by Steve Bender
Satan fights against missionaries and their ministries by planting in their minds the question, “Does anyone really care about me?” During these trials it is reassuring to know, “Yes, not only does God care about me, but my sending church, the Mission Office, and thousands of Christians all around the world care about me.”
It is not unusual for a missionary to call the Mission Office saying, “We were just involved in a bad accident and they are saying my spouse may not make it. I need help.” Or, “We were just beaten and robbed at gunpoint. They took all our money, credit cards, and passports. Can you help us?” Or, “My husband was just taken to the ER; he’s having a heart attack. I need help!” Or, “Please pray for my daughter; she’s in the hospital. Her neck was broken in an auto accident. Can you help?”
Webster’s Dictionary defines care as, “suffering of mind; painstaking or watchful attention.” The BBFI Mission Office does not take caring for missionaries and their families lightly, and thankfully we are not alone in this effort. We come alongside God’s chosen means for sending missionaries, the sending church, and pool our resources in caring for their missionaries.
In recent years we have witnessed an increase in assaults, robberies, physical violence, and kidnappings — some in which BBFI missionaries have been the victims. In view of this trend, the Mission Office has taken steps to be as prepared as possible to respond to an emergency involving one of our missionaries.
One of those steps is contracting with an outside professional company to train our office staff to respond in times of crisis and to assist us should the need arise. This involves extensive training for directors and other key personnel to form a Crisis Action Team that will be activated in times of need; capable of operating around the clock. Realizing most sending churches would not be properly trained or equipped to respond most effectively in a serious crisis situation, we endeavor to work in close harmony and unity with them to ensure the safety of their missionaries.
Another step being taken is to provide personal security training for all missionaries. This will increase their awareness and help them know how to respond in an emergency situation.
None of this could be accomplished without the prayer and financial support of the churches of the BBFI. This is why we have instituted the Missionary Care Offering that will enable the Mission Office to continue to care for your missionaries.
Over the next two months you will receive additional information concerning the Missionary Care Offering along with a commitment card. Please pray about having a part in this offering specifically designed to help care for our missionaries. Your participation in the Annual Missionary Care Offering this September is greatly needed.