This past month we had the privilege to recognize some of our missionaries for their faithful 30 years and 50 years of faithful service. We don’t have a lot of time to make the presentations, but I like to reflect on the lives impacted by their ministries and commitment to God’s calling. Heaven is going to be so wonderful meeting those saved through the efforts of our missionaries.

The Event Center has been completed, and it was a blessing to host our first Missionary Luncheon in that new facility. We were able to get around 120 in there comfortably. The short-term apartments are basically done as well. There are a few minor things to complete but overall they are done and already missionaries have been staying in them. The retirement apartments are soon to see the final stages begin and I hope they will be done early this fall. Please pray with me that the funds would come in to pay this entire project off by the end of this year. Thanks in advance.

Traveltip: Use Google maps to zoom up close on most airports, revealing gate numbers. If connecting, you can see your gate and how long your hike is going to be to the next gate. Includes most restaurants!

I recently read of a Christian leader in missions who was asked, “Does anybody even do evangelism anymore?” This man was surprised because this came from a leader of a mission organization. I thought to myself – well they don’t know about BBFI missionaries. We still do evangelism, discipleship and church planting. For some, this may be going by the wayside.

In communicating with some of our people in restricted areas or those working in areas where it seems there are minimal results, my mind has gone to think of the many places where the Gospel is growing and what the difference is. Usually, where the ministry is expanding, we see the foundation laid years ago before this time of growth. However, it seems that in this day and time we like to measure results and see those as giving credibility to a ministry. Let’s not forget that faithfulness is very important in our evaluations.

In some places it can take years to see a convert, or a bible study started, let alone a church planted. It is hard to report to our churches with seemingly insignificant results. Many are confronted with antagonism, betrayal, persecution, government and religion pressures, along with heartaches and isolation.

With today’s mindset, some might ask if the missionary with few results is cut out for this kind of work. What if they tried doing something different than their current strategy and ways? What if they went to a ripe harvest field? What if that is not what God called them to do? I think this reasoning implies that the problem is not the hard, rocky soil but the sharpness or calling of the worker.

The Bible always gives us the best examples for all areas of life. Wasn’t Isaiah a good prophet? Yet, he saw little to no obvious results – at least by our measurements today. Yes, he was faithful. He obeyed the Lord despite the little response by the people. But he remained faithful to his Lord.

Let’s remember to be faithful and to obey the Lord’s calling – no matter the results. God asks us to be a witness where He puts us — to work the field of souls right where we are. The results are up to Him. Everywhere in the harvest is a tough place. Results may come quicker and in more abundance in some places than others. However, God just wants us to be faithful to Him. Thank you for remaining where you are and doing what God has called you to do. Thank you for your faithfulness!

Your friend,

Jon