Advanced Missionary Training (AMT) is one of the most intense and impactful weeks of the year for both our missionaries and the Mission Office staff. Designed to prepare our new missionaries for the road ahead, AMT also provides a valuable opportunity for them to meet the team who will be serving and supporting them and their ministries.

This year’s AMT marked a milestone; it was the first time we fully integrated our World Initiative Network (WIN) training into AMT. The result was a three-track schedule for our BBFI Year 1, BBFI Year 2 and WIN missionaries; which gave participants the opportunity to connect and encourage one another.

Throughout the week, missionaries participated in sessions covering a wide range of essential topics including:

• Financial reporting and accountability
• Supporting pastors’ expectations
• Effective deputation strategies
• Transition to life on the field
• Cross-cultural adaptation and ministry

The week concluded with a vital security training course for our Year 1 and WIN missionaries, equipping them with the awareness and tools needed to navigate the risks of missionary life with wisdom and confidence.

New Facilities, Greater Impact

This year also brought some exciting logistical upgrades. For the first time, we utilized the newly completed Event Center and short-term apartments. With five one-bedroom apartments now available, we were able to offer lodging to the attending missionaries onsite, making the week smoother and more restful for them. The Event Center’s modern design provided an ideal space for hosting training sessions, meals and times of fellowship.

Here’s what some of this year’s attendees said about the benefits of AMT.

As a single woman, I also really appreciated the security training. We did some security training with [a previous organization], but the AMT security training was much more in depth, which I appreciated.

The quarterly report session was very helpful to me because it was a good preview of how to do detailed reports for what money I will use. Furthermore, the deputation session was very beneficial because it gave me an idea of what pastors expect when you are communicating with them. Lastly, the media session was very beneficial because it walked me through how to put together good promotional and media tools in the quickest time possible.

I love that we had a lot of fellow missionaries on zoom, on video or in person talking to us about their experiences. We get to see that we’re not alone in this. People have done it before us, after us and at the same time as us, doing the exact same thing that we’re doing. It’s helpful to glean from their experiences.

We finished the training with the new WIN missionaries accepted. You can learn more about our newest WIN missionaries here. Please join us in praying for these missionaries as they raise both prayer and financial support to fulfill God’s calling on their lives.

If you’re interested in scheduling one of these new missionaries to visit your church, reach out to us at (417) 862-5001 or info@bbfimissions.com.

-by Chad Braymer, BBFI Associate Mission Director