Missionary Care Conference

The 2016 Asia-Pacific Missionary Care Conference in San Pablo, Philippines, was held February 5-9. Seven countries were represented by forty-four missionaries and their families: Burma-Myint and Mal Aung, Rama and Lahlmu Bochung; Cambodia-John and Louela Page; China-Dar Li, the Johnsons, the Andersons, Jojo, Radarlyn, RJ, DJ, and Jaja Vallejera; India-Jeremiah, Abigail, Evan and Ethan Shetti; Prashant, Golda, Joanna and Jason Prakash; Laos-Joy Vargas; Philippines-Danny and Rita Ballard; Sam, Dawn, Tristan, Zane, and Seth Freeman; Fil, Lisa, and Justine Kakilala; Doug and Diane Lee; Doyle Moore; Vincent and Maraya Ferrer; Thailand-Brandon, Brittney, and Josie Lingle.

According to Assistant Director Sarah Hamilton, the mission statement of BMA Missionary Care “is ongoing preparation, equipping and ministry to missionary personnel so they may be fruitful in life and ministry.”

Sarah explained that “Missionary Care Conferences fulfill that mission statement through gospel worship, teaching and fellowship. During worship time, missionaries had a chance to revel in the beauty of the gospel and respond in praise. Gospel teaching from God’s Word emphasized prayer, life matters, field ministry, effective communication and family worship. Lastly, gospel fellowship was enjoyed when brothers and sisters of the body of Christ encouraged each other, prayed for one another and shared what it is to live out the gospel in a foreign land. Each aspect of the conference is intended to help them see and savor Jesus who is the center of the gospel, because he is the Good News that they first embraced and now gladly share with the nations.”

The four night, five-day event took place at the Rizal ReCreation Center, a Christian campground and conference center, and began with a “Get to Know You” session followed by a message on the theme of “Prayer,” which was continued each of the remaining three nights. Each morning there were breakout sessions and each afternoon included free time, giving missionaries a chance to get to know each other, the counselors in attendance, BMA staff members and lay leaders.

Director Jerry Kidd said, “Our prayer is that we can encourage and strengthen missionaries so they can spread the gospel as effectively as possible, to as many as possible, for as long as possible. Conference attendees told us they weren’t sure at first about the conference, but once it was over, they realized it was exactly what their entire family needed. Another attendee commented, ‘Before the meeting, I didn’t realize that I was so dry spiritually. The preaching, teaching and singing truly renewed my spirit.’ When I asked the children what they enjoyed the most, one of them replied, ‘the kids’ Bible study.’”

If you would like to encourage and pray for these and other missionaries, be sure to order your Missionary Prayer Calendar at bmamissions.org, where you will find their contact information. Missionary Care Conferences are financed through the Missions general fund, which anyone can give to at the same website. Please pray for these and all missionaries on World Missions Day, Sunday, February 28.

2016 Asia Pacific Missionary Care Conference attendees pose for a picture on the last day.

The Vallejera children, RJ, DJ and JaJa

Missionaries Dar Li, Louela Page, Sam Freeman, Lisa and Fil Kakilala and Danny and Rita Ballard pray after an evening service.

Missionaries who attended BMA Seminiary pose for a picture.