Advanced Mission Training (AMT) is always a special week of preparation, growth, and fellowship for our missionaries. While the primary focus is equipping missionaries for life on deputation and preparing them for the realities of arriving on the field, the relationships built throughout the week are one of the highlights of AMT.

This year’s training included missionaries in both their first- and second-year tracks, along with missionaries returning for a refresher on important topics. We were also glad to welcome missionaries who have been reinstated and one missionary who has transitioned from the World Initiative Network (WIN) to the BBFI career missionary path.

Throughout the week, missionaries received practical instruction on many topics, including financial reporting and accountability, understanding what churches expect from missionaries, cross-cultural adaptability, linguistics, raising a family on the field, and much more. Each session was designed to provide missionaries with practical information and biblical principles they can use as they prepare for ministry and life in a new culture.

The week concluded with security training designed to equip missionaries with greater awareness and practical tools for navigating the risks that can come with missionary life. This year’s training included a live carjacking scenario, giving missionaries an opportunity to learn how to assess a dangerous situation and respond wisely under pressure.

AMT was held on the Mission Office campus, allowing missionaries to train, fellowship, and stay together throughout the week. The Event Center provided an ideal space for classroom instruction, while the short-term apartments provided convenient lodging for those attending.

Although the classroom instruction is an important part of AMT, some of the most meaningful moments happen between sessions; sharing meals, talking with Mission Office staff, asking questions of veteran missionaries, and encouraging one another.

We are grateful for every missionary who invested the time to participate in AMT and for the instructors and veteran missionaries who shared their experience and wisdom.

Here’s what some of our missionaries had to say about their AMT experience:

“The medical plan session gave us a better understanding of what benefits are available to us and how to process the claim forms.“

“I greatly appreciate everyone’s investment in us during the training. It was so nice to be able to have time with everyone from the office over lunch each day and the game night. Keep doing what you are doing! It’s needed and appreciated!“

“I loved my sessions with Pam Konnerup and Mychelle Garrison as well as the panel during the Raising MKs session. I love how I was able to hear from the perspective of the female missionaries.“

“Meals were great, being in apartments was great and everyone was most helpful. The Fort Sherman Academy (security training) was intense but great. Very eye opening.“

“The insurance session was very informative and helped set us at ease. The sessions on family and deputation were a big encouragement to us.“

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