The Hope
I, like you, know that being in a leadership position often comes with its share of discouragement. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have heard from many who have been discouraged at one time or another which has prompted me to ask myself, “What are the blessings of discouragement?” The easy answers might include things like humility, dependence, and a realistic understanding of our own selves. But there are some blessings that may be a little more difficult to grasp such as not knowing the future in the same way God sees it, going through ministry changes because of the pandemic, seeing loved co-laborers pass on to heaven and families left behind. That last one makes me ask, “Why them? They were serving the Lord?” My question is not asked in an accusatory way but in a spirit of genuine curiosity. These are not easy times for sure, and I believe there is still a lot more to go through before this pandemic is “over.” That is discouraging! However, at the same time, we know God is still in control and His work must go on – with a greater zeal to stand for Him and shine the Light of Jesus. Our world is very discouraged, but the difference is that they don’t have the hope and answers that we have. May the Lord give us all fruit for our labors and faithfulness to Him as we share that hope with others.
As you remember, we did not have the Missionary Family Reunion again this year. However, we are making plans to have it next year. It will be held in Branson on June 13-17, 2022. If you plan to be in the States at that time, mark your calendar and make plans to attend. We always have a great time together.
Coming up the week of July 19 is our Advanced Mission Training (formerly known as Candidate School). We have 19 who will be going through this valuable training. Please pray for the new missionaries and for all those who will be teaching.
The next edition of our Kidz4Missions curriculum is almost completed. Over the past few years, we have designed curriculum featuring the countries of Africa, Latin America, and soon Europe. We need to get the word out to our churches encouraging them to utilize this resource to promote missions to their kids which features stories and experiences from our own missionaries. You can help us! While on deputation or furlough, we have some promo cards you can request from Jill Wolf, jill@bbfimissions.com. When you are in a church, you can share those cards with the persons who oversee the church’s children’s program. When they place their order and mention your name on the referral portion of the order form, we will deposit $100 into your account for helping us.
Don’t forget Project 938! Pastors and churches from all over the world are signing up. You can register at www.Project938.world. One must be registered in order to receive all the promotional materials and videos as well as materials for the 938 Sunday on October 3, 2021. This is a day set aside to specifically pray for more laborers. Would you agree with me that we need more laborers – even on your field? Take a few minutes to register, if you are interested, and encourage your national pastors to register as well. Again, you must register in order to receive all the resources. As I travel, I have people who tell me, “I’ve taken the 938 Challenge to pray every day for more missionaries!” I can’t wait to see what God will do!
I know I have said this before, but there are still missionaries stranded in the States, unable to return to their country of service. Some countries are experiencing another wave of the virus and they are in lockdown again. Travel is very different for many, and ministries are still making adjustments to these restrictions. Across the world, national pastors have passed away leaving churches without a leader. Or, they have had their wives or family members pass on to heaven. We must remember to keep each other in prayer and take the necessary precautions that we feel comfortable with. This has been overwhelming for so many in multiple ways. Keep your eyes on the Lord and trust in Him!
Your friend,
