigration and migrants and inspire you to put your faith in action by being kind toward immigrants. Please help me spread the word about the relaunch by sharing the podcast with at least one friend. And, if you’ve not yet done it, please subscribe to the show on your favorite audio platform or on YouTube so that you don’t miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on YouTube Thank you, again, for your support. I’m grateful to God for each of you.

Our guest is Prasanta Verma, an Indian American, who’s debut book titled, Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging (IVP Press) , launched on April 16th, 2024 . This is the second half of my conversation with Prasanta. (You can listen to part 1 here .) In this episode we dive deeper into Prasanta’s book, examining the impact of assimilation and integration on immigrant identities and communities. Prasanta discusses the role of her personal faith journey in shaping her identity and helping her navigate life as an ethnic minority. We touch upon strategies mentioned in the book to cope with ethnic loneliness, including the significance of sharing stories and the importance of churches as welcoming and safe spaces. Prasanta also shares insights on parenting advice for first-generation immigrants raising children in a different culture. Takeaways Ethnic minorities can feel alone, devalued, or unimportant. But the Bible reminds us that God sees, knows, and loves us. A personal relationship with God meets our needs for belonging and a secure identity. Prasanta’s unique faith journey highlights God’s sovereign work and providence in our lives. He uses circumstances and people to draw us closer to Himself. Representation in literature matters to ethnic minorities. Reading and sharing stories that are similar to ours can bring us great comfort and encouragement. Giveaway Win a signed copy of Prasanta Verma’s debut book, Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging . Giveaway ends at 11.45 pm Pacific Time on April 24th, 2024. Winners will be announced at 9am Pacific Time on April 25th, 2024. I want to enter the giveaway! Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/fbm_qico_tI About Prasanta Prasanta Verma (MBA, MPH) was born under an Asian sun, raised in the Appalachian foothills in the South, and now resides in the Upper Midwest. Her essays and poetry have been published in Sojourners, Propel Women, (in)courage, Inheritance Magazine, the Indianapolis Review, Barren Magazine, and the Mudroom blog. She served as a speech and debate coach for over ten years. When she’s not writing, speaking, or working, she’s drinking chai, walking, or reading. Prasanta lives with her family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Learn more about Prasanta by clicking here . Follow Prasanta on Instagram (@PrasantaVerma)and Twitter (@VermaPrasanta). Check out Prasanta’s book, Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging here . About Mabel Mabel is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. An immigrant from India who has lived in seven cities across the U.S. in fourteen years, Mabel navigates between cultures, feeling at home everywhere and nowhere. In her award-winning book, Far from Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth , Mabel draws from her personal experience as an immigrant and examines the lives of biblical heroes to shed light on how we can find purpose and joy as sojourners on earth. Learn more Mabel here . Buy Mabel’s book, Far from Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth , on Amazon . Buy Mabel’s book from End Game Press . FREE Resource Download the tip sheet, Love Your Immigrant Neighbor : 5 Action Steps , here . Leave a Comment Do you enjoy listening to the podcast? Did this episode encourage you in a specific way? Did you learn something new? I’d love to hear from you. If you want to share your comments or opinions, please click here to leave a voice message. I will reply within 48 hours. Community Join our private Facebook group to share your thoughts and insights about the podcast episodes. Join the Facebook Group