Deputation - Baptist Bible Tribune

continueDeputation:Obstacle or Ministry?By Eric & Amanda Shadle, EthiopiaOur family was approved as BBFI missionariesto Ethiopia in September 2006. Likemost missionaries, we traveled the UnitedStates presenting our ministry to differentchurches, groups, and families.We learned very quickly that deputationis unique for every family. Some missionariesmay take longer getting to the field thanby either sending us an email or letter. Receiptof this prompts us to send out an applicationpacket, which outlines the necessary paperwork.In addition to the application, we ask forpersonal testimonies, a belief statement, collegetranscripts, and recommendations fromthe sending church, internship church, andother pastors. A physical must be submittedand some medical history paperwork mustbe completed. A background and credit checkis conducted on each applicant and spouse.Candidates have approximately 12 weeks tocomplete the paperwork and medical tests.Providing all internship, educational, and applicationrequirements have been met, a missionarycandidate is presented to the pastors onthe Mission Committee and then to the entireFellowship for approval/recognition.Candidate school is the final piece of theprocess. Each year, candidate school is held inJuly at the Mission Office. Career missionariesattend two weeks: the first week in the yearBBFI Mission office special featureothers. This may require them to make morecalls to pastors and to present their ministryin more churches. God may want to grow onemissionary family in a different way than another.It was good in those times for our familyto remember that God has a different plan andpurpose for each family raising support fortheir area of service. We were remindednot to compare our support level or ourdeputation time with others, but to acknowledgethat we were right on thethey are approved and the second week thefollowing year. TEAM missionaries attend oneweek in the year they are recognized. This isan intense time of learning for the missionary.Areas addressed include spiritual, relational,and practical aspects, as well as MissionOffice procedures. The subjects coveredencompass a vast range, from budgeting andsafety in a different country to keeping one’sspiritual life active and what to expect whenvisiting a church.I really enjoy working with new missionariesand am looking forward to the upcomingapprovals and recognitions in May. In additionto helping many great new candidates, I willhave the opportunity to take my little brotherand his wife through the process!Advance toDEPUTATIONtimeline God had for us in getting to Ethiopia.Some may have the idea of deputationbeing an obstacle to be overcome so thatreal ministry can start. Our family traveled forseveral years presenting the field of Ethiopia.It was important in those times to rememberthat ministry for our “deputation family”was already taking place.We tried to focus onbeing a blessing tothe next pastorand the nextcongregationknowing thatthis was at theheart of ministry.The goalwas not to justreach Ethiopia, butto love God and thosewe would be presenting our fieldto in a unique way. This helped usto see each pastor, church, andindividual as an opportunity forservice while we made our way toEthiopia.Our deputation experienceallowed us to meet pastorsand churches all over America.Spending time with these churchesand seeing their sacrifice formissions has changed our family.Their support is not just about financesbut attached to it are realpeople and memories from ourtime spent with them. A strongerfaith and having the privilege ofwatching God make a smoothpath for our family are some ofthe blessings. Watching Him providein very personal ways, andhearing how He was working inthe lives of those in the churchesleft a permanent impact. Deputationprovided the opportunity formany different areas of growth totake place in our family’s life andultimately to further prepare usfor our field of service.Advance toATTITUDECHECKglobal partners 1818 | Baptist Bible Tribune | January 2010