by Dr. Bob Green, Deputation/Recruitment Director

Candidate School is, without a doubt, one of the busiest but most exciting times of the year at BIMI’s World Missions Center. This year’s School, held May 30 – June 6, was no exception.

The BIMI Board of Trustees, made up of pastors and mission leaders, approved twenty-four new missionaries (nine couples and six single men and women) to serve on ten fields: Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, England, Cambodia, El Salvador, Paraguay, Bolivia, Italy and the USA. One couple was approved as associate missionaries with the CLAIM ministry. The eleven candidates approved in December of 2002 returned for the completion of the First Year Phase of Candidate School, making a total of 39 first year candidates.

Candidate School consists of two phases over a period of two years. The two phases function concurrently. During the same one week period there are classes or sessions for the newest candidates and other classes for those that already have completed approximately one year of deputation. The first year folk receive instruction that prepares them to begin their deputation. They study the policies, functions and services of the mission agency. During the classes they are made aware of the many helps that BIMI provides to the missionary and the sending churches. A few of the topics discussed were slide and video presentations, displays, prayer cards and literature for information packets, the do’s and don’ts of deputation, how and where to obtain contacts for scheduling meetings, how to organize their deputation ministry as well as how to present themselves and their passion for their field of service.

The twenty-seven Second Year candidates are, hopefully, only a few months away from being ready to depart for their fields. The topics taught are geared to help them prepare for their departure and arrival on the field. They are instructed concerning language study, cultural adaptation, application for visas, the educational options for their children, packing, shipping, difficulties, the avoidance and solution of church problems on their fields, etc. The men and women teaching these courses are mature, experienced servants of God that have, for the most part, walked the path of missionary service. Nothing can take the place of lessons taught by men and women who have gained valuable years of experience while serving on the field.

The schedule of Candidate School is demanding and it is easy to grow weary physically, but the testimony of most of the candidates at the end of the week is that the materials presented were invaluable and that they were spiritually refreshed by the experience. It is a blessing to be with the candidates and to see their desire to serve the Lord and to observe their wonderful Christ honoring spirit. We are grateful to God for having sent these men and women to join the ranks of the 1000 plus BIMI missionaries serving around the world.