by Jon Konnerup
Since the inception of the BBF, our churches have given to worldwide missions in amazing ways.
1950s………………. $3,694,290
1960s………………. $17,174,191
1970s………………. $65,383,216
1980s………………. $153,367,895
1990s………………. $249,640,333
2000 – 2009…… $385,497,522
2010 – Present… $212,721,636
Grand Total…….. $1,087,479,084
With so many opportunities around the world, this is one of the most exciting, yet challenging, times in the history of BBFI missions. Amid the excitement, we may ask ourselves what the significance is for the incredible changes in our world today. Why has America become the richest country in the history of mankind? Why has international travel escalated at such a frenzied pace? Why is access to worldwide information available instantaneously via the Internet? The reason, I believe, is to prepare the way so that multitudes of souls might be reached with the Gospel before our Lord’s imminent return.
The future of BBFI missions truly rests upon the vision of our churches and their continued, sacrificial giving to missions. Our world’s population explosion necessitates a need for more laborers. Yet, the Lord of the harvest has already offered the solution to our pressing problem. When He saw the multitudes in His day, He said to his disciples in Matthew 9:37-38, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Are we praying for more missionaries?
In 65 years, we have grown to an amazing force of 800 BBFI missionaries. However, with the population predicted to reach over 12 billion in less than eight years, not even an additional 1,000 missionaries will be enough to keep pace. The challenge is: Will we follow their inspiring example and walk through the doors that are opening wide to us? Every church ought to do its best to be a sending church, and I challenge every church to send a missionary within the next five years. As a Fellowship, we must unite around our passion to reach the world and inspire our people to go; then, in turn, support them as they go. How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach? Except they be sent!
Revelation 7:9 reveals a future time when the hosts are gathered in heaven from all nations, peoples, and languages to stand before the throne and before the Lamb. Just imagine — we will be right there in the midst of them witnessing this marvelous sight. God has used the BBFI to impact the world for 65 fruitful and rewarding years. What we have done through God’s blessing has worked, but it is not the end of the story. We need to increase our efforts with the remaining time God has given us.