Brian Garrison, our newest staff member, was kind enough to share some insights into his heart for missions.  Since November 2017, he has served as Associate Mission Director of Finance and Operations.  He and his family served as missionaries in Lima, Peru for 11 years before Brian was impacted by West Nile Virus and Encephalitis which, unfortunately, forced them off the field in July 2012.  Since then, he worked for New York Life Insurance for five years as a Financial Advisor and in Management.  Brian and his wife, Mychelle, have been married for 25 years and they have four children.

Here are a few questions that were asked of Brian:

What is one thing that few people know about you? “I once had lunch with Bill Clinton…not a claim to fame just a fact.”

What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? “Golf.”

Tell us about your family and their connection with missions.  “I grew up in a very mission-minded Baptist church.  I also had the great fortune of marrying into a “missionary” family.  Ken and Carrie Liles have set the bar very high, with five of their six children either currently or having been in full-time ministry.”

Tell us about the ministry you had as a missionary. “We were church planting missionaries, utilizing a Mother Church strategy, which was located in the capital city of Lima. We were privileged to work alongside veteran BBFI missionaries David and Tonya Liles.  Other ministries included teaching in the Seminary, women and children’s ministries, youth camps, discipleship and small groups.”

Who has been a personal mentor and how have they influenced you?  “My father-in-law, Ken Liles.  He is the greatest example I know of just what a godly man looks like.”

What are your personal goals?  “To be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.  Seriously, to love my wife as Christ loved the Church, to have our kids recklessly follow after Christ, and to serve others with a passion.  I also desire to write a book someday about our personal journey.”

What do you like most about working in the Mission Office?  “The daily contact I get with our missionaries.  It energizes me to be able to solve their problems and get them the answers they seek!  I also get to work with some incredible people in the Mission Office.”

If you would like to contact Brian, you may do so at bgarrison@bbfimissions.com.