I love missions and missionaries! I understand, to a degree, what they do and why they do it. Before I went to BBC, I asked my pastor, Marty Lewis, what should be my major. I did not know what God wanted me to be. His advice: Take Missions. If God calls you to be a missionary, you’ll be already to go. If He doesn’t, you’ll be a missions-minded pastor.
I attended the 2016 BBFI Fellowship week. Wednesday morning was devoted to missions. There’s no way I can capture in this blog all that went on. And I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m rambling. But let me share a few thoughts I picked up while my heart was broken for a lost world and a greater admiration for those missionaries who leave family to reach them.
The Baptist Bible Fellowship, as of today, has 809 missionaries serving in 89 countries. You can read more about BBFI Missions on their website: bbfimissions.com
Though all missionaries present were recognized, a few individuals were honored. Ken & Carrie Liles (Iran) and Jim & Geri McCarty (Hong Kong & Taiwan) were honored for 30 years of mission service. Frank & Karen Auterson (Ethiopia & New Guinea) were honored for 50 years of mission service.
Some great things for missions and missionaries are going on with the BBFI. Jon Konnerup, Missions Director, highlighted several items:
World Mission Forum is a conference-type event to discuss and inform about various issues on missions. Emphasis is given to provide prospective missionaries with information to determine next steps to be a missionary. The first was held at Baptist Bible College. The next meeting will be in October 2016 in Texas. Future meetings are being planned.
Missionary Kids need assistance transitioning into U.S. culture. The BBFI is organizing help for families and sending church to understand how to help.
Creative Access Nations (CAN) need missionaries. The BBFI is providing information about creative ways to help missionaries gain access into these countries that do not accept traditional missionaries. In addition, U.S. businesses could help provide avenues of entry into those countries.
Social Media is here to stay. The Missions Office is improving in this area. The missions website will help new missionaries choose to be affiliated with the BBFI. There is a new app for the BBFI Missions that will help pastors and church members better reach the world.
Missions Trips provide a great opportunity to learn missions. Trips and camps are being planned to help people experience mission life and help young people know the next steps to take to be a missionary.
The Missionary Care Offering is received throughout the year. It strives to minister to missionaries in ways that prepare, strengthen and encourage them so they can effectively take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people whom God has called them. It provides for help in emergencies on the field, help with children, security training, an annual missionary family reunion, and small intimate retreats on the mission field.
9 new missionaries were approved. I apologize that I was not in the service when TEAM (short-term) missionaries were announced. But the full-time career missionaries approved were:
- Christian & Shawna Hendrick to Dominican Republic of Congo
- Jamie Newell to India
- Richie & MIssy Orrick to Wales
The Missions Office is an important part of the BBFI. The Missions Office processes support from 4,000 churches, serving 809 missionaries in 89 countries. They process $38 million a year with 19 staff members. The Missions Office wants to improve and increase missionary training online and assist colleges with missionary training. They will be helping pastors, churches, and state fellowship with missionary promotion by providing monthly videos, Missions Conference packets (including videos, posters, sermons, power points, etc). The Missions Office is in need of financial support. It is suggested that each church send a minimum of #3.50 per month for each missionary they support. 100% of the money given to missionaries goes to missions. The Missions Office receives no support that is intended to go to missionaries.
Jon Konnerup concluded the session with a challenge from Romans 15:18-21. He emphasized that we must align with God’s mission and stay focus on the mission that is consistent with God’s purpose (all to hear and understand the Gospel), characterized by God’s power, and compelled by God’s passion. The passion of God is the story of His Son.
As best that can be counted, there are over 18,000 churches around the world that have been planted by BBFI pastors, missionaries, or other leaders. To God be the glory!
You can read about other messages/sessions at: ALL IN – 2016 BBFI Fellowship Meeting
You can also read some of my articles about missions: 3 Responses to Worldwide Missions, 8 Reasons to go on a Short-term Missions Trip, My Asia Adventure (Korea & Cambodia)
Baptist Bible College celebrates 66 years of ministry in 2016. As a 1982 alumnus, I am pleased to celebrate this event at my alma mater. These have been some of my thoughts of the Monday, May 2 evening session.
Please share your thoughts.