A story only God could write

“Everybody has a story,” said Bo Hefner, AFA director of campus operations. “Everybody’s different, and you learn a lot along the way.”

In November 2014, after serving 12 years in the U.S. Air Force, Bo accepted an engineering position at AFA. In November 2019, he became assistant to the vice president of operations, and in April 2023, Bo moved into his current position at AFA. Then in June 2023, Bo’s wife, Heather, joined the ministry as AFA Action’s communications coordinator and graphic designer.

But it’s the Hefners’ dedication to faith, family, and each other that really defines who they are. Over the past 20 years, the couple has experienced many highs and lows, but they have continually witnessed God’s faithfulness through it all.

Marriage

As teenagers, Bo and Heather met at a Huddle House restaurant in Mississippi, and Bo quickly realized Heather was the girl he wanted to marry. The only problem was that after two years of dating, Heather’s family answered the call to serve as missionaries in Japan – more than 6,000 miles away.

“Right after his high school graduation, I left,” Heather told The Stand. “And then he left for basic training. My parents let me go back for Bo’s tech school graduation.”

However, the distance didn’t dissuade the couple. Instead, the Hefners continued to date long-distance, and Heather supported Bo from Japan as he began his Air Force career. In November 2003, Bo called and asked Heather to marry him. Heather excitedly agreed and returned to the States. With her family overseas and no one present for a wedding, the two were married by a justice of the peace at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, where Bo was stationed.

In 2004, Bo and Heather welcomed their first child, Charles. Two years later, Heather gave birth to their second son, Will. The Hefners’ family was complete … or so they thought.

Adoption

In 2016, the Hefners were watching a football game when they received a call from Child Protective Services (CPS). They learned that a family member had listed them as potential foster care guardians for her kids if she could not care for them. But the Hefners could only bring the children home after completing the licensing procedure.

Following much prayer, the couple hurriedly completed the requirements and began fostering. At the time, CPS also informed them that the children’s mother was pregnant. A few weeks after bringing the first three children home, Bo and Heather learned that the newest child, who was 9 days old, also needed placement.

“In two months, we went from two to six kids, including a newborn, a 1-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a 5-year-old,” explained Heather.

After three years of fostering, Kenzie, Brayden, Anna, and Faith officially became Hefners.

“The best part is looking back … and seeing how God used that as part of His plan to get us to where we are now,” said Heather.

Forever

In November 2023, the Hefners celebrated their 20th anniversary with a wedding. Bo surprised Heather with a special gift: He planned a vow renewal ceremony, which they shared with their friends and family, including Heather’s dad, who came from Japan. At the event, the couple renewed their commitment to one another and God. Standing alongside them were their six children.

“Our story started a long time ago,” said Bo. “It’s like they say, ‘God orchestrates it, and that’s the way things go. …’ Thankfully, He does.”