I will attempt to answer that question in this article. I believe that we would agree there are many obstacles we encounter in our efforts to reach this world with the Gospel. The greatest problem we face is not finances, although that is a growing problem. Neither is it the opposition of godless societies and governments.
The greatest problem we face is the same as it has always been...a shortage of laborers. Jesus stated this truth when He said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” Matthew 9:36–37.
Even though we have been given a clear mandate from our Lord, there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm in many churches toward fulfilling this responsibility to send their own to the mission field. Why is this so? Is it because we lack the knowledge or training on how to get the job done? Are some frustrated by a lack of experience, time, and a clear–cut process to get potential prospects to the harvest field? Are others disturbed by the “fallout rate” of those in the past?
Over the last fifteen years, God has raised up what I believe to be a very effective tool to help fill these gaps and answer these questions. This enables pastors to be more effective in helping their young people fulfill God’s call on their lives. CAMP BIMI was started to help those who are sixteen and older, single or married, to investigate where they might fit in God’s plan of reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What is CAMP BIMI? ’ It is a place of spiritual inspiration and challenge as to an individual’s personal involvement in world missions. It is a place of practical explanation with sessions that are taught by veteran missionaries. It is an opportunity for individuals to personally interact with missionaries who can help them discern God’s will for their lives. Those that come to CAMP BIMI convinced that God wants them on the mission field will gain information about how they can take the necessary next steps to get to the mission field. If they come open to God’s call to the mission field and are willing to go, it is a time to help them work toward settling the will of God in their hearts.
CAMP BIMI is intense missionary training. The participants are taught by veteran missionaries, giving the students the tremendous opportunity of one–on–one interaction with those who have a wealth of life experience in missionary work. Small group sessions provide opportunities to ask personal questions concerning missionary life.
Participants also experience practical projects, like creating a mission display and preparing a media presentation. They are taught practical classes on deputation and cultural adaptation. The goal of this ministry is to help reduce the missionary dropout rate by honest exposure to “real life” experiences of those living and ministering on a foreign field.
Let me share with you a few statistics that I think you will find very encouraging:
• 672 young people have attended CAMP BIMI from 1993 through 2008.
• 112 have taken the next step of going on a SMART trip.
• 112 are currently serving the Lord on the mission field or are on full–time deputation to go to the mission field. That means that 17% of those who attended CAMP BIMI are currently involved in missionary work.
• 152 are in full–time Christian service. They are serving as pastors, pastor’s wives, Christian school teachers, assistant pastors, etc. In some way, they are employed in a full–time capacity in a local church ministry. Even though the Lord may not have called them to serve Him on some foreign mission field, they were influenced and impacted by the experiences of CAMP BIMI. To have those serving on your staff that have a heart for God’s Great Commission would be a blessing to any pastor.
• 199 are potentially still on the path to missions and ministry’as full time students, the majority of them attending Christian Bible colleges or universities.
• 209 are lay men and women in local churches, who certainly have a greater concern for missions because of their experience at CAMP BIMI.
As a pastor who has had the privilege of sending nearly a dozen young men and women to attend CAMP BIMI, with some of those going on the SMART trips, I am a firm believer in this ministry. I am convinced it has helped our young people and couples discern God’s will and take the next step toward fulfilling His will for their lives. They have found where they “fit” in God’s great plan of service. Five of them are presently serving on the mission field, two have raised their support and are in language school preparing to leave for the mission field, two are teaching in Christian Schools, and one is in Bible College with a continuing desire to serve the Lord in missions.
I whole–heartedly recommend the ministry of CAMP BIMI and SMART trips. I believe the burden that God has placed on the hearts of Gerry and Diane Baughman for this ministry has already borne tremendous fruit in encouraging laborers to enter the harvest fields of the world. Even more, I am convinced that the greatest days of helping local churches encourage their young people to consider missionary service are yet to come!
