Completing the New BBFI Building Project – Phase One

In what began as a vision of BBFI Mission Directors, Dr. Carl Boonstra, Dr. Robert Baird, and Jon Konnerup to provide short-term stays for itinerate missionaries and long-term housing for retired missionaries, a great deal has been accomplished thus far in seeing this vision come to fruition.

• On December 27, 2022, heavy equipment began moving dirt on 10 of the 30 acres.
• On March 11, 2024, the BBFI Mission Office staff moved into the new office building.
• On August 1, 2024, the BBFI Event Center exterior was completed. An additional $310,000 is needed to complete the interior.
• BBFI Retirement Apartments – seven units to start with – three two-bedroom and four one-bedroom. Work on the first seven units are projected to be completed by December 2024. The pad has already been poured for an additional seven apartments.
• BBFI Short-term Apartments – five apartments for overnight stays up to two weeks. These are projected to be completed by November 2024.

As you well know, since the beginning months of the building project, material costs for construction have increased dramatically thus straining the funds saved and designated for this project. Believing this project to be of God, your Mission Office is asking for your help to complete Phase One to make the missionary housing available as soon as possible to those on the waiting list. Other reasons for not having the funds to complete the project as planned are as follows:

• $500,000 was committed to buy an extra 15 acres – as suggested by pastors
• $500,000 above initial projected expense for excavation and underground utilities occurred
• Rise in cost of materials and labor since starting
• Utilization of volunteers to lower labor cost proved to be more difficult than anticipated.

Will you consider helping with a financial gift to provide for the future of our BBFI missionaries? We hope to receive all gifts by December 31, 2024. You can send a check designated to “Retired Miss Housing Project” or give online at bbfimissions.com/buildingproject.

Thank you for your prayers and consideration in helping with this project.

-by Jon Konnerup, BBFI Mission Director