[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”yes” center_content=”yes” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

It was great to see a good number of you, as well as some national leaders from Mexico, Costa Rica, Korea and the Philippines, at the May Fellowship Meeting just a few short weeks ago. All the committee meetings we were involved in went well. The missionary candidates did a great job with their interviews and sharing their testimonies. The Missionary Luncheon on Wednesday was filling and refreshing. It is always good to be around missionaries!

On May 18, the Mission Office hosted our 6^th Annual Missionary Care Golf Invitational at Rivercut Golf Course. We had 17 teams out there on the course and numerous sponsors contributed toward the tournament which directly benefits the Missionary Care Offering. This offering helps provide the funds for things like missionary security training, subsidizing the Missionary Reunion, assisting the MK program, help during times of emergency, and hosting regional missionary retreats occasionally around the world. We had a great day!

We are looking forward to our time with all who will be attending the Missionary Reunion coming up in Branson June 11-15. Tim Adrian, our main speaker, and his wife, Pam, will be our guests.  We plan to have a fun time of fellowship together and I know everyone will be recharged by the preaching. If you are in the States, I hope you have signed up.

Beginning Monday, July 16, we host our annual Candidate School. All those approved in May and September this year, along with those who were approved last year, will be in attendance. We cover a wide variety of topics throughout the week. If you would like to sit in on any of the Quarterly Report sessions, security training or others, please contact Rachel to find out the exact times and days those will be taught. Her email address is: Rachel@bbfimissions.com.

One last note before I end this letter. Jacque Burkholder, our Finance Office Administrative Assistant, is planning to retire in August. We are beginning to receive and process resumes and applications for her position. I know, as a missionary, it is hard when changes occur in certain positions because you get used to working with these people and they get to know you well. So, pray that God will bring the right person along to fill this position and for wisdom as we determine who that person is. In a few months, I will remind you of her retirement and inform you of any changes regarding correspondence with the Finance Office personnel as we make this transition.

I have heard it said that happiness is related to circumstances; joy is a gift from God. Some time ago it was common to see bumper stickers proclaiming every conceivable source for happiness. One said, “Happiness is being married.” Another countered, “Happiness is being single.” One cynical sticker read, “Happiness is impossible!” As the word itself implies, happiness is associated with happenings. If circumstances are favorable, people are happy. If not, they’re unhappy. Christian joy, however, is directly connected to God and is the strong confidence that all is well, no matter what circumstances you face.

In Philippians 3:1 Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord.” The Lord is both the source and object of Christian joy. Knowing Him brings joy that rises above earthly circumstances.

We all live in a world corrupted by sin. But our hope is in a living God, not a dying world. He is able to keep us from falling and make us stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy (Jude 24). That is our assurance of future glory and eternal joy! Until that time, let’s not neglect His Word, despise trials, or lose sight of your eternal reward. I know missionaries face so many difficult situations. I am aware of some but many I am not aware of. Thankfully, our Lord is completely aware of them all. Actually, right now I think of those having to leave their kids behind and the emotional burden that can be. That can take away our happiness. However, no matter what comes our way, we can have joy in the Lord.  Isn’t that enough to help keep us going for the Lord – with joy? It works even for missionaries! 🙂

I pray you have a wonderful, fruitful June 2018!!!

Your friend,

Jon Konnerup

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]