SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS: Doug & Diane Lee • Philippines

As we go into the last half of the second semester of this school year, 2024/2025, we find ourselves busy, busy, busy. It is with mixed emotions that I think another year has passed, and there is still so much to do. We will have 34 students graduating this year. As they go forward into the ministry God has called them to, we are confident they have been trained and are capable of taking on any task God has chosen for them. Our prayers are with them forever and ever.

The BMABC staff, faculty and students celebrated in a big way with a World Mission Day Fiesta! We led worship to begin the day, followed by music by the BMABC Quartet and Choir, the Darlene Carey Christian Academy (DCCA) students, and testimonies from Juren Mamon and David Perez, two of our BMABC graduates, who have surrendered to the call to go to Cambodia as missionaries.

Our students sold tickets for food and games. Game booths were set up, and with over 400 attending, it turned into a carnival atmosphere. Total proceeds went to David and Juren’s expenses. God blessed, and the total amount raised by the students was 40,469 pesos ($703). We thank God for His bountiful blessings. Missionaries David and Juren will leave for Cambodia on April 15.

Christmas In The Philippines

Diane’s Christmas bag ministry grows each year, and this year was no exception. With some help from some little Christmas elves (our BMABC staff,) we distributed 860 Christmas bags to six different locations. A big thank you to all who contributed school supplies and money for this project. It is the highlight of our year to see the smiles from these precious children as they receive a Christmas gift. But most of all, to share the meaning of Christmas with them.

• Christmas With The Darlene Carey Christian Academy (DCCA) — Sharing the Christmas story and the joys and songs of Christmas with our DCCA children. It was a rainy night, but we squeezed 63 children and their parents into the building and had a blessed, incredible time with the kids!

• Christmas With Dorm Kids — Some of our dorm residents at the college do not get to go home for Christmas because of distance and finances. Since we are here and can’t go home either, we try to make it a special day for these students. This year, we took them for breakfast at McDonald’s, then went swimming — yes, swimming on Christmas Eve! The weather is always hot here! After they were tired from swimming, we brought them to our home, opened gifts and had snacks. The house was filled with singing and laughter, and when they were hungry again, we took them to a nice restaurant for dinner! It was a memorable Christmas for us all!

• Second Semester Begins with Prayer Day — The semester always begins with Prayer Day with the students, staff and faculty. God has blessed the college in many ways, and we are thankful to Him for the opportunity to serve and mentor these young people who have a calling in their hearts for service as pastors, teachers, church workers, church musicians and missionaries in foreign countries. Pray for us as we finish strong this last semester of the school year.

• Cross-Cultural Seminar — The school hosted its second cross-cultural seminar instructing our students how to witness to people in other countries and cultures. Our speakers were Pastor Vincent Ferrer and Pastor Gil Gasataya.

• Seminar Planned for Kenya — While Diane and I were in Kenya last year, the ladies expressed a desire for Diane to come and teach a seminar for them. Their culture dictates that the women are to “stay in the corner and cook, clean and have babies.” Along with these responsibilities, these ladies want to know how to serve in the church, teach and disciple young ladies and partner with their husbands in ministry.

We have set a tentative date for this seminar in July. At the same time, we will have a leadership seminar for the men. Expenses will be astronomical because of airline tickets, which range from $1,500 to $2,000 each. Other expenses will be renting a venue for the conference plus food and lodging. If you can help in any way, funds can be sent to our home church, Mill Creek Baptist Church or BMA Global in Conway (see below). We would appreciate any financial and prayerful support for this amazing opportunity to minister to the people of Kenya. (Doug at edouglee70@gmail.com; Diane at dianehusserlee@gmail.com)

Funds for the Lees’ Ministry may be sent to BMA Global Office, P.O. Box 878, Conway, Ark. 72033 or Mill Creek Baptist Church, 11 Old Kiln Road, Picayune, Miss. 39466. Please designate the project for which your funds will be distributed — Personnel Support, BMA Bible College, Darlene Carey Academy, Kenya Conference. Thank you for being so helpful in helping us serve in this ministry through finances and prayers.

Please join us in praying for the Kenya Seminar; BMABC Students, Staff and Faculty; Continued Financial Support; 2024/2025 Graduation Exercises; Upcoming Bible Conference; and the BMAP Annual Association Meeting.