I might not currently live in a foreign county and have the calling as a missionary, but there is one thing for certain that I have in common with our AFLC missionaries: we both share stories with others.  They share the greatest story ever told—the proclamation of salvation through Christ alone.  I get to share their stories with you. 

It is a great privilege to become the chronicler of the works of Jesus Christ through the lives of our missionaries.  As a recently hired addition to the AFLC World Missions department, my job is creating ways to best share information from our fields of work with our congregations back here in the United States.  In short, I’m a storyteller.

It has been a delight to witness how AFLC World Missions works from the inside out. When I first started my position, I interviewed each of our missionaries, getting to know their callings and ministries.  In every case, they expressed a deep love of discipleship and studying Scripture with those they have reached with the gospel message.  The missionaries of the AFLC are passionate about expressing the truth of God’s Word and seeing that Word penetrate and change individual lives.

In the office here at AFLC World Missions, the reason we do what we do all centers around the action of sharing the truth with a broken world.  Our missionaries echo the heart of the Psalmist in chapter 40, “I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.”

Although each of their opportunities and ministries is different, our missionaries strive to live solidly on the truth of God’s Word and tell the story of salvation in Jesus.  The Biblical account of history—God’s redemptive narrative—has been, is, and will be challenged in every culture in which it is presented.  We have missionaries that encounter everything from witchcraft to gender identity confusion in the locations they serve.  Opposing narratives try to drown out the truth of Scripture.

In a sinful world that thrives on spreading lies, Scripture calls us to proclaim what is real and true: “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:17-18)

Throughout the year, our missionaries will write articles, newsletters, and updates.  I challenge you to keep an eye out for our missionaries’ stories when they make an appearance in the materials published by the AFLC.  Make it a point to look out for ways to pray for them.  Share their trials and triumphs with your congregation.  Encourage others with the truth about how God is working.  Be a storyteller.

 - Madison Greven, Communications Coordinator for AFLC World Missions