by Jon Konnerup
As mission director of the BBFI, I have had the opportunity to travel to many different countries where we have missionaries. Not only do I love to visit with the missionaries, I also enjoy meeting those the missionaries have reached with the gospel and have trained to be pastors. This is the goal of our missionary efforts. Everywhere I have met with national leaders, they have expressed their gratitude for the BBFI churches and the missionaries they have sent out. In fact, one Korean pastor recently remarked at Ike Foster’s memorial service that he loved Texas. He said it’s not because everything there is so big, but because the church that sent the missionary who reached him with the gospel is in Texas. Many of these national pastors have asked how things are going in other parts of the world. As I share these things with them, they listen intently, eager to know that they are a part of something bigger. They are always thrilled to know they are a part of the big picture and work that God has done, is doing, and will continue to do through the BBFI.
Because there has been so much interest in hearing what is going on around the world, Bro. Jun Lumagbas, of the Philippines, and I discussed the idea of having an International Fellowship Meeting in a foreign country. After sharing this with and getting the approval of the leadership of our Fellowship, we began to assemble a planning committee of leaders from around the world.
Cebu City, Philippines, was chosen as the ideal location for this meeting. Bible Baptist Church in Cebu City is a great church with a wonderful history. A BBFI missionary, Bob Hughes, started a church and trained a man, Dr. Armie Jesalva, who later became the pastor of the church. He has now led this church for over 40 years. Bible Baptist Church has in turn started over 300 churches in the Philippines and has sent out numerous missionaries around the world. This is the exact picture of the purpose of the BBFI globally. This church can handle hosting a large meeting like this and they will definitely be a blessing to all who attend.
I have been burdened to bring attention to and encourage our co-laborers across the globe. Far from taking away from our own responsibility to world missions, the intent of this meeting is to rejoice in the results of our 60 years of labor as Baptist Bible Fellowship International. We are anticipating a great International Fellowship Meeting in Cebu, Philippines. It is important that as many pastors as possible attend this historical meeting.
We hope to “Remember” the past with thanksgiving, “Rejoice” in what God is doing right now with praise, and “Renew” our efforts for the cause of Christ with great enthusiasm.
“Let the Nations Rejoice” is our theme. Let the nations rejoice as we join with them in reaching our world for Christ and may the nations rejoice as they hear the wonderful story of Jesus and turn to Him for salvation. May it all bring glory and honor to God.