On Friday, July 21 we completed another successful weeklong training for our newly approved missionaries.  Among this year’s crop of new missionaries were: eleven in their first year of deputation; six in their second year; two who were recently reinstated, and, we even had a WIN missionary couple join us.

For us in the BBFI Mission Office, this is always one of the biggest highlights of the year, as we get the opportunity to pour into their lives and future ministries.  From finances to field arrival, we strive to give them all the tools necessary to not only raise their prayer and financial support, but to also have a leg up on their first term on the field. 

The week was filled with laughter, learning, meaningful conversations, great food, some tears, and lots of coffee! It is our prayer that the lessons learned will propel these choice servants on to great victories in their respective mission fields, and that the knowledge gained will not soon be forgotten.  I recently received an email from a veteran missionary who spoke of the tremendous value of this week of training for the new missionary.  In it she thanked the Mission Office for…” taking the time to invest in the lives of the new missionaries to help them not be a negative statistic five or six years out!”.  What a privilege it is to serve our missionaries in this way.

–Brian Garrison, Associate Mission Director