From the President: The Horizon of the Future

By Michael G. Loftis, President

In 1927 as ABWE was just beginning, the horizon looming before Raphael Thomas must have seemed lonely and foreboding. The doctor, who deeply desired to combine both medicine and evangelism, started out virtually alone with only a handful of private supporters.

Seventy-five years later, what a difference to see career and short-term missionary candidates studying in our newly completed missionary training center. As our board and administration listened, the candidates' testimonies brought tears and laughter.

Some candidates came with a clear sense of God's leading to a special place of ministry. Others came with a call to missions but willing to study and pray as to where they might best invest their lives. Following their appointment by our board, some have decided to launch out into unknown territory for the cause of Christ. Others will provide long awaited reinforcements to the 1,100 missionaries in the existing 73 nations where ABWE missionaries serve.

From the time of its founding, ABWE has sent out missionaries at an ever-increasing rate, even through wars, financial depressions, and natural catastrophes. In addition to sending out North American missionaries, now ABWE looks forward to facilitating our partner nations around the world to launch their own missions movements. How long will it take until we can count 75 of those movements? The prospects on the horizon are breathtaking.

These new candidates of the Class of 2002 will write the future story of ABWE's ministry. Read their testimonies carefully. You will see the hand of God at work calling them to Himself, then bringing them together at ABWE to serve in this broken world. They must go into today's world and so live and serve that they make a distinct difference for the kingdom of God in the name of Christ.

This present world in which we live is a corrupt and dangerous place. Perhaps that is why we chose Philippians 2:15 as the theme verse for our anniversary year. "Prove yourselves to be children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

Thankfully the outcome is already assured by a faithful God who promised to build His church even though besieged by the powers of hell. Pray with us that the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ will shine through the lives and testimonies of all our missionaries, old and new. Is that a light shining just over the horizon?

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