There is a well-known quote you have probably heard: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. I would not say ministry never feels like work, but I can say this with confidence: I love what God has called me to do. It is a privilege to encourage and support missionaries as they fulfill His call to reach people with the gospel through Missionary Care.

Missionary Care is far more important than many people realize. It is estimated that 12,000 missionaries leave the field each year, and some estimates are as high as 17,000. That alone is heartbreaking. Even more sobering is the fact that more than 70% leave for what are described as “preventable reasons.” In many cases, additional encouragement, practical support, and timely care could have made a lasting difference. That is the heart behind Missionary Care. We want to help churches come alongside their missionaries during difficult seasons so their families and ministries can remain healthy and strong. The MC Offering makes that ministry possible.

I know many of you already give generously and sacrificially to the MC Offering, and I want to sincerely thank you. Whether you give monthly, annually, or through sponsorship of the annual Missionary Care Invitational, your support helps us care for BBFI missionaries in five meaningful ways:

1. Family crisis on the field
2. Ministry to missionary kids
3. Vital security training
4. Missionary retreats
5. Assist sending churches with their missionaries

Please take a moment to watch our new Missionary Care Video located at https://vimeo.com/1184943376, and consider sharing it with your church. If your church has not yet participated, I hope you will prayerfully consider joining us this year.  If your church has given in the past, would you consider doing so again?  We cannot overstate the importance of Missionary Care. Thank you for partnering with us to strengthen and encourage our BBFI missionaries!

-by Associate Mission Director, Mike Hillhouse