For the past four and a half years, I’ve had the joy of living an “AFM adjacent” life. My wife, Gretchen, serves as the Training Coordinator for AFM, and I regularly hear from her the joys and challenges that AFM cross-cultural workers (CCWs) face. I’ve loved being on the sidelines, praying for those in need, and celebrating with those who rejoice.

In early April I had the opportunity to be a part of the first overseas gathering of AFM CCWs in 20 years. I’m so thankful that the Father opened the door for me to participate. The trip would not have been possible without the generous support of friends in our faith family. I’d be hard-pressed to say what was my favorite aspect as every moment was packed with the presence of God.

The setting selected for the retreat could not have been better. For families who have been laboring in the fields of the Lord, I cannot imagine a more welcome location for a brief respite than the hotel and beach that was chosen. The opportunity to relax in the beauty of creation was restorative for all.

The churches that sent volunteers to lead ministry to children, Holy Trinity and All Souls in Jacksonville, FL, also brought their rectors who opened each day with a eucharistic service.

Most of the AFM staff and several trustees participated as well as a few field partners and some others who are in the discernment process for future cross-cultural service with AFM. Bishop Steve Breedlove from the Diocese of Christ our Hope and Jenny Noyes, Director of the New Wineskins Missionary Network, also attended.  What an amazing opportunity for so many different parts of the body and of the Anglican communion to gather together in support of the important work being done amongst the unreached.

Ample opportunities for fellowship were sprinkled into the mix. Each meal gave us the chance to talk one-on-one with workers from all over the globe. Putting faces to the names I’d been praying for and hearing directly from them about the amazing ways they are being led to reach the peoples on the frontiers of the kingdom was so inspiring.

The talent show was another highlight. Someone suggested that AFM should stand for “Anglicans having Fun with Missions.” I can only imagine what it meant for the participants to let loose in such a relaxing atmosphere.

We were blessed each day to be taught by the Rev. Dr. Chris Royer’s mentor from his days with OM, the Rev. Julyan Lidstone of Glasgow, Scotland. Julyan’s messages were just the right balance of Scripture, encouragement, and practicality. The themes—the role of prayer, bold witness, suffering, and hope in missions—were exactly what we needed to hear.  Julyan’s winsome delivery made each message a memorable one. I left the retreat with a renewed sense of call—both to missions and to praying for CCWs.

I hope that in hearing just a little bit about this conference, you will feel hear that same call. The mission of God will not be thwarted. One day we’ll behold “a great multitude which no one could [can] count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands,” crying out “with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’” (Rev. 7:9-10). And we are called to be a part of that, whether by going, sending, or supporting.

By the grace of God, AFM CCWs continue to grow numerically and in their mission to make disciples among frontier people groups. But their mission is not only their own—AFM’s mission belongs to all of us, the entire church. Thus, whoever you are and whatever your walk of life, I encourage you to deepen your partnership with AFM’s staff and CCWs. For through AFM, we all have the privilege to participate in the global purposes and mission of God.