Retirement for the Abernathys!
Because of security considerations, BIEM doesn’t typically publicize the actual names of staff who travel in our Central Asian ministries. However, in one case it’s now safe to use real names. David and Ann Abernathy (aka, “Cateam” for “Central Asia Team”) are now retiring. They will no longer be crossing borders, so we can openly thank them for 22 years of ministry with BIEM in the Muslim lands of Central Asia! In appreciation, our Board of Directors composed this statement about the Abernathys:
“In light of David Abernathy’s retirement, the Board of BIEM wishes to commend David and An Abernathy for the outstanding blessing they have been in their many years of service at BIEM. It has been an honor and joy to have the Abernathys serve with us at BIEM. With obvious, unfeigned love for the Lord Jesus Christ, David and An have broadened our areas of outreach to include predominantly Muslim lands where BIEM had not previously been active. In both hard times and easier times, David and An have exhibited joy in the Lord and provided a consistently positive example for the staff of BIEM, for our stateside supporters, and for those brothers and sisters overseas with whom David has coordinated evangelistic outreaches and numerous projects that have reached thousands for Christ. We appreciate the serious concern and dedication to the Great Commission while also appreciating the sense of humor and typical daily God-centered happiness at being active in God’s service this wonderful couple provides. Through their presence among us, BIEM has been a stronger organization and has accomplished much more than we could have done without him. In accepting their request for retirement, while we regretfully acknowledge an end of our official years of glad collaboration in God’s harvest fields, we readily affirm that our Christian friendship and appreciation for David and An continue as firmly as ever. We will be thankful for each and every future opportunity to fellowship with these special servants of our Lord.”