By Ellen Sechrest

As I write this on December 9, we have just finished the virtual Christmas Party for our Global Missions Staff and Field Personnel.  With so many people serving around the world, we can’t all be in one place; so we are most grateful for the technology that allows us to gather as a group, to laugh, to pray, to recognize work of our staff and field personnel, and to share stories about our lives.

One of the many things for which I am grateful, was seeing the smiling faces that are representing you and me in Spain, Kiev, NC, FL, Lebanon, CA, GA, Macedonia and many other places.  These are the faces of CBF who are sharing the good news of Jesus. Whether it is in our office in Decatur, taking a break from a food distribution in Skopje, having to evacuate from Kiev, giving books to children in Fort Worth, or working on church music in Spain, I am reminded that long-term presence matters and that we are all helping bear witness of Jesus.

Today, we celebrated several field personnel who have been in their respective locations for at least 15 years and some for 25 years. That’s not only amazing, but it’s also touching to see where God has been at work for so long through CBF. The fact that I get to be a part of this work means a lot to me. It’s not just my job at CBF, but also my love of missions that makes me commit to giving to my church, to CBF and to the Offering for Global Missions. 

Being a part of CBF for 30 years has opened my eyes to missions done well, but also my ears as I learn from those serving. My heart has grown as I’ve been involved with projects and people who serve CBF through the local community, our partners, and on the field as CBF field personnel.  To God be the glory for all the love CBF has shared.

Give to the Offering for Global Missions and help sustain the long-term presence of CBF field personnel.

Ellen Sechrest serves as Manager of Global Missions Engagement for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.