For more than a year and a half, we have been praying as Jabez did in 1 Chronicles 4:10, seeking God’s will to enlarge our territory and use us as He sees best. As we sought the Lord in this manner, we never really thought how He would answer. It seems we anticipated something on a much smaller scale than God had in mind.
When a position opened at AFM for a Field Director of Cambodia, Nepal and the Philippians, we felt the Lord directing us. Initially, we were unsure about applying, but we decided to leave the outcome in God’s hands and see where He would take us. After many meetings and interviews, we were offered not only this position but also an opportunity to assist in the business aspect of a ministry at an existing project that fit with our talents and life experiences.
Satan continually seeks whom he can devour, and we were reminded of that when we answered the Lord’s call. Satan’s attacks more frequent and intense. Whether it was three close family members with cancer, stressful living situations, personal sickness or unexpected struggles, we continue to hold onto faith that God is calling us, and His ways are higher. 1 Peter 5:10 says that, through suffering, God will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us. Praise God for being faithful to His promises!
Our role as field directors will be much like that of Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses’ arms were lifted up, Israel was winning the battle. So Aaron and Hur held up his arms until the battle was finished. AFM missionaries on the front lines need someone to lift up their arms through the battles of daily life. God has placed it on our hearts to be that support system.
Isaiah 55:8, 9 says the Lord’s ways are higher than ours. This enlargement of our ministry territory is beyond what we had even dreamed. Despite feeling overwhelmed, we are trusting God to equip us. Amazingly, all God wants is hearts willing to serve. We are willing, and thankfully God is able to provide for all our needs.
As Arnold transitions from West Coast Development Representative and Diane from a volunteer to missionary-in-training status, we need a team of supporters. Will you prayerfully consider working with us as we answer God’s call? We need people to lift up our arms also through prayer and finances. Please consider joining us as we go!
