Back to main magazine page now!! Volume 45, Number 1 How can you know the will of God? …that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2) It is certain from Romans 12:2 that God has a perfect will for every believer. But how can we know what that will is? That same verse declares that we can “prove or know” the will of God. God has a place—not every place—not just any place…but a place for us to be and to serve. It has been said that “There is not any place like this place, anywhere near this place so this must be… the place.” What is NOT the call of God? 1. The Need is not the call. Every country on earth has a need. 2. The Opportunity is not the call. There is plenty of opportunity and many open doors. 3. The Ability is not the call. 4. The Invitation is not the call. The need of the whole world cries out for light. 5. The Desire is not the call. All of the above are factors and some or all of these things combine together to bring us to the point of decision. These factors weigh heavily on our hearts and the burden grows until one day we come to a decision—a conclusion—that God is leading us to do a work in a place. 2 BIMI WORLD BAPTIST INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS, INC., was founded in 1960 as an independent Baptist faith mission. BIMI is a fundamental mission agency, true to the Word of God in doctrine and method. The purpose of BIMI is to assist fundamental Baptist churches in fulfilling our Lord's command to evangelize the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our objectives are to establish indigenous Baptist churches and train national pastors and leaders. There are over 1,000 missionaries with BIMI working in more than 80 countries of the world. Dr. James Ray President/General Director OFFICERS: Dr. James Ray, President; Dr. Ray Thompson, Vice President; Mr. James Butler, Corporate Secretary; Dr. Al Goss, Treasurer BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Dr. Louis Baldwin, Chairman Dr. Gregory Baker, Vice-Chairman Dr. Jeff Amsbaugh, Dr. David Atkinson, Dr. Max Barton, Dr. Paul Chappell, Rev. T. Michael Creed, Dr. Mike Edwards, Dr. Steve Euler, Dr. J. R. Faulkner, Dr. Don Forrester, Dr. John Godfrey, Dr. C.O. Grinstead, Dr. Rodney Kelley, Dr. Tom Messer, Dr. Mike Norris, Dr. David Pittman, Mr. John Ramsey, Dr. James P. Rushing Jr., Dr. Clarence Sexton, Dr. Don Sisk, Rev. Rusty Smith, Dr. Jim Townsley, Dr. Robert Wall, Dr. Tom Wallace, Dr. Scott Wendal ADMINISTRATION / FIELD DIRECTORS: Dr. James Ray, General Director; Dr. Ray Thompson, Executive Director; Mr. James Butler, International Office Director; Mr. John Ramsey, Comptroller; Mr. Doug Cunningham, Business Manager; Dr. Jeff Alverson, Assistant Military; Dr. John Bailes, USA; Dr. Gerry Baughman, CAMP BIMI*SMART; Rev. Roger Blevins, South America; Rev. Eric Bohman, Assistant Africa; Dr. Ron Bragg, Africa; Rev. Alan Brooks, Assistant Southeast Asia; Dr. Pat Creed, Caribbean; Dr. Bob Dayton, Assistant Central America; Dr. J.B. Godfrey, Far East; Dr. Bob Green, Candidate and Deputation; Rev. William Griffin, Enrichment; Rev. Ed Hembree, Assistant Europe; Rev. Brant Holladay, Europe; Rev. Terry Jones, Central America; Dr. James Kennard, Military; Rev. Robert Larson, Assistant USA; Dr. Jim Lilley, Estate Planning; Dr. Robert Meyer, Southeast Asia; Dr. Jimmy Rose, Brazil; Dr. Don Sisk, General Director Emeritus; Rev. David Snyder, Far North; Rev. Gary Sprunger, Assistant Caribbean; Rev. Robert Van Sant, Assistant CAMP BIMI; Rev. Carl Vonnoh, CLAIM REPRESENTATIVES: Dr. Roy Ackerle, Rev. Gailen AbbettDr. Les Frazier, Dr. Ed Gibson, Dr. John Halsey, Dr. Robert Johnson, Rev. Mark Logan, Rev. Michael McCombie, Dr. Jerry Reece, Dr. Reggie Rempel, Rev. Clayton Revels, Dr. Clayton Shumpert STAFF: Mr. Don Arnold, Audio Visuals; Rev. David Carney, Administration Assistant/Public Relations Coordinator; Rev. Ken Catoe, Printing Services; Rev. Alan Robinson, Missionary Services Coordinator; Mr. Kevin Wnuk, Computer Services BIMI World: Dr. James Ray, Executive Editor; Rev. David Carney, Editor; Rev. Ken Catoe, Production Editor; Mr. Don Arnold, Production Photographer; Mr. Jonathan Bergen, Designer Official Publication of Baptist International Missions, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9215 - Chattanooga, TN 37412 Shipping Address: 8614 Harrison Bay Road - Harrison, TN 37341 Francis Dixon, my English friend and fellow minister, defined the call and will of God in these words: “The call of God is that deep inward conviction accompanied by peace in the heart and confirmed by the Word of God that God would have us do a certain work in a certain place.” Isaiah put it this way, And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21) . It was in 1840 that David Livingstone heard missionary Robert Moffat say, “In the north I have sometimes seen, in the morning sun, the smoke of a thousand villages, where no missionary has ever been.” That seemed to have been the deciding moment when David Livingstone set his heart on Africa. On the other hand, perhaps that moment might have served as the platform on which the need, the desire, the opportunity, the ability, the invitation would bring conclusion to the call. Phone: (423) 344-5050 Fax: (423) 344-4774 E-Mail: Info@bimi.org Website: http://www.bimi.org BIMI Canada: P.O. Box 242 - St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0 (519) 664-3242 BIMI WORLD 3 Sometimes the call is clear, crisp and sudden. Usually, however, God uses building blocks to bring us to that fantastic point of certainty when we hear the Holy Spirit say, “This is the way…walk in it.” Some years ago on my first trip to London, I visited Westminster Abbey. In the center of the Cathedral, buried beneath the stone floor, lies the body of David Livingstone. It seemed impossible to me that I could actually be so near a man like that. Just inches away…just beneath my feet was the body of a man that was described by Florence Nightingale in these words: “God has taken away the greatest man of our generation, for Dr. Livingstone stood alone.” Dr. Livingstone did stand alone. He literally opened up dark Africa for other missionaries. He plodded more than 29,000 miles through Africa and everywhere he went, he left his mark. He administered medicine (he was a medical doctor) and he gave out the message of Jesus Christ. David Livingstone spent his life exploring the Dark Continent, plodding deep into the interior where no white man had ever been and even crossing the continent. His goal was to open up the continent for the Gospel of Christ. Livingstone saw much of death during his life. He witnessed the murder of hundreds of Africans by the slave traders. The trail through Africa was a trail of tears, sickness, and many times despair, but still he plodded on, driven by the will of God to open up Africa for the Gospel. Standing in the Abbey, gazing down at the inscription on his grave, I thought of all that he went through in Africa. I thought of his wife dying there and his hardships. She had been in Scotland for 4 BIMI WORLD a year with the children. A set time had been arranged for her to return to Africa to be with David. In great loneliness for her husband, she pleaded with him to allow her to come early. After only three months of being back in Africa, Mary Livingstone became very ill and then she died. Livingstone later wrote: “I loved Mary when we married and the longer I lived with her, the more I loved her.” Then he added these words in his journal, “I am left alone in the world–Mary, Mary, I feel like I could die.” Leaving Mary's grave, David Livingstone plodded on exploring for Christ. It was May 1, 1873, when he died in a distant village at Ilala in Zambia. In the early hours of the morning his two servants, Chuma and Susi, entered his tent, found him on his knees–but lifeless. They buried his heart on the spot, and transported his body over a thousand miles to the coast. That body was returned to Britain for burial in Westminster Abbey. That day in the Abbey, one question loomed in my mind: “Why?” Why would a man go through all of that? What could possibly motivate a life of suffering like that? What could generate such COURAGE? Several years later I found the answer to that question in Scotland. I was visiting the homeplace of Livingstone. I saw the bed he slept in as a boy. I looked at the tools he worked with in a nearby mill from early morning until after dark. I read the actual letters that he had written. Then I saw it—his motto as a young man—the theme of his life. As a young man Livingstone had picked up a pen and had written, “I will place no value on anything that I have or possess except as it relates to the kingdom of Christ.” Here was the answer to my question at Westminster Abbey. This was the reason he had gone so far and had done so much. It was his personal estimation of Jesus. “I will place no value on ANYTHING I have…except as it relates to the Kingdom of Christ.” His commitment to the will of God had led him from Scotland to Africa…to Westminster Abbey. n And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (I John 2:17) It is our desire that God use this issue to cause many to consider the call. On the following pages, you will witness a vast world of opportunities and needs. Who knows how God might use these facts to call workers to the nations? Regardless, this is our prayer for you—that you would identify and pursue the will of God with all of your heart. BIMI WORLD 5 Many years have passed since my wife and I began our first term of service in Europe. We arrived in Southampton, England, on May 1, 1964, aboard the Cunard vessel, Franconia. Just nineteen years after the end of World War II, we had sailed through the choppy seas and icebergs of the North Atlantic for more than a week to reach our mission field. Now, looking back after several decades, we are blessed by what we see, so to speak, in the rear view mirror. Though it is accurate that many Europeans have grown apathetic towards religion, it is also true that God is still at work in the countries of Europe. Sometimes, however, we do not see the results of our labors until time has passed. A few years ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend a weekend preaching for Pastor Peter Hughes, a longtime friend then serving in Llandrindod Wells, along the English-Welsh border. We arrived on Saturday for an Afternoon Tea, followed by the first service. Pastor Hughes had warned me that I was in for a big surprise. We followed a convoy of vehicles to a rather large farm in the Welsh countryside. Behind the main residence was a corrugated steel shed that had been cleared out to make room for wooden tables and chairs that would seat perhaps 60 guests. The ladies had already assembled large pots of tea and rows of cakes and biscuits of assorted sizes and shapes. While we were waiting to begin, Peter introduced to me my old acquaintance, Charlie Evans. Charlie was the local blacksmith near Builth Wells, whom I had not seen for 35 years. He 6 BIMI WORLD Charlie Evans was in his 90's and still preaching the old time Gospel as a layman in that area of rural Wales. What a welcome we received! But the biggest surprise was still ahead. The owner of the farm, Graham Morris, was a man in his early 40's. He stood up to speak behind a makeshift pulpit in that metal shed with straw on the floor. To my complete surprise, he revealed that he had Graham Morris met me 28 years earlier, when he was but a lad of 12. As a youngster, he had attended a certain Good Friday service at the local Baptist chapel where I had been invited to speak. In his Bible, he still carried the outline of the message that I had preached on that day, nearly three decades before. As Graham spoke, he shared the story of his salvation. He said that as he was walking out of the little chapel that day, I had asked him if he had ever given his heart to Jesus. The question followed him home. That very afternoon beside his bed, Graham Morris became a Christian. He was now a faithful deacon in the church, leading his family to follow Christ. It took me nearly 30 years to learn the rest of his story. Although I look back upon Graham's testimony with much joy, it also causes a moment of serious reflection. More than 800 million souls live in Europe. The years are passing, the hours are fleeting. Who will reach the “Grahams” of Europe for Jesus Christ? Will you? n To learn more about missionary opportunities in Europe, contact: Brant Holladay Europe Director 423-344-5050 (ext. 2403) bholladaybimi@yahoo.com BIMI WORLD 7 The Far North is a land of breathtaking beauty and stark contrasts. Perhaps nothing illustrates these contrasts better than the weather, with temperatures ranging from +100° to -80°. Lifestyles also vary greatly from the subsistance living in tiny villages to the technologically advanced living in megacities. The one constant, from a missionary mindset, is the great need for Christian workers. There is no way to calculate how many missionaries it would take to evangelize the towns, villages and cities of the Far North. Nearly 34 million souls live in Alaska, Canada and Greenland, scattered across the vast landscape. Many of these have never heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. The spiritual and physical climate of the Far North is challenging, but the potential of what God can do through a called and surrendered missionary is unlimited. Would you pray about your role in getting the Gospel to the Far North? Alaska The population of Alaska is more than 670,000 souls. “The Land of the Midnight Sun” is in desperate need of the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ! The handful of BIMI missionaries serving in Alaska are in need of reinforcements. What about you? Canada Divided into ten provinces and three territories, Canada is the second largest country in the world, with an area of almost four million square miles. Canada is extremely multicultural and takes pride in the many different ethnic groups represented within its borders. Our missionary families serving in the larger cities of Canada have found the whole world at their doorstep. Opportunities abound for workers in this exciting mission field. Greenland Greenland is more than three times the size of Texas, with a population of less than 60,000. There are only 80 inhabitable places on the island, with about one-fourth of the population living in the capital city of Nuuk. Independent Baptists have been virtually non-existent in this mission field. Would God use you to blaze new roads for the gospel in the arctic terrain of Greenland? 8 BIMI WORLD To request a free interactive CD or DVD about the opportunities for Far North missions, contact: David Snyder Far North Director 423-344-5050 (ext. 2413) farnorth@bimi.org. BIMI WORLD 9 Far East ministries cover a large and diverse region of the world. Countries range from the largest (China, with 1.33 billion people) to one of the smallest islands in the northern Pacific (Tinian, with a population of 3,500). This area is a part of the 10/40 Window—home to most of the world's unreached people groups. The diversity of the region is so vast that it nearly prohibits description. Consider a few examples. The Far East is home to: • Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia—the world's coldest capital city • The Philippines—with some of the warmest temperatures in the world • The vast, sparsely populated plains of Mongolia • The huge metropolitan areas of Beijing, Tokyo, and Manila • Every major religious group—Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Taoism, Animism, Islam, Catholicism, and Atheism • The poorest nations in the world • The wealthiest nations of the world • Gospel-resistant nations • Gospel-receptive nations Since BIMI started its work in the Far East in the early 1960s, God has blessed the missionar- ies and their outreach with great fruit. Countless thousands have been saved. Nearly one thousand churches have been started. Scores of Bible colleges have been started. Numerous national workers have been trained in these churches and Bible colleges. National missionaries have been sent to the ends of the earth from various countries of the Far East, especially Japan and Philippines. God has moved in a mighty way among the cultures and countries of the Far East. However, the needs in the Far East are still immense. Consider: • The Christian population of Japan is less than 1%. • Scores of cities with massive populations have little or no Gospel witness. • The Philippine Islands are open to the Gospel, yet entire regions remain untouched. • Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mongolia have only one BIMI missionary family at work— they need others to help them. • The Micronesian Islands and Hawaii have only two BIMI families in each, and millions of souls to reach. • Missionaries are getting older. • Populations are growing. • Someone else must go…why not you! 10 BIMI WORLD To talk about the possibilities for ministry in the Far East, contact: Dr. J. B. Godfrey Far East Director 864-457-2047 fareast@bimi.org BIMI WORLD 11 Several years ago I had an experience that reminded me of the value of aviation as a tool for soul winning and church planting. I had just preached in a church in San Miguel, El Salvador. A young boy approached me and asked, “Do you know who I am?” Taken by surprise, I admitted that I did not recognize him. “I am Carlitos. You flew me and my mother to San Salvador so I could be born in the hospital there. Mother has told me many times that the doctors said we would not have survived the three and one-half hour trip by car over the rough mountain roads.” He continued, “Hermano Roberto, thank you for helping save our lives by making that thirty minute flight in your plane. I also want you to know that I have been saved. I have accepted Christ as my Saviour. Thank you for starting this church so we could hear the preaching of the Gospel.” I was thrilled to hear his testimony. In that moment I was grateful to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for having allowed me to use aviation in our ministry as church planters. The Cessna 206 had been an important means to serve the needs of the Salvadorian people both spiritually and physically. Missionary aviation, though demanding special skills, continues to be a great tool for evangelism and church planting in very remote areas of the world. Missionaries are able to save great amounts of time and human resources using aviation. In addition, aviation serves many humanitarian purposes and has been used of the Lord to unlock the hearts of native people to the soul-saving Gospel of Christ. We are praying the Lord will send additional missionaries with aviation skills to join Randy Alderman, Jeremy Benbrooks and Richard Badgett, men who are missionaries and also pilots, to carry the Gospel to places in Canada and Alaska, as well as Africa and South America, and to the uttermost. n If you are interested please contact: Dr. Bob C. Green Aviation Director 423-344-5050 (ext. 2414) Bgreen@bimi.org 12 BIMI WORLD Are you one of countless people wondering about God's calling and missions? Filled with sincere and relevant questions, where do you get straight-forward answers? Look no further! Almost 700 have walked through our doors to find where their puzzle piece fits. David McClain, VA: Besides my salvation and marriage, CAMP BIMI has had the single greatest impact on my life. Terry Sharp, Canary Islands: The Staff of CAMP BIMI offers 450 combined years of practical missions experience! It is an invaluable event for anyone considering missions. Don Thatcher, Ireland: See beyond the romance of missions to the reality with the help of a dedicated and concerned missionary staff who want you to find God's best for you. Pastor Robert Wall, MI: We have had several young families, as well as college and high school students, participate in a week of CAMP BIMI or a SMART trip. In my estimation, it is one of the greatest tools the Lord has given us to help people move from considering serving the Lord on the mission field to committing to do just that. Dr. Greg Baker, Canada: Everything about CAMP BIMI compliments what we are trying to do at FaithWay Baptist Church and College of Canada concerning the next generation and world evangelism. For an APPLICATION contact: Dr. Gerry Baughman campbimi@comcast.net 423.855.9357 * 423.344.5050 * 423.322.3790 www.bimi.org /campBimi/cbInfo.php BIMI WORLD 13 I n the mid 1400's Christopher Columbus discovered what was then called the “New World”. Six centuries later, approximately 50 million people live on this renowned strand of islands that we call the Caribbean. Although most of these islands are now independent governments, their languages reveal the history of the nations that once ruled them. Spanish, English and French are a few of the more common languages spoken on the islands. Early settlers brought numerous religions as well. Today, Independent Baptist churches are located on nearly all the islands of the West Indies. Missionaries affiliated with BIMI have been active in the Caribbean since the early 1960's. Churches, Christian schools, Bible institutes, Bible colleges & seminaries, and a radio station have been established by these faithful missionaries. Nevertheless, many towns and villages of the Caribbean are still in need of a good church. Following are just a few of the opportunities that await us in the Caribbean. The resort areas of the northern Caribbean are situated among the numerous “cays” (pronounced “keys”). These small, sandy islands have been purchased and developed by large tourism companies. They require a huge staff of workers to maintain the resorts. They represent golden opportunities for gospel workers as well. Although a number of good churches exist in the southern part of the Dominican Republic, there are many northern towns that have been overlooked. It is estimated that over 2 million unreached people live in 14 BIMI WORLD this area. The Dominican people are warm, friendly and open to missionaries. On the western side of Hispaniola is the country of Haiti. Over 8 million French/ Creole speaking people reside in this arid country. Influenced heavily by the French, the Catholic Church has played a major role in the religious history—as has Voodoo. More missionaries are needed to preach the Gospel in this sin-darkened place. The island nation of Jamaica has over three million citizens. Although Jamaica is open to the Gospel, it is also one of the most violent places in the Caribbean. We are praying for a dozen couples who would work in close proximity for safety as they start new churches. Would you seriously pray with us for laborers in this harvest field? Over 15,000 Spanish-speaking people have migrated to the island of Antigua. Caribbean Radio Lighthouse is broadcasting daily in English and Spanish. Workers and broadcasters are needed to expand the daily schedule. A small Spanish church has been organized, but they need a pastor. There is also an area of English-speaking people on the far side of the island in need of an Independent Baptist church. Who will go? Columbus discovered a “New World” of opportunities for the King and Queen of Spain. Nearly 600 years later, these same islands contain a precious bounty of eternal souls for the King of kings. May the Lord Jesus Christ empower us to seize the opportunity and recover the lost souls of the Caribbean. n To set your sails for the Caribbean, contact: Dr. Pat Creed Caribbean Director 301-602-5207 pjcreed@comcast.net Gary Sprunger Caribbean Assistant Director 864-266-4518 garysprunger@aol.com BIMI WORLD 15 God's Word teaches us that we should love our neighbor. But like the lawyer of Luke 10 we may ask, “Who is our neighbor?” Generally, we think of our neighbors as those who live in close proximity to us—on our street or in our community. When we think globally, we must think of our neighbors just south of us in Mexico and Central America. Here at BIMI, we see Central America as those countries from Mexico all the way down to Panama. There are almost 150 million souls in Central America, about half as many as the United States. God has raised up many great ministries throughout the region, but there is still much to be done. In the story of the “Good Samaritan” three men passed by on the Jericho Road. All saw the man in need but only one stopped, reached out and met the need. To meet this need the Samaritan had to sacrifice his time, his goods, his comfort and his personal safety. But he did, and by his sacrificial actions proved his love to one he had met for the first time. The vast majority of the population of Mexico and Central America are just like the man who fell among the thieves. They have a great need. We need to follow the example of the Good Samaritan and see the need, stop, reach out and meet their greatest need—to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jason Tate is one of many who decided to do something. He has been serving the people of Honduras as a missionary since 2000. He writes about the joy of ministering to his neighbors. “This past year, people from Light of the World Baptist Church knocked on 70% of the doors in the town of Ojojona. This was a great joy to see. Because of this, the church people saw 30 professions of faith apart from VBS and visit- ing groups. The average attendance jumped by 30 in this small-town church. Several of our men approached me with the idea of praying that we could reach all of urban Ojojona in the new year and that we could see more than 50 adults on average in the services. It is a great joy to see these men with a zeal to reach their community for Christ!” There are countless opportunities just like this for church planters and members of church planting teams all over Mexico and Central America. Will you pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more laborers to the fields of Central America? Will you reach out to our neighbors in Central America? n 16 BIMI WORLD For more information on these opportunities, contact: Terry Jones Central America Director 423-344-5050 (ext. 2412) bro_terrybimi@yahoo.com BIMI WORLD 17 To enquire about the needs in South America, contact: Roger D. Blevins South America Director 770-722-7277 rdb2053@gmail.com 18 BIMI WORLD For decades South America, the fourth largest continent on earth, has been wide open to the Gospel. Missionaries have streamed into the twelve countries and one foreign territory that make up this part of the world and have been blessed with good success in winning souls, establishing churches and training national leadership. However, in recent years socialistic and communistic influences have made ministry difficult in some countries with the result that some doors could soon close to missionaries. While Spanish is the predominate language of this largely Hispanic continent, Portuguese, English and French are also spoken in South America. Caribbean, European and ancient Indian cultures also greatly influence parts of South America, creating a truly culturally diverse mission field. From the Andes to the Amazon, from Caracas to the Falkland Islands, tens of thousands of souls have been won for Christ, and thousands of churches have been planted; yet, there is much work to do. Rapid population growth and emerging economies provide fertile conditions and create an ever increasing need for more missionaries. The cities of Lima, Peru, and Bogotá, Colombia, both boast metropolitan populations in excess of 8.5 million inhabitants. The population of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina, surpasses 12 million. Beyond the huge urban and suburban population centers are thousands of cities, towns, villages and tribes waiting in darkness, because they have no Gospel witness. The Carib people of Guyana do not yet have the Scriptures in their language, and many within the large indigenous Indian population groups have no one to preach the Gospel to them in their language. Because of its sheer vastness and huge population, BIMI has administratively separated Portuguese-speaking Brazil from the rest of South America, assigning the country its own field director. The combined population of the remaining eleven countries—Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela—approaches some 192 million souls. At the time this article is being written, BIMI has 28 families and 2 single missionaries who have answered the call to work in 9 of those 11 countries; so few for so many. Because the need is enormous and the opportunities are so abundant, if we could double or even triple our missionary presence over the next few years, we would only then begin to meet the tremendous need in South America. We must hasten to reach these souls while the doors are still open. Missionary Greg Mann in Guyana tells the story of a village chief who was begging for someone to come to his village to preach to his people. The chief asked, “If God says to the Christians ‘go' and we say ‘come', why are there no missionaries for my people?” Will you pray for God to raise up an adequate missionary force to reach the hundreds of millions of souls in South America before it is too late? Will you give so the work can be accomplished? Will you go? n BIMI WORLD 19 For more information about Africa and the opportunities available for you, contact: Ron Bragg Africa Director 417-358-4444 (home) 417-437-0156 (cell) ronbragg@hotmail.com 20 BIMI WORLD Eric Bohman Asst. Africa Director 423-344-5050 (ext. 2503) elbohman@africaonline.co.ke For a great door and effectual is opened unto me…. I Corinthians 16:9a Even though the Apostle Paul was referring to the mission field of his day, he could have easily been speaking of the Africa of our generation. The worldwide ministry of BIMI was literally birthed on the continent of Africa. Five decades later, it remains a wide open door for missionary work. The diversity of the African continent allows room for various approaches. A great need exists for both team and/or pioneer missionaries to minister in dif- ferent cultures, languages, and climates. Although BIMI is primarily engaged in church planting ministry, several church-supportive ministries are thriving in Africa. Medical clinics, orphanages, deaf ministries, radio, Christian schools and Bible colleges are just a few of the tools that God is using to build His church in Africa. All of these call for trained and dedicated workers to advance the cause of Christ. At least six countries in Africa have only one or two BIMI families in residence. Places like Niger, Senegal and Zambia are in desperate need of addi- tional missionaries to supplement those already at work. Although one can expect difficult conditions, including multiple languages, these fields are “white unto harvest!” In general, the future is bright for ministry on the “dark continent.” We currently have 115 missionaries working in 12 countries across Africa. We also are registered in Mali and Burkina Faso where nationals are carrying the load. We have no American missionaries in either of these countries. We repeat the cry of the Macedonian man in Acts 16:9, “Come over…and help us.” n Would you consider the “Great Door” in Africa? Would you come over and help us? BIMI WORLD 21 Since 1968, the Military Ministry of BIMI has been establishing Independent Baptist churches among the U.S. military. Thousands have come to Christ while serving our country in the armed forces. Several hundreds of these have given their lives to the service of the Lord and are in the ministry today as a result of these military churches. BIMI military missionaries go into areas near military bases, primarily overseas, and start Bible-believing churches. Through fervent preaching and personal soul-winning, they build a church to minister to that military community. New converts are taught simple Bible doctrine and practical Christian living. Military people for the most part are young and enthusiastic. Their lives are before them and when they are saved and committed to Christ, they transfer some of that military enthusiasm to the spiritual realm. Many of them go on to greater opportunities in the Lord's work. • A young soldier was saved in Aschaffenburg, Germany, as a result of the soul-winning visitation program of a military church. He has been a missionary in Bulgaria since 1991. • A BIMI military missionary led a couple to Christ while serving in the US Air Force at Hahn Air Base, Germany. The husband is now the pastor of a church in Tennessee. • A career Marine went to church on the island of Okinawa after two men from that military church knocked on his door. He rededicated his life to the Lord, completed Bible college and is now a missionary to the military in Japan. • A soldier in Japan came to church during a revival meeting, trusted Christ and is now the pastor of a growing, exciting, soul-winning church in the Northwest. Since military people are transient, it is understood that they will only be at that base for a short period of time. Therefore, great effort is made to prepare them to serve the Lord in ministries beyond the present one. Some of the best church members any church could have are committed military families. They work hard, give consistently and for the most part are faithful and loyal members. Seldom does a year go by that BIMI does not have a new candidate who has been influenced directly or indirectly by Military Missions. BIMI is constantly praying and looking for more military missionaries. Anyone who would want a challenging opportunity to impact souls for Christ should consider Military Missions. n 22 BIMI WORLD To learn more about Military Ministry, contact: Dr. James Kennard Military Director 423-432-4898 jkennardbimi@catt.com Dr. Jeff Alverson Asst. Military Director 423-593-7625 alversonj@aol.com BIMI WORLD 23 For more information on church planting opportunities in the USA, please contact: John BAIles USA Director 423-605-4020 jfbailes@gmail.com Robert Larson Asst. USA Director 423-605-6098 blarson@bimi.org 24 BIMI WORLD “...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” S (Mark 16:15) ome people have a hard time thinking of the USA as a mission field. The above verse from Mark 16 shatters that misunderstanding. What makes a place a mission field is people, not geography. More than 300 million people live in the USA, making it the third most populous country on earth—and a prominent mission field. Statistics indicate that the USA is ripe for a resurgence of church-planting ministry within its borders. American culture is in the process of a gigantic makeover. This change is influenced by the infusion of other religious cultures, the demoralizing of our own, and the defamation of spiritual values. In short, America needs the Gospel. Church growth consultants report some alarming trends: • Every year, approximately 4,000 churches in America close their doors. • As many as 20% of those churches are Baptist. • Nearly half of new Independent Baptist church plants fail. • Barely 20% of American teenagers attend church of any kind. • Only 1/3 of the US population admits to having a meaningful church connection. • Two-thirds of the US population, 200 million Americans, remain a mission field. The focus of BIMI's USA ministry is called Reseeding America. The purpose is as simple as the name—to multiply new Independent Baptist church plants throughout the USA. Every generation must renew its commitment to reach its community for Christ. Reseeding America is our renewed commitment to reach the next generation of Americans with the Gospel. These new church plants become additional reinforcements against the prevailing tides of godlessness that are sweeping our country. They also become new partners in World Evangelism as they raise new capital and propel new workers into the nations of the world. Since 1970, church planting missionaries sent out of local churches through Baptist International Missions have successfully planted over 500 churches in the United States. We rejoice in God's blessing upon these godly servants of Jesus Christ, but we dare not rest upon their laurels. A new—and very different—America awaits us. One thing, however, will remain the same—the need for new Bible-believing Baptist churches proclaiming the timeless message of Jesus Christ. Will you join the mission? Will you help reseed America? n Please visit our website at reseedingamerica.com BIMI WORLD 25 From the prosperous cities of Australia to the poverty-stricken villages of India, the region of the world that BIMI classifies Southeast Asia is a complex and diverse mission field. Southeast Asia is bustling with people— and religion. Islam, Buddhism, and nearly every other world religion are competing for the hearts of the people. Although BIMI has been laboring in this part of the world for several decades, the need for gospel preaching missionaries is overwhelming. As of this writing, nearly 75 BIMI missionaries are at work in 14 countries. Approximately 125 churches have been established through the decades. About 20 Bible schools and Christian schools have been started throughout the region. Many national graduates have also established churches. Camp ministries in Papua, New Guinea, and orphanages in India are just a few of the ways that missionaries are reaching people for Christ. The Nias Bible Project was another unexpected avenue for ministry—in one of the most unlikely places. Humanitarian efforts in Indonesia—the world's largest Islamic country—opened the door to distribute Bibles to every middle school on the Island of Nias. God's people responded to this unprecedented opportunity with $150,000 to supply the 50,000 Bibles. The gospel was presented in nearly every school. This ministry only planted the seed. Career missionaries are needed who will invest their lives reaching these precious souls with the message of Christ. What shall we say of the other places and people groups of Southeast Asia? Who will respond to the lost billions with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ? In nearly all of these countries, the surface has barely been scratched. American Samoa, Cambodia, Fiji, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand—who will help reach the lost in these nations—just to name a few? Will you? The BIMI missionaries serving in the countries of Southeast Asia are dedicated and faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. They love God— and the people they serve! Oh, that God would call laborers to double their efforts! n 26 26 BIMI WORLD BIMI WORLD For more information about how you could help in Southeast Asia, contact: Dr. Robert Meyer Southeast Asia Director 423-344-5050 (ext. 2406) directors@bimi.org Alan BROOKS Asst. Southeast Asia Director 423-504-3132 alanbrooksbimi@yahoo.com BIMI WORLD 27 Brazil is a big place! Just take a look at a map of South America and you will discover that the country occupies nearly half of South America. Maybe that is why Brazilians call their country “the sleeping giant.” Brazil's megacities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, are among the ten largest cities of the world. With more than two dozen families, BIMI has more missionaries in Brazil than in any other South American country. Yet, many more are needed to reach the nearly 200 million souls who live in Brazil. These fields are indeed “white unto harvest.” The missionary presence of BIMI in Brazil dates back to the mid-sixties. Through the years, our missionaries have established nearly 150 churches, several Bible Institutes and Christian camp ministries, a national missionary- sending agency, and a national mission to the Jewish people. Our missionaries rejoice in this fruit for His glory! However, there is much that remains to be accomplished. The Brazilian people are warm-hearted and very open to the Gospel. Unlike other countries, Brazil is a fruitful mission field. National Christians and missionaries alike stand united in prayer for more workers for the harvest. Workers with a heart for souls and a love for the Lord are in strong demand. The larger cities alone could use dozens of additional workers. Would you pray about your place in the fertile fields of Brazil? n For more information about the field of Brazil, contact: Dr. Jimmy Rose Brazil Director 864-294-8369 864-918-6710 jimnanrose@aol.com 28 BIMI WORLD Do you think that God could be calling you to missionary ministry? Are you an Independent Baptist, sent by your local church? If so, we would love to help you pursue God's calling for your life! We can help you reach your mission field! For half a century, Baptist International Missions, Inc., has been serving local churches and their missionaries. BIMI is the delegated assistant to thousands of local independent Baptist churches, helping them complete their task of evangelizing the world. Through the decades, we have helped these churches mobilize more than 2,500 missionaries to the nations of the world. If you are considering missionary service, you have a friend in BIMI. BIMIisafriendthat ...provides guidance and expertise for your ministry Cross-cultural ministry is both challenging and rewarding. Good preparation is essential to success in spiritual ministry. In addition to standard educational requirements, we provide a two-week candidate school and a one-week church planting school. These three weeks of instruction provide critical education concerning specific missionary ministry. For continuing guidance and support, our field directors, ministry veterans, are available for personal encouragement and counsel. Missionaries with BIMI have found their prayer and advice to be an invaluable tool in missions. ...connects you with pastors and churches Our network consists of nearly 8,000 churches that have chosen to partner with us in world evangelism. These churches are generous contributors to missions. They provide the financial support that currently keeps our 1,000 missionaries on the field. BIMI WORLD 29 ...guides you in preparing an effective missionary presentation Properly presenting your ministry in churches is absolutely essential to raising financial support. Our audio/visual and printing ministries can professionalize your presentation by helping you produce quality: • • • • • Prayer cards Display boards Letterhead and stationery Brochures Audio/visual presentations ...keeps you in contact with supporting churches Our efficient prayer letter service takes the pressure off our missionaries. You simply send us your letter and we take care of the rest. We proof, print, and mail your prayer letters to your support list in a timely manner. Our mail room also processes your incoming mail from churches and loved ones and forwards it to your overseas address. 30 BIMI WORLD ...helps you secure health insurance for your family The cost of international health insurance is high. However, the cost of not having such coverage can be catastrophic. A missionary with BIMI was severely burned in Mexico. A hospital in Texas demanded $400,000 before they would help him. His life hung in the balance. BIMI's insurance representative worked with the hospital and insurance and had the missionary flown to the hospital in Texas before sunset. Due to the mission insurance, the hospital dropped its demand for upfront cash. Group medical coverage is one of the vital ways that BIMI protects the financial resources of missionaries and the churches that send them. ...assists with the proper transfer and accounting of funds Our Business Office specializes in helping missionaries receive and account for their financial support. These are some of the services we provide: • We set guidelines for the financial support that you must raise for your field. • We process your donations from churches and individuals. • We provide receipts to each of your donors. • We keep you informed of financial policies and regulations affecting missionaries. • We help you keep proper documentation of your funds for the IRS. • We can assist you in preparing and filing your taxes. • We can help you establish an escrow fund to make sure you have adequate funds to return from the field for furlough. • We can help you with immediate funds in cases of life-threatening emergency. • We can provide information concerning retirement and later-life ministry. ...provides assistance with legal matters that accompany overseas work We can help you initiate contact with foreign governments and provide assistance with work permits. Assuming responsibility for families in foreign countries is not a light undertaking. This is one of the most serious obligations that BIMI assumes. Many governments require an organization to promise repatriation in case the missionary or worker must be evacuated. Also, foreign governments may expect a sponsoring agency to assure responsibility for accidents and breaking the law (intentional or not). ...lends assistance in crisis situations We have policies in place that deal with emergencies such as kidnapping, political instability, illness, and even death. Unfortunately, crises such as these have been experienced by our missionaries: • A missionary wife called from Norway – “My husband just died.” • A missionary in Russia was involved in an automobile accident that killed a woman. The missionary was being threatened with arrest. • A vehicle accident in South America left the missionary parents dead and their children alone. • A plane crash in Nepal took the lives of a missionary family. • A missionary was robbed at gun point in Siberia. We hope and pray that you never have to face situations like these. But, if you do, BIMI will be there to help you. A few pages are not sufficient to identify all of the services that BIMI provides for missionaries and churches that select us as their designated servant in world missions. We love missionaries and the churches that send them! Allow us to serve you in reaching your world for Jesus Christ! Wherever you are on planet earth, BIMI joins hands with your local church and the Lord of the Harvest to care for you. You always have a friend…at BIMI. n BIMI WORLD 31 CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you move, please help us continue your subscription by send- ing your new address attached to this mailing label. Change Service Requested BAPTIST INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS, INC. P.O. Box 9, Harrison, TN 37341 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 88 Chattanooga, TN 37412 What? Christian Laymen Assisting International Missionaries Who? YOU! Use a talent—musical…teaching…drama…puppets Share a skill—medical personnel…tradesmen…business professionals Volunteer—distribute literature…cook…wash clothes…lend a hand The main ability is availability! Where? All over the world, serving missionaries and native believers When? Multiple trips throughout the year Why? “That we should be to the praise of His glory….” “What a privilege it was for me to be able to go on a CLAIM trip to the Philippines. On this medical mission trip, I was able to use my profession as a pharmacist for the glory of God. I was also given the opportunity to share my testimony with the police and the Philippine army. As a former Muslim, who at one time desired to die for the cause of Allah, it was a blessing for me to share the marvelous grace and love of the Lord Jesus Christ. The CLAIM trip was a life changing experience for me!” (A testimony from a former Muslim) For more information about this exciting ministry, contact: Carl Vonnoh CLAIM Director (423) 313-5391 cjvclaim@bellsouth.net