The Mission Office regularly awards missionaries for their faithful service and this past May meeting was no exception.  Three missionary couples were publicly awarded a 30-year pin and 50-year globes for serving in their respective countries for the past several decades.

Ken and Debbie Norris have been BBFI church planting missionaries to the Navajo Nation in the Southwest for the past 30 years.  They have been instrumental in helping establish three Navajo churches under the mentorship of missionaries Dr. Harry Philips, Ted and Tonie Farris, Bob Williams, and Cliff and Elsie Fishgrab. Ken and Debbie have independently planted two additional Navajo churches which continue to thrive under native leadership.

Jim and Mary Blume were approved as missionaries to Papua New Guinea by the BBFI in 1969 where, upon arrival in 1971, they began working with Charles Moseley starting churches around the South Pacific.  Jim has also used the airplane he purchased to transport missionaries and national pastors all over the islands. Through the Bible school there, they have been instrumental in training almost 300 preachers who have gone on to start between 300-400 churches.  Even after 50 years, Jim has no plans other than to just keep going at it.

Robert and Sandra Frazier faithfully served in Venezuela for nine years teaching in a Bible Institute and starting two mission churches until they transitioned to Mexico in 1979.  There they have taught in the Bible Institute, Bob has pastored and they have trained nationals to take over multiple churches through the years. Bob has also served as the Mission Chairman for the Mexico Baptist Bible Fellowship.  After 50 years, Bob and Sandy still continue their ministry in Mexico training nationals.

Other missionaries who will be awarded this year but were unable to attend the May meeting: Timothy and Kim LaLonde (30 years to Canada), Ricky and Tammy Salmon (30 years to Thailand), Oliver and Gloria Williams (50 years to Peru).