Missionary Housing Stateside

                                     Vol. XV, No. 4, April 2002

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (Luke 9:58)

As one of your Southern Baptist missionaries I experience this truth every time I prepare to return to the US for my stateside assignment (STAS). I depend upon the support of God's people to take care of me while I'm on the field and when I come to the US. There is a common misunderstanding that the board" takes care of my US housing when, in actuality, "the board" exists as a conduit to facilitate the sending of missionaries from your church. We're not far removed from the Book of Acts!

Your Southern Baptist missionaries/representatives come to the US on a regular basis and will stay from eight weeks to a year. STAS is a time when we return to the churches who sent us out and report the things we have seen and heard. STAS is also a prime opportunity to mobilize Southern Baptists to be on mission with God where they are as well as to hear about what God is doing around the world.

We need a 'home base' where we can settle in after frequent speaking engagements and conferences. A family may need a 2- or 3-bedroom facility, depending on the number of children they have.

If you can offer housing, call the International Mission Board at 1+800-866-3621 to find out about the missionaries/representatives local to your area. Your phone call just may be the answer to their prayers.