A Note From the Host …
This year’s theme for Fellowship Week was “Heart Matters.” The heart of BBC and the BBFI has always been ministry. Our movement began with the desire to prepare men and women for ministry and that continues today. But ministry is hard, and hearts can get broken in the process. Sometimes serving a local church can be difficult and Fellowship Week provides an opportunity for you to come and be encouraged.
Services were held each day in the W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse. The worship, which was led by BBC students, touched our hearts. Our speakers encouraged us to remember how we were called into His service, how God has worked in our lives, and they challenged us to continue to reach others for Christ and to challenge them to devote their lives to serve Him.
Fellowship Week is a special time. It is unlike any other conference. It is not just about a lot of preaching or services; it is a true time of “fellowship” with old friends in a very special place on the north side of Springfield. One of the “fellowship” highlights was a wonderful time in the “caf pit” on Monday night. This festive atmosphere featured a “Food Tasting” prepared and served by our own food service staff. Everyone enjoyed great food and hours of conversation.
Fellowship Week culminated with commencement on Thursday morning. This year our commencement speaker was Harold Rawlings. We were thrilled to honor him with an honorary degree.
I received many compliments about our students. These young men and women volunteered to greet you, watch your children, lead in worship and share their hearts. Our Fellowship can be proud and excited with the potential they possess and their passion for God.
Thank you for coming. Fellowship Week is important and we are thankful you take the time and effort to come. We pray that you left blessed, encouraged, and excited about the future of BBC.
BBC Alumni Association
Almost 150 BBC alumni and friends met in the BBC Cafeteria on Wednesday, May 2nd, for the 2ndAnnual Alumni Breakfast. BBC president, Mark Milioni shared the joys and challenges of leading BBC into the future.
He shared the story of how God led BBC’s new men’s basketball coach, Brett Palen, to come on board. Palen has been a successful businessman in the Springfield area. He has served as the CEO of the family business, Palen Music, which has grown to six stores across the Midwest.
After his recent retirement, he felt that God was leading him to invest his life in coaching. Through a chance encounter with a young BBC student, he became aware of the opportunity to lead the Athletic department and to coach the men’s basketball team at BBC.
Palen shared his excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead to lead young people to exhibit a strong testimony for Christ in their athletic endeavors.
Those in attendance at the breakfast were challenged to give to a project that would provide new uniforms for BBC’s sports teams as well as provide other necessary accessories. The goal was $5000, and as of May 10th, 2 churches and 23 individuals had donated a total of $5650.
The Alumni Association also affirmed five new Alumni VP’s; Bobby and Ariel Hughes, Ryan and Bekah Whitley, and Jerrod Cate.
BBFI Business
During the business meeting Tuesday, pastors received reports from the Mission Office, colleges, APEX and the Tribune. Other business included the presentation of the ballot for BBFI national officers. Those present could cast their vote immediately. Per the by-laws, those not present must to request a ballot from the BBFI Mission Office and return postmarked no later than July 1, 2018.
Future Meetings of the BBFI
- September 17-19, 2018 at Park Valley Church in Haymarket, VA, Barry White, pastor
- February 11-13, 2019 at Crosspointe Church in Anaheim, CA, Brian Moore, pastor
- April 29 – May 2, 2019 at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, Mark Milioni, BBC president
- September 16-18, 2019 at Oak Hill Baptist Church in Somerset, KY, Gary Phelps, pastor
- February 2020 at Orlando Baptist Church in Orlando, FL, Dustin Janney, pastor
- July 2020 Global Fellowship Meeting in Costa Rica
Missionary News
30-Year Pins
- John & Pearl Mikulski (Alaska)
- JA & Pam Richards (Wales)
- Jonathan & Roberta Steffy (Philippines)
50-Year Globe
- Mary Nevius – (Argentina)
Career Approvals
- Brian Berry (Ireland), sent from Cherry Street Baptist Church, Springfield, MO
- Kevin & Emelie Falde (Haiti), sent from Carolina Baptist Church, Clover, SC
- Michael Todd (Argentina), sent from High Street Baptist Church, Springfield, MO
Team Approvals
- Kelly Fichtner (Haiti), sent from Carolina Baptist Church, Clover, SC
- Jeff & Angie Kenworthy (Philippines), sent from Fairfield West Baptist Church, Fairfield, OH
- Sarah Neumann (Romania), sent from Bible Baptist Church, Osborne, KS
Change of Field Approvals
- Thomas & Elvira Corbello (Spain from Panama)
- Adolfo & April Ruesga (Spain from Mexico)
Baptist Bible College Graduate Awards
- Delta Epsilon Chi ABHE Honor Society Awards – Shelbi Goswick & Jonas Crump
- Outstanding Senior Business Award – Eric Reihs
- Outstanding Senior Education Award – Savanna Curtman
- Education Growth Award – Lauren Reedy
- Biblical Counseling Award – Kelsey Kick
- Effie Donnelson Award (Missions) – Bethany Inge
- Fred S. Donnelson Award (Missions)– Silas Thompson
- Pastoral Studies Award – Jonas Crump & Travis Pentecost
- Ministry Studies Award – Kelsey Kick & Jonas Crump
- Master of Arts in Church Ministry Award – Chris Fluharty
- Lifelong Learning Award – Clint Chiles
- Seminary Award – Zachary Peele
- Class Speaker Awards – Bethany Inge and Travis Pentecost
- Key Awards- Shelbi Goswick and Jonas Crump
