by Mark Milioni
As the president of Baptist Bible College, I have experienced the “other side” of the phone. While serving as a pastor, I received at least one call every week from a missionary wanting to introduce his ministry to our church. Unfortunately, I had to say no to most of those callers. There was never an easy way to do this. Each time I had to say no was difficult and disappointing.
Now, I am on the other side of the phone. I am the one phoning churches trying to catch a pastor at just the right time in hopes he will answer, “Yes! We would love to give to that!” (A guy can dream, can’t he?)
I understand the difficulties that come with both sides of the phone. The pastor cannot always say yes. For the missionary, it can be a disappointing and disheartening work that requires persistence and commitment. As the president of BBC, I am regularly asked to be part of mission conferences and state meetings. There I connect with missionaries who are traveling and sharing their stories. My heart is always moved by their tireless commitment. Deputation is hard, but it is worth it.
I have learned from many missionaries that their greatest support comes from people they met through BBC. There is so much more to our college than just great classroom instruction. There is a special bond, a heart-to-heart connection, and a “We-are-in-this-together!” family spirit that is very important to who we are as the BBFI.
Missions is still what we do at BBC/Life Change U. We remain committed to preparing students to fulfill the call of God on their lives.