SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS: Doug and Diane Lee • Philippines

Two days after the BMA Bible College graduation, we caught our flight home and were greeted by our son, Jarrad, daughter-in-law, Christy, and grandson, Jarran! Later, we were able to visit with our other grandchildren and the two great-grandchildren before heading to the BMA National Meeting in Conway.

Missionaries are the foundation of foreign missions, but time and cost will never allow them alone to fulfill the Great Commission. The evangelization of the world will happen when we disciple and train nationals in their own country and culture to reach their own people with the gospel.

• 43^rd BMABC Graduation 2023 — This year we graduated 16 students — 13 young men with a Bachelor’s in theology and 3 young ladies with a Bachelor’s in religious education. Pastor Sonny Zaragosa was the Baccalaureate speaker, and Dr. Stan Scroggins was our commencement speaker. Four of our faculty members completed their requirements from BMA Theological Seminary (BMATS) in Jacksonville, Texas and walked with our graduates to receive their Master’s in Theology diplomas — Joemel Samson, Nic Gomez, Steve Abalos and Ricky Gicana. We are so thankful for their hard work in gaining this degree to make the credentials of our faculty top notch. A big thanks to BMATS for partnering with us in this endeavor.

• Missionary Care Conference — The Missionary Care Conference held in Hot Springs was an incredible time with great food, fun and fellowship. South City Church in Little Rock conducted spirit-filled worship services. Missionary Care Coordinator Jonathan Montgomery had an excellent program lined up for the missionaries and treated us like royalty! Thank you, BMA Missionary Care team and all of those who contributed their time and finances for this awesome event, giving us so much love and care and a much-needed break!

• Christmas for the Missionary Kids — One of the highlights of the Missionary Care Conference was a Christmas in America for the missionaries and missionary kids! Bro. Jonathan read the Christmas story from Luke and the kids received gifts. It was a wonderful time!

• National BMAA Meeting — We enjoyed a great time of fellowship at the National BMA meeting held at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway. We were blessed to see many old friends and make new friends. The good folks at Antioch were superb hosts!

• Happy Retirement, Stan & Donna — We are saddened by our good friends, the Scroggins, retiring from the mission field and going back to the US to fulfill different roles in the ministry. They have been an awesome blessing to the work in the Philippines and especially to the Bible College. We will miss our sharing and caring times, as well as the Sunday night pizza nights! Go with God and know that you will be missed!

• Loss of Shame: The New Norm in Society — The “Woke Movement” is changing our culture dramatically and the moral compass of our society has gone to the wind. Doug has written a book based on his PhD dissertation entitled Loss of Shame: The New Norm in Society. This book delves into the root of the problem. Order your copy today by contacting us at (601) 916-5541 or private message us at Elwin Doug Diane Lee. The price is $18 plus shipping and all proceeds go to our Work Fund.

• The Old Ford Escape Has Died — The old 2004 Ford Escape that we have been driving for 11 years gave it up! It has taken us many miles, left us stranded numerous times and lately has been in the mechanic shop more than it has been out! We will need to purchase a good, used vehicle when we return to the Philippines. If you would like to contribute to this need, please designate Doug & Diane Lee Car fund. Funds for this project or other projects may be sent to Mill Creek Baptist Church, 11 Old Kiln Road, Picayune, Miss. 39466 or to BMA Missions, P.O. Box 878, Conway, Ark. 72033. (edouglee70@gmail.com, dianehusserlee@gmail.com)