Imagine this: your missionary has surrendered to go to a foreign field – their family is packed, their support is raised, they’ve got snacks for the flights, a new apartment waiting for them, passports are in hand…everything is set. As they get ready to leave, they receive word that they won’t be able to stay in their new country because the government needs verification that all their funds will be coming from their home country instead of their host country. Their final flight leaves in two hours and they are panicking. How can they prove that in such a short period of time? THEY KNOW all their money is being processed stateside. THEY KNOW their family won’t be a drain on the local economy, they’re going there to teach the gospel and have the support of churches who believe in them.

Suddenly they feel exhausted, their four-year-old is asking, “Are we there yet?”, every three minutes, and mom is looking at dad, waiting for him to save the day. They are unsure what to do so he picks up the phone and calls the Mission Office (which is obviously on speed dial). His call is directed to the Finance Office where your missionary explains the situation. Thankfully, there is a simple fix! All they needed was a letter to the new government, signed by a director and officially notarized – and this can be taken care of quickly and efficiently. With a renewed sense of purpose, he can now tell his four-year-old how close they are, hug his spouse and reassure her that he did, in fact, save the day.  It suddenly doesn’t matter that they are finishing up a 16-hour layover, or that he stepped on gum in the last terminal. They are fulfilling their God-given purpose.

Any missionaries who have ever found themselves in that position, know the stress it can cause. They’ve received notice that they have been selected for jury duty, and they won’t be in the country to serve. Their visas are about to expire, and they need proof they are still affiliated with the BBFI. Or maybe they need an income verification for a large purchase. All these things, and more, can be taken care of by a quick phone call or email to the BBFI Finance Office. We will send it on our letterhead,  signed by a director and notarized (if needed) all at no cost to them. If one of your missionaries ever need anything like this, please email Ashley Cress – ashley@bbfimissions.com.