Shock. Disbelief. Joy. I stared at my computer screen, letting it sink in. My fundraising was complete! Around me, another day of class was beginning at Equip International’s intensive medical training, but I hardly noticed.

Almost nine months earlier, I was accepted as a missionary in training with AFM. That night, I pled with God to help me complete my fundraising before AFM’s training began in May so I would be able to launch immediately afterward. This would allow me to save precious time and arrive in the Philippines during optimal weather for making contact with the Batangan. Fully convinced that He was capable and willing, I set out to work with Him in making it happen.

And now it was done. I hadn’t done it. I am no public speaker or social savant. I live by the philosophy of, “When in doubt, mumble.” But God worked through me again and again, speaking through me the message He had given me. In fact, the times when I messed up were the very times when He spoke most powerfully to people’s hearts. I could never accept any credit.

Nor can I do this work by myself. To all our faithful donors, thank you for joining the team! You really are just as much a part of AFM as the missionaries and staff. God has designed His work in such a way that, together, we can do what none of us could have done by ourselves. Thank you for giving to the Lord.

“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Cor. 8:2).

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