The oppressive heat and unfamiliar surroundings did nothing to dampen our anticipation as we awaited the arrival of our AFM missionaries.

We had arrived early at the Korat Zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast Thailand to help prepare for the 2013 Asia AFM Missionary Retreat. Most of the 70 people we were expecting we had never met in person before. This was the first trip to Thailand for Don and me in our new role as field directors, and we hoped to establish personal relationships with each of our missionaries, old and young. The 27 children, their parents, and our single missionaries each are greatly extending the reach of the Gospel in Southeast Asia.

A program of inspiration, sharing and information had been put together with the goal of rejuvenating and empowering our AFM team. We eagerly looked forward to the times of spiritual sharing, worship, reflection and discussion that Marc Coleman, Laurence Burn and Conrad Vine had planned. As I helped set up the room for Susan Payne’s program for our missionary kids, I wished I were a child again to enjoy the blessings they were sure to receive.

In pickup trucks, vans and buses, missionaries began to arrive. Friday evening we gathered for our first official meeting. Sabbath morning Pastor Mock, president of the Far Eastern Union, preached a sermon emphasizing the Church’s focus on revival and evangelism. On Sabbath afternoon, Pastor Chanchi from the Thailand Adventist Mission shared his vision of how the mission and AFM can work together. For Sabbath School, AFM President Conrad Vine shared the first of his inspiring messages on the beatitudes for missionaries.

The project reports the missionary teams presented during the week were especially inspiring, outlining the challenges and triumphs of the past two years and how God’s work was progressing in each field. We were struck by the courage of our missionaries in the face of trials. Our own commitment to support frontline missionaries in their work was reinforced by their heartfelt dedication to reaching their people for God.

This missionary retreat was a real blessing. The inspiration that comes from encountering the passion in others and hearing their stories helps strengthen and unify. Spiritual growth comes through sharing, studying and praying together. The opportunity to praise God together in music was another profound blessing. Challenges were resolved as families and projects swapped ideas and strategies. Personal friendships were established or strengthened as new missionaries were integrated into the AFM family. Families were refreshed as they spent time together in a relaxed setting. Missionary wives were encouraged in their role of balancing their mission to their families with their mission to their communities.

We praise God for His instruction not to forsake assembling together. We are now eager to see the results as these blessings play out in our missionaries’ lives and work. Please pray that God will help all our frontline missionaries continue to carry these blessings in their hearts.

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