By Dr. Jonathan Montgomery, Director • BMA Global Missionary Care
The BMA has an extensive and blessed missions heritage. For longtime supporters of our missions efforts, the word Gleaner is reminiscent of the resource from which missionary stories, news and updates were received. Individuals and families who shared their stories in the Gleaner magazine were highly esteemed and appreciated within our associational work.
Now, the word Gleaner is taking on a new significance for these special servants of the BMA. The newest initiative for Missionary Care is called “The Gleaners,” an alumni association of sorts allowing BMA Global to continue providing encouragement and support to those who have served our missions ministry through the years.
Our former missionaries have close bonds because of their shared experiences on the field. In fact, I could not help but smile recently when I heard a missionary kid refer to a missionary couple as Uncle and Aunt. These Gleaners are indeed family. Through the BMA Global and Missionary Care ministries, we will be intentional in creating community and a sense of family for all missionary families.
The Gleaners ministry includes those who served through international and interstate BMA America missions work, and that includes the men and women who served and their children who grew up on the field. From the moment we commission new missionaries to serve in the States or foreign countries, they and their families are added to this community.
The first step to get involved is simple — we need current contact information for individuals and families so we can communicate regularly with them in the same way we encourage and reach out to families presently serving. The national meeting in April will be the first public opportunity for former missionaries and their children to visit the Missionary Care booth and fill out an information card. Those who cannot attend the meeting in Branson may register online by visiting the Missionary Care page at bmamissions.org/missionarycare after April 18.
Also, during the national meeting, there will be an opportunity for family photos of all Gleaners. At 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, right before the Legacy Missionary Service, we will gather all missionary families for a group photo on the main conference stage. This photo will be the first of many as we plan family reunions and other gatherings for our Gleaners.
A major reason for this initiative is to allow the Missionary Care team to better serve those presently on the field. Among our Gleaners, there are many who can help by serving as coaches, mentors and encouragers for the work being done around the world. As I talk with former missionaries, they have offered suggestions, personal experiences and advice on ways to care for our missionaries. These conversations have been insightful and beneficial for our entire care team.
As I began my ministry plans with Missionary Care, one of my early prayers was for the Lord to raise up an army of encouragers to support our missionary families. As I prayed about this army, the Lord reminded me of our veteran missionaries who faithfully served Christ and our association of churches during the history of the BMA. Our Gleaners will continue to lead, serve, inspire and “fight the good fight of the faith” as they carry out the mission of God for many years to come.
If any of our Gleaners (former BMA America missionaries and their children) know they will attend the national meeting in April, please email me at jonathan@bmaglobal.org. This will greatly assist us in making advance plans prior to the meeting.
