I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land” (Exodus 30:19-20).
This text from Deuteronomy saved the life of a friend when I quoted it on my answering machine, and she chose life rather than suicide. Years later, as I was sharing that story with a group of students, God once again pulled a life from the abyss of suicide. Friends, I am here to testify that our God is faithful. I have learned to follow Him and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In choosing Him, He brings joy and strength for the journey.
For over 20 years, God has allowed me to share His mighty acts with hundreds of missionaries as they build their support teams and minister to their donors. He gave me the privilege of testifying to many of you through donor visits, phone calls, receipt letters, magazine articles and prayers for healing and deliverance.
Though difficult at times, what an amazing journey this has been. My heart is so full of joy for walking this journey with you. I have often said that I get to work with great people to accomplish the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) by living the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40). Thank you! Thank you, missionaries, office staff and supporters, for advancing God’s kingdom on this earth.
Since COVID-19 hit, I have increasingly felt it was time for someone else to assume my responsibilities at AFM. And as miraculous as was God’s call for me to come to AFM, so have been the events of His calling another. I feel that now, I can say as the Psalmist, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18).
I have the privilege of walking alongside the soon-to-be development director of AFM, Erin White. Her introductory article will be in the June edition of Frontiers. She is an amazing woman, and I am delighted to have her take the helm of donor ministry at AFM.
The path ahead may be uncertain, but this I know—Our God is faithful! Trust in Him. Repeat His stories of love over and over again to everyone you can. Continue to press together to share Jesus Christ in word and deed.
I would like to leave you with this prayer: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). May your overflow bring living water to the thirsty souls of the unreached.
All my love . . .
* Susan*
P.S. Don’t worry. I will still be testifying for Him in my retirement and beyond.