“He did it, Honey! He really did it!” my husband exclaimed excitedly. God had done it. He had called us to be missionaries. It was a miracle! It was September 5, 2014 and we had just received an email from John Baxter inviting us to consider overseas mission service by applying with AFM. It was an answer to prayer. Our hearts rejoiced at this providence.

Some months before this, missionaries from Africa came to our church. They shared how God had called them to be missionaries and how He was using them. As Seth reflected on this, he wondered, How could I ever be called to the mission field? Our home is secluded in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. Who even knows where I am? God comforted Seth with the thought that He knew where he was. If He wanted us to be missionaries, He could call us. And He did!

As I was prayerfully considering this call to AFM, God spoke to me powerfully through His word. He showed me 2 Timothy 1:9, which says, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” This was another confirmation that God was calling us. Not because we are worthy, but because He loves the lost. “So those who are called to unite with Christ must leave all, in order to follow Him. Old associations must be broken up, plans of life relinquished, earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and tears, in solitude, and through sacrifice, must the seed be sown” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 36).

Ever since we were student missionaries to Japan in 2004, our hearts have longed to be missionaries again to the unreached. As English and Bible teachers in Japan, it was our privilege to share the gospel with people who had never seen or heard it. There is nothing else like it in the world. “Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power seek to save the lost. As you receive the Spirit of Christ—the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others—you will grow and bring forth fruit” (Ibid, p. 68).

In 2010, Seth graduated from Southern Adventist University’s nursing program. He has been working as an RN for almost five years. Our deepest desire is to be medical missionaries to these precious people of Palawan, Philippines. “God is calling for men who are willing to leave their farms, their business, if need be their families, to become missionaries for Him. And the call will be answered” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 370). Praise the Lord we have heard His call! Listen carefully. He is calling you, too!

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