As I paced through the crisp fall air in the pre-dawn darkness, I prepared myself to say goodbye to my missionary friend, V. I admitted to myself that this could be the last time I saw her on earth. Deadly illness, snakebite, political upheaval, terrorism, contaminated water, community fighting, an angry neighbor . . . any of these threats and more could end her life. The thought sent tears streaming down my face. She had been with me when I experienced my greatest pain, and I had been there for her when she needed me. This was a friendship I wanted to last for eternity.

I knew that all of the other missionaries who attended AFM’s summer training with us were ready to die if it would bring honor and glory to God and lead people to love Him. Remembering the commitment that Jesus made, each of us was ready. But, that didn’t make saying goodbye any easier!
Since there wasn’t any earthly thing I could do for V, I began praying, pouring everything out to God as minutes ticked by.

When the morning sun sent sparkles through the damp grass, V and I had one more conversation, reveling in the joy of friendship. After a prayer of blessing, I said goodbye and waved as she drove away.

Please join me in praying for V and for the rest of the missionaries who went through AFM training this summer.

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