“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). What a privilege to see our AFM missionary children growing in their relationships with Christ. And even more thrilling to see God calling them back to mission service!

For years, I have had the privilege of working with Arnold Hooker in the AFM development department. Soon Arnold and his wife Diane will be transitioning into Field Director work. Today, I introduce you to the next person to become AFM’s development representative for the West Coast—Arnold’s son, Joshua. I’ll let him tell you his story. —Susan Payne

I remember coming back from to the States on furlough during my family’s service in Cambodia in the ‘90s and singing Khmer hymns with my sisters in front of the churches where my parents were giving mission reports. My mom taught us to sing with big smiles, and to sing to the whole audience, even to the people in the back. When we got nervous in front of all those eyes, she said it was okay if we just looked at people’s foreheads. I remember traveling and staying in people’s homes, being invited to meals with them, and how excited I was for every new friend and pen pal I made.

I have had the privilege of knowing and loving a much bigger family than I ever would have if we had never served in Cambodia. People we had never met would often come up to us in stores and restaurants to tell us they were praying for us. What encouragement!

Back in Cambodia, I remember watching the funds come in for a much-needed vehicle. I remember hearing about a doctor and his wife who supported us with $500 every month for six years. I remember the white teddy bears someone sent my sisters and me one Christmas. Our prayer warriors and giving warriors were always on our hearts. This interdependence and connection demonstrated to my young heart what it means to live in Biblical community. Looking back, I realize that our lives of service were made possible by others’ great sacrifice, and their beautiful acts of generosity were made possible by our willingness to go.

I didn’t always feel this way. There was a time when I wished we had plenty of money to pay our own way. I dreamed that when I grew up, I would be on the other side of the giver/recipient equation. I planned to be rich, and I made up lists of people I would support. It would never bother me if missionaries asked for my money. I had been in the mission field myself and knew the needs were real. I reasoned with myself that it would be more effective for me to support five or ten missionaries than to go myself. Plus, I really liked the thought of getting to live in America and drive on smooth roads!

Raising funds as a student missionary and watching gifts arrive with miraculous timing caused me to reevaluate. My eyes were opened by the overwhelming generosity of people I didn’t even know. God was not short of money. He needed people. He needed me.

Now with the Clay family well on their way to language learning and living in the village, it is my time to come home. I will be living on the West coast, working with praying, giving people there. As an AFM development representative, I get to have relationships and share with so many more people than if I set out to be a wealthy donor, as I planned so long ago. AFM’s missionaries and their donors have strength in numbers. As we all pray, God’s presence makes the whole so much greater than the sum of the parts.

I look forward to ministering to others who have spheres of influence beyond my own. I hope to be a bridge between you and the mission front line. I’m eager to meet you or talk with you on the phone. Thanks for being part of the AFM family.

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