Publish His glorious deeds among nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. ~Psalms 96:3
An Interview with Kevin Zimmerman
After
the long, arduous process of writing, editing, publishing and promoting a book,
many authors are stats stalkers when it comes to monitoring the sales of their
books. They want confirmation that their hard work paid off, and rightfully so.
That is why Kevin Zimmerman stands out. Although not the author of the book
that tells his story, A Time For Everything, he does have an invested
interest in how well it does. But his interest is not tied to royalty checks or
popularity.
He wants the book to sell, don’t get me wrong. But not for reasons you may envision. “I am an advocate of giving back. A portion of the proceeds I get from the book are donated to support our deployed soldiers, their families and our disabled American veterans. This past December, it seemed miraculous how a royalty check arrived 3 days prior to my departure for the holidays, permitting me the opportunity to arrange a donation to an organization called Operation Homefront here in San Antonio, TX. They were so grateful as they are gifted at taking any amount and making a major impact with it, especially right before Christmas.” As if that feel good was not enough, he was thrilled when another opportunity was presented. “Just last week my fiance' Mary Ann and I were selected to volunteer on the television series Extreme Makeover, Home Edition where we helped to build a home for a local service member and his family. His vehicle hit a land mind while he served in Afghanistan and their home wasn’t adequate for his health conditions. To help build that home, and then see the families faces after we yelled "Move That Bus" was one of the most gratifying feelings I have ever felt in my lifetime.” Zimmerman’s life has been overshadowed by miracles and opportunities, making him the perfect candidate to give back. Being impacted by not one, but two miracles while serving in the Army, gives him a unique perspective. Author Michael White believes Zimmerman’s life story speaks of his integrity and offers insight as to what makes this man a true leader, and it’s not just the miracles that make him stand out. Zimmerman is humble in spite of the clear presence of God in his life, and after reading our interview, you will understand why I believe White nails it when he writes “Through it all (the writing of the book) Kevin remained steadfast and patient with his conviction that God had chosen me to be the writer and that it would be completed in God’s Own good time. Looking back now, however, there is no mistaking God's touch upon Kevin, me, and the whole writing process. The finished product bears true witness and evidence that God was indeed involved every step of the way.” MN-In what ways do military service and Christian service parallel? KZ-I would have to say that both Christian service and military service require making sacrifices for the betterment of mankind. MN-You were taught the lesson of racial equality and that God is no respecter of persons early in your life. A big step would be to see a worldwide attempt for all races to embrace this initiative. In the meantime, what are small steps individuals can take in achieving a racially balanced view? KZ-I would encourage to be open-minded and to make an attempt to learn about the history of other races and cultures. God’s word tells us to “Fear Not” often. Racial inequality is often heighted by the fear of a race of people that one knows little to nothing about. If we trust God’s word, then we trust God. With that said, we would eventually come to understand that all races were created by Him, therefore we have nothing to fear. MN-Bible studies are a central part of your spiritual journey. What is the difference in reading the Bible and studying the Bible. KZ-I would have to say that “reading” the bible is for short term memory use. It provides the spiritual nourishment to get us through the moment or the day.“Studying” on the other hand requires paying the necessary attention to detail. This allows us, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to develop an understanding of what is being read and how it applies to the life that lies before us. MN-After walking away from an abusive work situation, you admitted that you understood why young men turn to a life of crime. What advice to you have for readers who may have hit rock bottom and are entertaining that possibility? KZ-In this situation we are dealing with more than one issue. My recommendation would be that you pray first and seek God’s guidance. I am not an advocate of anyone accepting abuse under any circumstance. If it’s a matter of employment, I encourage that you first exercise the process regarding abuse in the workplace (if that is an option). After doing so, if you still do not get any resolution, exercise your faith and know that other opportunities await you. If you should ever hit rock bottom, it is understood that you can experience a tremendous amount of pressure. Just remember that nothing good can ever come from doing anything illegal. MN-When I read the words your drill sergeant said to you, “Because of your actions, you’re already standing in the right place”, I couldn’t help but wonder if God ever brings those words back to your remembrance periodically to encourage you? KZ-The truth is, I often do not feel that I belong in places where God has elevates me to. It is not that I feel inadequate, as I totally believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, but I know that I have been tremendously blessed to experience certain positions and encounters because of His favor. What is encouraging is knowing that as He elevates me, He has always equipped me with the knowledge and the resources to do what is required. MN-Leadership opportunities are attracted to you like magnet to steel. Do you think thisis God’s favor on your life, or just reward for living a life of excellence? KZ-Definitely not the later (Big Smile). I, like every other believer of the gospel am an ordinary person who lives an ordinary life. I can’t explain God’s favor on my life; I just recognize that it’s there. MN- White writes, “In truth, however, Kevin was more concerned with his actual example of Christian living before his children than with his teaching them what to believe.” Parents need to hear this. Their example speaks louder than any theological argument, but that places a burden of responsibility to be authentic, and some don’t want that. How can we inspire each other to live up to a standard worthy of emulation? KZ-This is one time I wish my father could answer this question. I believe he would say, by being the best person that you can be. My father, though flawed like all of us, was a great man. He worked hard and took ownership of whatever he was responsible for. I never once heard him tell a lie, even if it meant taking the easy way out. Although he has passed in 2001, I still remember him often saying he would do things because he believed it was the right thing to do. He also would often quote “People do what they believe.” MN-Your experience many years ago with church discrimination is something you still deal with. Many can relate to this as they have felt a sting or two by well-meaning church members. How can believers overcome that hurt so that their bitterness does not interfere with their relationship with God? KZ-I would have to say that people are responsible for their own actions. We cannot afford to allow their imperfections cloud our view of what God has done in our lives. I feel this is where it is very important to study the bible. It will definitely help us distinguishing what is God like and what is not. MN-You believe strongly that each individual needs to be accountable for their actions. How can parents teach their children to be accountable in a generation drowning in the idea of entitlement? KZ-I don’t feel I am qualified to answer this question, but I would consider encouraging parents to not worry about running their homes like the rest of the world. I believe if parents live accountable lives before their children, the children will eventually come understand that no one is automatically entitled to anything. They will come to know that they are to be accountable themselves for all of their own actions once they reach an accountable age. MN-You were awfully close to an incoming explosion during Operation Desert Storm. Do you suffer from post traumatic syndrome related to your service during the war? KZ-Unfortunately, I must say I possibly may have. Although it’s not extreme, I haven’t sleep very well since my deployments. I am currently about to undergo getting the situation evaluated. MN-When you were assigned to Germany in 1992, you admitted that it became a source of contention since it separated the family. Do you have any words of encouragement for military families experiencing separation right now? KZ-This is easier said than done sometimes but I would encourage that you for first trust that God will get you through it. Try to be understanding of the situation and why the separation was created. You don’t have to like the situation, just try and understand what created it. Last but not least, try not to view your family member or loved one as someone who does not love, care or respect you because of the decision that may create a separation. MN-You survived walking among mine infested areas twice. Besides the obvious miracle, do you see any spiritual symbolism associated to these events? KZ-I can only say the situation symbolizes that God is very real. There is no logical answer to what happen. My successful navigation on two separate occasions cannot be credited to my personal ability or any man made intervention. In my opinion, it symbolizes that He does exist and he still works miracles like He did in biblical times. Order a copy of A Time For Everything | Michael White
When Kevin Zimmerman approached author Michael White regarding the writing of his life story to date, White had his doubts. “Especially when one hurdle after another sprang up.” Looking back now, he admits, “The finished product bears true witness and evidence that God was indeed involved every step of the way.”
Both share several likeminded objectives, ministry and military service being two such commonalities, making the team of Zimmerman and White an impeccable match. While Zimmerman relates a spellbinding tale of God’s miraculous provision through the years, White knows the exact wording to use that will punctuate the story and insure it is a memorable one. The fact that both men approach this project with a sense of undeserved humility proves that God did create a marriage of storytelling perfection in which the reader is the true recipient. When I consulted White regarding his participation in this project, I learned that not only was he the author, but a successful businessman as well. To present the all encompassing impact of White’s ministry, I will be sharing his story within a two-part interview. This month, we will focus on his role as writer for A Time For Everything. Next month, we will learn more about White as founder and editor of Parson Place Press, Chaplain for the Alabama Army National Guard, and preacher of the gospel for nearly 34 years. With so many titles to his name, one has to wonder why he would second guess writing this book. But then again, these are authentic men, living out the reality of their Christian walk as God directs them, seemingly oblivious to their impact. MN-The similarities between yours and Kevin’s military career is nothing short of supernatural-or as you put it, a God thing. Was there a sense of brotherhood, both as it relates to your military service and spiritual common ground, during the writing of the book? MW-Yes, we both struck up a good friendship from the start. Our deep personal faith in Christ has bonded us even more strongly. We now regard each other with great respect and brotherly fondness. MN-You arranged the book according to Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes-a time for every purpose. What made you decide on using this format to present Zimmerman’s story? MW-I believe God inspired me with that revelation. I was pondering how to organize the story when that idea came to my mind. MN-Because the subject matter spans several key social issues from racial equality to overcoming rejection and hitting bottom, to outright miracles, did you encounter any spiritual warfare while writing? MW-Come to think of it, the longer than expected time it took me to complete the writing project would definitely qualify as demonic distraction. I hadn’t actually considered that possibility too thoughtfully until you brought it up just now. Yes, I certainly believe Satan used a number of delaying tactics to postpone the publication of the book. Nevertheless, I was determined to finish what I’d promised, and I did a lot of praying for God to help me do it right. I’ll let the readers attest to whether they believe God had a hand in the finished product. MN-As a minister and chaplain for three decades now, how remarkable was hearing Zimmerman’s double miracle and being chosen to author it? MW-How Kevin contacted me in the first place is another “God thing.” He sent an invitation out via the Private Messenger on FaithWriters.com for interested writers. I was one of many who responded. Kevin has told me that my military experience and writing experience convinced him I was the one who should write his story. MN-What is it like to sit in the same room as Zimmerman? He seems to be an individual that, through confidence in his relationship with God, would exude a commanding presence. MW-Amazingly, we have yet to meet face-to-face. We accomplished everything via emails and phone calls. However, God may be about to arrange an unexpected opportunity to finally meet in person. Kevin has a business engagement in a neighboring town to where I live. However, I have been summoned for a jury pool at the same time. We are asking God to set that civic duty aside for us to meet on one of the days he will be nearby. We’ll have to wait and see what God does,but we won’t have to wait long, because the decision must be made tomorrow! MN-On the back cover it states, “Your moment of truth begins now.” What does that mean? MW-Surprisingly, many Christians believe miracles stopped happening with the death of the last of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Their faith will be challenged to consider that perhaps God is still a miracle-working God today, and if God has worked a miracle in Kevin’s life, He can work one in anyone’s life. After all, it was that question of whether God still works miracles today that prompted Kevin to seek and hire a writer of his personal story in the first place. MN-Tell the readers something about Zimmerman that you would like them to know but were unable to portray in the book. MW-Something I’ve gotten to know about Kevin since we published his story is that he is a man of great and solid faith. He is a very positive, generous, and optimistic man of God. He is an example of faith we can admire and seek to emulate. MN-What is the core objective you want readers to grasp by the time they finish reading A Time For Everything? MW-I hope Kevin and I have successfully and completely answered with a resounding “YES!” the question of whether God still works miracles for His people today. Both Kevin and I want to give God’s people an infusion of hope that God hears our prayers and still works miracles on behalf of His people today. Interview update from Michael White-We have just released a second edition of A Time for Everything: The Kevin Zimmerman Story, updating what else has happened in Kevin’s life since we first published his story in 2008. It was released in January 2012, and is available for purchase at such popular book retailers as Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and BooksaMillion.com. ISBN: 978-0-9842163-6-9 Patrons can save 20% off by purchasing directly from the publisher. To learn more about author Michael White Email Michael Be sure to catch the second in my two part interview with White next month. ~Mary Nichelson Tree of Life
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