The weekend, centered around ASAP’s annual in-person board meeting, became a sacred time of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment. Attendees looked back on three decades of God’s faithfulness, beginning with the life and ministry of the late Judy Aitken, who founded ASAP after serving refugees in Thailand following the Cambodian genocide of the late 1970s. Stories of God’s providence, protection, and provision flowed freely—offering encouragement and inspiration for the mission ahead.

Friday evening’s special program featured two guest speakers who have played pivotal roles in ASAP’s journey. Dr. Mary Ann McNeilus, who traveled extensively with Judy Aitken to train medical missionaries in Southeast Asia, reflected on the early days of the ministry. Julia O'Carey, Judy’s daughter and former ASAP executive director and CEO, shared personal memories of her mother and spoke about carrying forward her legacy of faith-driven service to the marginalized.

On Sabbath, board members Carol Reynolds, Trudi Starlin, and Curtis Letniak recounted their own mission experiences from Southeast Asia and North America. Pastor Benjamin Kip, field director, offered a touching devotional talk, and Ung Chanvicheak, former field supervisor in Cambodia, shared his personal testimony of how ASAP helped shape his life and ministry.

 

As ASAP celebrates this 30-year milestone, we give thanks for every individual who has prayed, given, or gone in support of the mission. And we look ahead with faith, trusting that the same God who led us in the past will continue to guide us—until the work is finished and Jesus returns.