by Jon Konnerup
Around the world, citizens are fleeing their homes and countries bringing about a global refugee crisis. This crisis, with its 45 million refugees, has brought people within our reach who would otherwise elude the crosshairs of our missionary efforts. The need for ministry to refugees, many who have come from countries whose doors are closed to missionary service and the gospel, is overwhelming.
Refugees are an exclusively unique people group. Their situations are unique. Their needs are unique. Creative strategies must be implemented in order to win and disciple them. The BBFI is prepared to reach this people group harvest where they are now.
During the February 2014 National Fellowship Meeting, the National Directors adopted a new classification for missionaries called Displaced People Groups and subsequently approved two families for this ministry. In order to be a Displaced Peoples Missionary, one must be a veteran BBFI missionary who has already served on a foreign field. These missionaries will be specialized, qualified individuals whose focus will be reaching displaced peoples in strategic ways — similar to RAN (Restricted Access Nations) missionaries without the limitation of borders.
Policies and qualifications for Displaced Peoples Missionaries have been set by the pastors on the Mission Committee of the National Directors of the BBFI. Following is an excerpt from the newly approved policies regarding Displaced People Missionaries:
The BBFI missionary must have served a minimum of fifteen years with the BBFI. The missionary must be able to be mobile, without dependents living with them, and willing to move from place to place as the need arises. They will have a designated location on a foreign field and then spend six or more months at a time with displaced peoples as needed. The missionary must have exhibited a positive church planting ministry and leadership training on the previous foreign field of service as well as evidence of the ability to learn and understand a foreign language and culture.
The goal of these missionaries is to introduce the gospel message, lead refugees to a salvation decision, disciple converts in their newfound faith, and teach them the meaning and importance of the church. Refugees will be taught the importance of obedience to Christ using small Bible study groups. Then they will be discipled to put into practice the truths they discover in the Scriptures. They will then be introduced to the meaning of church as an assembly of obedient, baptized believers who are acting on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Christ. The purpose is to rapidly equip refugees to take the gospel message wherever they go, reproducing themselves and starting churches among their own people. Please pray with us as our Fellowship of churches endeavors to reach the refugees of our world.