by Heidi Swanson, Member of the AFM Board of Directors
Many of us love the family traditions that go along with the Christmas Season. While some of our traditions may be different, one that we all have in common is giving gifts. As we approach Christmas once again, I find myself thinking about a different kind of gift, the gift of going.
Peter writes, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (I Peter 4:10). In other words, God has given each of us special gifts, based on who He has designed us to be, and He calls us to share those gifts with others.
God gives all of his children a passion to share Christ so that others might know the love of God. And to some, he gives a desire to go to the far corners of the world to spread His message.
If you have ever had the privilege of encountering someone who has been given this gift of going, then you know it’s breathtaking to behold – and not the least bit ordinary. It’s been incredibly humbling to me to watch the Lord prepare the heart and mind of one such cross-cultural worker from our church who is now living in North Africa. I have not personally been called to go (at least not yet), but I remain in awe of those who are. By God’s grace, AFM’s cross-cultural workers are stepping step forward in faith into the unknown – leaving behind family, possessions, and comfort.
In the days leading up to Christmas, this also brings to mind what Jesus left behind in heaven to take on human form so that we might one day be called the children of God. This is certainly the best gift any of us could ever receive!
And so, as I encounter brothers and sisters who have been given the gift of going to share the love of Jesus with the unreached peoples of the world, I’m blessed to support them in their calling. Through their efforts I can catch a glimpse of heaven, where where people from every nation and tongue will praise God together. What a glorious place that will be – and until we arrive there, let’s cherish our opportunities to share the good news on this side of heaven – and eagerly support those who have been called to go.
Merry Christmas from the AFM Board of Directors and from the entire AFM family!
