“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJV).

I watched as Aline spread her arms wide to embrace each child that approached her that Sunday morning before Christmas in the Pnong village of Puchary. She smiled broadly, and even though she lacked proficiency in the local dialect, she gave them what she had—love.

Some of my favorite moments in the field visiting projects are when I get to see how the short-term missionaries (STMs) and student missionaries (SMs) have touched the lives of the locals, especially the children.

Too often, children in third-world countries live in such dire situations that to get a smile, a hug or touch, or even that someone takes time to play with them can be enough to show them how important they are and how much they are loved.

STMs and SMs are so critical to a project! They can touch a life in a short time and change it for eternity. When a child receives this kind of attention and love, it makes them wonder why these adults are so different from the local ones. What do they have at their core that makes them want to love me so freely, even when I am an outcast or disregarded among my own people?

What a joy it is to see lives changed for the better through the commitment of these young adults, willing to give of themselves by allowing the love of Jesus to shine through all they do.

You will not regret serving for a year with AFM. Not only can you make a difference in another person’s life, but the experience will make a difference in your life, too.

We need you in the field. Please sign up today!

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