It is with great pleasure we introduce to you our newest staff member, Associate Director – Mike Hillhouse. Mike shared with us his heart for missions and how God has long directed his life towards going to the ends of the earth to further the gospel.

Tell how and when you came to the Mission Office and what your role is.

I’ve always loved and appreciated the Mission Office.  Honestly, this incredible opportunity wasn’t even on my radar.  I received a phone call back in late July from Bro. Jon, asking me to pray about assuming Bro. Steve Bender’s position and serving our missionaries.   After weeks of praying and several interviews, the Lord led us here.  I officially started on January 6, 2026.  My main area of responsibility is Missionary Care.

Tell us about your family and your connection to missions.

My parents are wonderful Chistian people.  I tell people that I hit the jackpot by being their son.  They brought me up in church,  and both of them have a huge love and heart for missions.  We would constantly have missionaries in our home as a kid.  I remember telling my folks that the Lord had called me to be a missionary shortly after returning home from Missouri Welding Institute.  My plan had always been to go into the family business, so I was a little hesitant sharing this news.  They were both thrilled and said that they had the inclination that the Lord was calling me to be a missionary for some time.

What favorite memory do you have growing up?

I had a great childhood, so there are a lot of good memories.  If I had to choose, it would be going snow skiing in Colorado.  We used to load up with a bunch of our church friends and head to Granby every year.  An added bonus is that it got me out of school for a week.

What did you do before coming to work at the Mission Office?

I served as a BBFI Missionary to the field of Burkina Faso from May 2004 until January 2021.  For those who aren’t familiar with Burkina, terrorism has become an issue.  In 2019, the Peace Corps left, as well as the Embassy’s non-essential personnel at the end of that year.  That’s when my sending church, in conjunction with the Mission Office, asked us to return to the States for a short furlough until things settled down.  Through a series of circumstances, God led us to resign as missionaries and take a part-time job as missions Pastor at my home church, Aurora Baptist Temple.  During the week, I worked for the family’s construction business. 

Describe a valuable lesson in life you have learned thus far.

It’s good to have plans and goals…both short-term and long-term.  As one of my favorite professors (Dr. Sewell) used to say, “Aim for nothing, and hit it every time.”  That said, our Sovereign Lord is in charge of our life.  If He decides to change those plans, BE OBEDIENT.

Outside the Bible, do you have a favorite book?

What I find myself reading more than anything is the MacArthur Bible Commentary.   For those who argue that it’s not a book per say, I would have to go with “One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven” by Mark Cahill.

What indoor/outdoor activities bring you the most enjoyment?

It has shifted over the years as I’ve aged.  It used to be snow skiing and basketball…although I was never very good at either.  Now that I’m older, I enjoy riding four-wheelers and playing cornhole.  Family card/board games would be up there as well.   

Who, as a mentor, has made an impact on your life? And how so?

I served my internship at Edgewood Baptist Church in Rock Island, IL.  I’m eternally grateful for Pastor Mel Brown, Pastor Tim Green and Pastor Ed Kuriscak who played a huge role in investing in my life.  They were true mentors who taught me so much about life and ministry.  It wasn’t just a “ministry position” at the church, all three spent countless hours discipling and training me for future ministry. Their fingerprints would be all over the churches that the Lord allowed us to start in Burkina Faso. 

However, the person who has had the biggest impact in my life and helped to mold me into the man I am today, is my dad.  I think of Paul’s words, follow me as I follow Christ.  I’ve watched him in his Christian life, and it has influenced my life and character over the years.  I’m very blessed to have had an earthly father who made a conscious effort to point me towards my heavenly Father. 

If you would like to send a word of greeting to Mike, you may do so at mhillhouse@bbfimissions.com.