(From a recent presentation made in honor of Brenda & Herb Hayes 50-years of service.)

Herb and Brenda Hayes were approved as BBFI missionaries to the Philippines in February 1971. They both graduated in 1966 and 1967 respectively from the missions course at Baptist Bible College, Springfield, MO. They served their internship at Grace Baptist Church in Middletown, OH where Herb was ordained in 1970.

During a Faith Promise Mission Conference, Bob Hughes was the guest missionary speaker for each evening service. They were challenged to serve as missionaries. When they finally made the surrender, real peace and satisfaction came to their hearts with an assurance now that this was God’s will for their lives.

Their ministry in the Philippines was a success by all standards. They arrived in Manila and were greeted by other missionaries. They prayed about where God would specifically lead them in those many islands. It was to the city and area in the northern mountains of Luzon Island called Baguio. They began to evangelize and to their great joy people intently listened, believed, and turned to the Lord. They also spent much time making disciples and training leaders to serve in every capacity of a church. The Hayes had a Bible Institute training men for the ministry up in the mountain areas. Churches were started and those they were training took ownership with the guidance of Herb and Brenda. Herb was the founder of the Grace Christian Academy. The ministries began to expand and multiply and today there are many serving the Lord and churches continue to shine the Light of the Gospel. They also taught the people to be involved in world missions.

After 41 years of faithful service, Herb went home to be with his Lord on May 29, 2012, at the age of 70. After Herb’s passing, Brenda continued their work in the Philippines until she retired in March of 2025.

God took this couple who did not know much about the Philippines, who said, here am I send me, and He did great things through them. Ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Many are in heaven today because of their faithfulness to the Lord. Many are serving the Lord today as God brings the increase. They were active supporters of foreign missions and gave generously to Faith promise giving while supporting missionaries from the Philippines around the world.

On behalf of the BBFI and the Mission Office, we present this beautiful globe to show our appreciation for their 50 years of faithfulness and dedication as missionaries for the Lord.

We appreciate Pastor Mark Hodges and the Winter Haven Baptist Church for offering to host and helping us make this special presentation.

Brenda’s son, Brian, joined Dr. Konnerup at the special presentation.