The Christian walk can be a long and winding journey.
The same is true for those our missionaries are reaching. Besides the unreached making a paradigm shift in thinking and acting—developing a relationship with God, starting to understand the Bible and putting into practice what he or she learns—they often face many hurdles which must be overcome, hurdles that we may have faced, too. These include conflicts between Sabbath observance and school, work or family dynamics; making changes in keeping with biblical health principles; or finding new employment or new places to live. Ostracization, abandonment and persecution may be the unfortunate result.
However, and this is beautiful, God is there walking with each one seeking Him, discovering Him or committing to Him. As faith builds, trust grows and resolve strengthens, God works on the believer’s behalf, leading the new Christian through the trials and empowering the seeker to become victorious.
This issue contains many articles that highlight individuals with whom AFM missionaries have been working. Maybe the individuals are just beginning to show interest or belief, or perhaps they have made significant strides in their Christian walk and are now committed to God, sharing their beliefs and even declaring their faith through baptism.
Each person has a story where elements resonate deeply within us—elements that include a shared experience with a Savior who loves us so much that He thought heaven would not be heavenly without giving His all to make a way for each person who would choose to follow the Way.
Let us join our missionaries now as they share glimpses of those journeys.
God’s richest blessings to you and yours this joyous season and throughout 2026.
