Recently, Steve Bender, Associate Mission Director, shared some interesting things about how he came to work and serve through the Mission Office for almost 19 years.

Tell how and when you came to the Mission Office and what your role is here.

After serving as a missionary in Korea for 15 years, God moved my family to Springdale, Arkansas to work at Temple Baptist Church.  After almost two years at TBC, then BBFI mission director Bob Baird approached me about joining the Mission Office staff as an Associate Director.

In August 2000, I accepted the offer and my family moved to Springfield.  I began working with new candidates and helping them through the application process.  After a couple of years, I became the Director of Missionary Care.  My duties today include, Missionary Care, Security, planning and executing the annual Missionary Family Reunion, International Regional Retreats, BBFI Homes worldwide, endorser for all BBFI US Military Chaplains, traveling to preach mission conferences as well as mission Sundays and promote the Mission Office.  Most all of this is done with my wife, Jenell, by my side.

Tell us about your family and their connection with missions.

Jenell and I met at Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College and were married at semester break during our last year.  Neither of us come from ministry families, but felt God’s call upon our lives to take His gospel to Korea as missionaries.  We graduated from PCBBC in May of 1982, served 15 months of internship at my home church of Grayson Bible Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas, then were approved as BBFI missionaries in September 1983.  We completed our deputation in ten months; then on September 17, 1984 we arrived in Korea.

Jenell and I have been married for 37 ½ years and have been blessed with two children. Josh was born during deputation and Sydney was born in Pusan, Korea.  Josh is married to Missy and they have two boys — Jackson, age seven and Jace, two years old.  Sydney our daughter is unmarried.  All our family are Christians, (we are praying for Jackson and Jace to come to trust in Jesus) live in Springfield and attend church.  We are very proud of all of them.

Tell us about the ministry you had as a missionary.

During our time in Korea, we were privileged to help start 4 churches, all of which were pastored from the beginning by Korean men. All of them are still going strong today.  We also oversaw a Bible correspondence course with 5,000 students and helped found Camp Mountain Hope.

What is one thing that few people know about you?

I am more of an open book, so if folks spend much time with me there is not much they would not have the opportunity to know.

What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?

Spending time with my family.  We can be engaged in an outing, an activity or do nothing and I enjoy just being together.  Jenell and I are blessed that our children and grandchildren enjoy being with us.

Our annual vacation to Walt Disney World is always a favorite.

Who has been a personal mentor and how have they influenced you?

Pastor Don Elmore is like a father to me.  He was my pastor when God called me to preach and has been a lifelong example.

What are your personal goals?

Love God, love Jenell and my family, be faithful to all until the last breath of my life.

What do you like most about working in the Mission Office?

Working with great ladies and gentlemen both in the office and worldwide.

You may contact Steve anytime at sbender@bbfimissions.com.