Missionary care offering

by Jon Konnerup

Missionary care has several areas of importance to consider, some of which help keep missionaries on the field and enable them to use more of their finances for their ministries. Let me briefly describe five major areas.

1. Security training. During our Candidate School this year, new missionaries received concentrated training to help them handle security issues they may face on the field. Two additional training sessions per year are planned. Funds from the Missionary Care Offering (MCO) allowed Steve Bender to go through intense training to become a certified trainer for the Mission Office.
2. Annual Missionary Reunion. Each year at the reunion, there is at least one missionary who is ready to throw in the towel. But at the close of this week of spiritual refreshment and rejuvenation, they are encouraged to persevere. Because of the generosity of churches giving to the first MCO, the cost for the 2015 Reunion will be decreased by 50 percent. Furthermore, those who attended this year will be reimbursed half of the cost they paid! What a way to help reduce missionary attrition.
3. Times of great need. Due to the sensitive nature of these issues, we are unable to go into details; however, we can report that a number of missionaries in desperate situations have been helped allowing them to remain on the field. Their sending churches help as they can, but many times need the additional assistance we offer. The MCO gives us that opportunity to encourage those in need — ultimately enabling them to stay where God has called them.
4. Ministry to missionary kids. While this service area is still in development, we have identified several target areas. It will take time to formulate a plan for this project that is near and dear to my heart. Our goal is to develop materials that will not only help missionary kids, but their parents also, as they return to the U.S.
5. Sending churches. Many pastors have asked for suggestions that would better prepare them to encourage and minister to their missionaries. We are formulating plans to assist pastors and sending churches and meet that need.

This year, our goal for the Missionary Care Offering is $250,000, and so far we have received $172,588.50. These funds allow us to assist our missionaries; however, the need continues to grow. Please consider what you will give. The missionaries of the BBFI are definitely worthy of our investment!