THE MISSIONARY KIDS | A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation

What do we learn about white evangelicalism from those raised by its heroes? From historian Holly Berkley Fletcher, herself a missionary kid, comes this first-of-its-kind examination of how the experiences of missionary kids illuminate broader currents in American Christianity.

As sidekicks to their parents' and churches' ambitions, missionary kids (MKs) face questions many white Christians eventually ask: about God's calling, sacrifice, faith, privilege, racism, abuse, and what belonging means. In The Missionary Kids, Fletcher reveals how MKs have intimate access to the movement's logic, longings, and ideals.

With penetrating research, sly wit, and an empathic gaze, Fletcher lays bare complicated emotions and troublesome truths. She investigates how calling, multiculturalism, saints, and indispensability can distract white American Christians from their own tradition's sins and failures. Drawing on her experience as a Southern Baptist MK in Kenya, on conversations with other missionary kids, and on the work of psychologists, historians, missiologists, and researchers, Fletcher paints an intricate portrait of family life on the front lines of the missionary movement. From boarding school to war zones, and from sexual assault by adult missionaries to fending for themselves so as not to distract from the work of the Lord, MKs bear the weight of their parents' choices and their churches' ideals. Fletcher delves into the "missionary industrial complex" that shapes the lives of missionary families, listening to MKs speak of the vexing, wordless longing for the places they've lived.

Holly Berkley Fletcher is joining us on the Busboys stage alongside Mona Charen to share more about “the dark underbelly of American evangelical missionary work via the experiences of missionaries' children” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Copies of the book will be available for purchase during and after the event, and Fletcher will be signing following the program.

This event is free and open to all. Our program begins at 6:00 pm, and will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of THE MISSIONARY KIDS will be available for purchase before and after the event. Please note that this event is in person and will not be livestreamed. 

We ask that guests RSVP in order to receive direct updates about the event from Busboys and Poets Books

Holly Berkley Fletcher is a historian, essayist, and former intelligence analyst. She was raised in Kenya by missionary parents. She earned a PhD in American history and taught in universities for several years before being hired as an Africa analyst by the Central Intelligence Agency, where she worked for nineteen years. She lives in the Washington, DC, area with her husband, two kids, and dog.

Website: azebrawithoutstripes.com | Bluesky: /hollybfletcher.bsky.social | Instagram: @hollyabf | Threads: @hollyabf

Mona Charen is the Policy Editor of The Bulwark and host of The Mona Charen Show.

BOOK DETAILS

The Missionary Kids

Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism

By Holly Berkley Fletcher

August 19, 2025 | Hardcover, 291 pages, $29.99

Host or Publisher Busboys and Poets