Reflections
August 2025 marked a special milestone for Jenell and I as we celebrated 25 years of service at the BBFI Mission Office, including 15 years as missionaries in South Korea and 3 years in pastoral ministry here in the U.S. for a total of 43 years in full-time ministry.
We are grateful for every season God has allowed us to serve.
Over the years, my work in Missionary Care, Missionary Security, and as Endorser for BBFI Military Chaplains has given us the privilege of walking closely with missionaries.
However, through those decades one reality has become clearer than ever: our missionaries are hurting — and many are hurting in silence.
Repeatedly, we’ve seen the pressures they carry — spiritual, emotional, and mental — often while feeling isolated, unseen, lonely and discouraged.
God has now made it clear: our next season of ministry is to step away from the Mission Office and step closer into their world — to simply be present.
After much prayer, we have decided to retire from the BBFI Mission Office effective December 10 of this year.
On September 17, during the BBFI National Meeting at Central Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, we were reinstated as BBFI missionaries under the Support Team Endorsement Personnel (STEP) designation. Graceway Baptist Church in Springfield Missouri, pastor Bob Stephenson graciously agreed to be our Sending Church.
Our new mission is simple but deeply needed: to be a Ministry of Presence for missionaries around the world. We want to rejoice in their ministries, sit at their tables, pray in their living rooms while offering a caring heart and listening ear when they need it most. We’ve seen how powerful it is when someone shows up in person — families are encouraged, walls come down, hearts open, tears are shed and strength is renewed.
To answer God’s calling, we are once again stepping out by faith — trusting God to provide through churches and individuals who believe in caring for those on the frontlines.
Our prayer is that God will supply full support by December 31, 2026, so we can begin ministering face-to-face without delay.
To accomplish this mission, may we humbly ask: will you prayerfully consider partnering with us in three meaningful ways?
- Begin immediate financial support through the BBFI Mission Office. THIS LINK takes you there.
- Pray earnestly for us as we continue full time missionary care with a Ministry of Presence.
- Share this ministry with others who value missionary care.
We are glad to visit churches and share this ministry personally, but given the urgency, we would be honored if you would begin support without us visiting your church.
The harvest is great, the laborers are faithful, but some are weary. They don’t need a program — they need presence.
If you would like to connect directly, here is my number: Steve – 417-840-9732.
Support may be mailed to the BBFI Mission Office or given online at: www.BBFIMissions.com
With love and deep gratitude,
