“None of us know when we are going to be in a situation that requires security training. In this day and age, everyone needs to be equipped with the proper tools to react properly when the need arises. I am thankful to have had the training before the need arose.” (quote by past attendee)

Active shooter situations, personal assaults, robberies, and burglaries are being perpetrated daily on unsuspecting people. As I read or watch the reports, I thank God for the protection He extends over the missionaries of the Baptist Bible Fellowship, as they live and minister in 80 different countries of the world.  We know each missionary faces risk of varying degrees. It is imperative that we take great responsibility for our own personal safety by being as informed and prepared as possible.

To keep our missionaries informed and trained, the Mission Office has partnered with Fort Sherman Academy in security matters. Our goal is to ensure that every BBFI missionary has at least “A” level security training as established by FSA. I am personally trained and certified to teach this eight-hour course and will be teaching it during Advanced Mission Training in the Mission Office on July 18-19, 2024. If you are in the area and have not previously attended this class, please plan to attend (no children or teens please). As a BBFI missionary, all fees will be paid for you with funds provided by the Missionary Care Offering.

If you have recently attended this class during Candidate School, now named Advanced Mission Training, please know this is the same material however, should you wish to attend as a refresher you are welcome to do so but you will need to register.

Sentinel Course Description (Level A)

taught by Steve Bender, a certified SENTINEL instructor

This course provides instruction on multiple safety and security challenges as well as foundational practices for faith-based travelers going abroad. This basic course is specifically focused on helping maintain personal as well as ministry safety.

Subjects include:

• Protecting private information in an exploitative environment
• Basic border crossing and security checkpoints
• In-transit preparations and safety procedures
• Lodging and vehicle security
• Basic guidance for detentions, arrests, and captures
• And more

If you plan to attend, you MUST contact and register with Tiffany (Tbrown@bbfimissions.com).

-by BBFI Associate Director, Steve Bender