I watched the busy intersection as the swirl of motorcycles moved through it in what looked like a choreographed dance. They came from all four directions, and I was amazed that there were no collisions. Intertwined in the dance were street vendors pushing carts, taxis circling for fares and lots of people walking or riding bicycles. The exhaust fumes and smell of meat ripening in the sun on corner tables added an indescribable aroma that made my eyes water.

This is the daily challenge that Elisha and Eun Joy face: to go anywhere, even just to cross the street, they have to join this bewildering dance step for step. Standing at the intersection as the pollution-spewing vehicles whizzed by, my toes curled at the thought of having to cross. I sure will keep praying for Elisha and Eun!

We recently spent a week with the Joys on the Sinim Project. We marveled at how well they have adapted in the brief time they have been in the field. As we listened to their stories, I took note of the many ways that God has prepared this precious family to live in such a busy metropolis as they learn the Sinim language.

Several years ago, Elisha served as a student missionary with the AFM Tai-Kadai Project. This experience got him accustomed to life in the mission field—language learning, riding a motorbike, eating like the locals, and all the other aspects of adapting to a new host culture. Hearing his testimony made me reflect on the wonderful opportunity SMs get, not only to change their worldview and grow spiritually, but also to prepare for a life of service wherever God may lead.

As field directors of AFM projects in Southeast Asia and Oceania, Arnold and I have seen that serving as an SM is the best training for a life of missions.

Have you ever thought about being a missionary? Are you curious about how God can equip you for a life of service wherever He leads? Take a year abroad as a student or short-term missionary with AFM. We promise it will change your life forever, and you will impact others for eternity as you introduce them to Jesus!

Don’t delay! Jesus is coming back soon, and we need workers to share Him with the unreached. Sign up today!

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