Nests Above the Abyss

by Isobel Kuhn

Nests Above the Abyss Kuhn, Isobel

Genres: China, Biography, Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, Female Authors, Asia

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1947

About the author

In Finnish:
Isobel Kuhn (1901-1957) teki elämäntyönsä pääosin Lisu-heimon parissa Kiinan ja Burman raja-alueilla sekä Thaimaan pohjoisosassa. AREENALLA on persoonallinen kuvaus haastavasta työstä ja Jumalan johdatuksesta vaikeuksien keskellä. Elävästi kirjoitettu ETSIMÄSSÄ kertoo lähetystyötä edeltävästä ajasta, kun kristityn kodin kasvatti sanoutui irti lapsuusajan opetuksista, ryhtyi agnostikoksi ja yritti täyttää elämänsä tanssimisella, teatterilla ja seurustelulla. Sisäisen tyhjyyden kokeminen sai Isobelin kysymään Jumalan olemassaoloa ja etsimään todellista suhdetta Häneen. Jumala osoitti itsensä todeksi ja johti Isobelin "sumuisilta tasangoilta" siunatuille vuoripoluille - hän sai evankelistan kutsumuksen, kävi Moodyn perustaman raamattukoulun, ja lopulta - sille areenalle, missä hän sai olla todistamassa Jumalan tekoja Lisu-kansan parissa.

Reviews

[Eric Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of Kuhn's books, when I finish it, I sit back and ponder the inspiring stories I have read. They are thrilling. To one who has never been touched by the Gospel, the sense of thrill I experience will be puzzling and they might even think the writing to be plodding. And yet, I wonder how anyone could read this and not be touched.

This volume describes her and her husband, John's work among steep mountain villages of Lisuland. Special emphasis is given to describing the transformation of individuals from this and another tribe. The work takes place in the 30's and early 40's. We gain insights into their lives among the Lisu, the terrible background of the Lisu when they were steeped in paganism and superstition, the and love of the Kuhns and others for these people.

An inspiring book. Would that we had more young people who would hear the call of the Master for labourers.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history of brave missionaries

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than being a memoir of a missionary, Nests Above the Abyss is a book recounting the lives of several Lisu converts that Isobel Kuhn was able to meet. This book provides a nice contrast to the normal missionary book, in that you see more of what it actually means for Christianity to really become grounded in a new context. The stories are very good, and the book is very well written. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this out of interest in the Lisu people of Yunnan where the author conducted her missionary work. But, it also turned out to be an unexpectedly touching read. As a rule I don't promote missionary work with remote groups who have their own distinctive culture and religion. But,I found the sincerity of the author's faith is moving in spite of myself.

[Kelsey Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of the year! The chapter on the "Unseen Missionary" was used to revitalize my prayer life. This book takes a little discipline to read, but I know it will encourage you!

[Lynnda Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right up front let me tell you that I have never read any book by Isobel Kuhn that I didn't love. This one is no exception. Her stories are vivid and touching portrayals of Lisu tribespeople as they struggle against nature, ignorance, demons, and their own culture to live Christian lives in the mid-20th century. The nests in the title are the tiny shacks built against the high mountain sides. They had so little room to build that one side of the house usually opened onto thin air, with drops of thousands of feet below to reach ground.

Isobel Kuhn's writing style is engaging and realistic while also sympathetic to the lifestyles of the Lisu tribespeople.

If you want a window into an engaging, yet horrifying world, Isabel Kuhn can take you there.

[Rachel L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book--great spiritual lessons and testimonies among endearing portraits of the Lisu Christians. Isobel Kuhn loved these people and it comes through in her sympathetic and occasionally humorous writing.

[Dan Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving portraits that display how the love of Christ brings beauty through sorrow and freedom from dark oppression.

This book will broaden your appreciation for our Lord, reaching His lost children, and the challenging compassionate work of being a fisher of men and women.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great stories, hard to read from cover to cover quickly because each chapter is about different people. Although, Isobel Kuhn writes in beautiful metaphors. It has wonderful flavor, just like her other books.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another interesting book. I read this out of curiosity for that region of China. My brother in law is Isobel Kuhn's son.

[Lisa Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I'll read anything written by Isobel Kuhn. Not only are her stories fascinating and inspiring, but I admire her gift for writing and her honesty as well. This is one of her best!

[Loretta]

I mislaid this book years ago, so I was thrilled to discover it in a cupboard at my mum's house. Since it was written in 1947, and it's over 25 years since I read it, I wondered whether I would still enjoy it as much as I did the first time, but Mrs Kuhn's depiction of missionary life is still as heartwarming as I remembered.