It takes a unique individual to be a missionary. To the world, the idea of leaving behind family, friends, and possessions seems unreasonable—perhaps even absurd. Yet, for those called by God, such sacrifice is not only reasonable but deeply fulfilling. The cause of Christ becomes the missionary’s chief purpose, their driving motivation, and their joy.
At Vision Baptist Missions, we believe that every call to serve is also a call to prepare. That’s why this book was written—to serve as both a training resource and a source of encouragement for those serving on the front lines of world evangelism. Whether you are beginning your journey to the mission field or have been serving for years, we hope these pages will remind you of timeless truths and strengthen your resolve to press on.
It’s easy for a missionary’s vision to blur amid the trials of ministry. Discouragement, distance, and difficulties can make even the strongest servant forget the lessons once learned. That’s why we must continually remind ourselves that we are not alone. Every faithful missionary stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before—mentors, pastors, and fellow laborers who have poured into our lives and ministries.
My own journey began in college when I had the opportunity to live overseas for seven months. Though I had felt God’s call to missions at sixteen, those months in South America opened my eyes in ways classroom lessons never could. I spent hours visiting veteran missionaries, notebook in hand, asking questions and listening intently. I still have that notebook today—the one I bought in 1999—filled with notes on deputation, first-term ministry, family life, and training national leaders. Those handwritten lessons became a compass for my own ministry years later as a missionary in Argentina.
Principles In Missions is a collection of those “pearls” of wisdom—truths gathered from mentors, experience, and God’s faithful teaching. It’s not the only way to do missions; there are countless fields and forms of ministry—translation, medical, helps, and beyond. My experience lies in church planting, but the principles apply to anyone seeking to advance the gospel.
To every missionary and aspiring missionary reading this: remember, your service matters. The same God who called you will equip and sustain you. May the lessons within these pages encourage and equip you to faithfully serve the One who is worthy of all praise.
“Jeffrey Bush who serves as President of Vision Baptist Missions has written a very needed and very helpful book Principles In Missions. In this book he has given very excellent material on every phase of missions. He is well qualified to write on this subject.”
— Dr. Don Sisk - President Emeritus of Baptist International Missions, Inc.
“I heartily recommend this encouraging collection of spiritual and practical tools that clearly emerges from the humble heart of an experienced missionary.”
— Dr. Ed Frampton - President and General Director of International Board of Jewish Missions
“Helpful, practical insights from the life and ministry of a veteran missionary.”
— Brian Bucy, D.Min. - Bible, Missions, Pensacola Christian College
“This book contains some of the best information for church planting missionaries, newly on the field or veteran missionaries who have served many years on the field. The book’s author is a veteran missionary in Argentina and has proven these principles work.”
— Dr. Jim Roberts - Missionary to Scotland & India, Pastor, & Director of North America & Europe
“As the Missions Director of the Global Independent Baptist Missions, I am always looking and praying for material to help our missionaries be better church planting missionaries. This book is one of the best I have read to help missionaries in the practical aspect of missions. This kind of material is very hard to find written by Independent Baptists. We will be using this material for our training school. This will also allow Independent missionaries to take this book and teach it to others. The only lasting missions work is church planting. I believe this will help equip missionaries to do just that, to help them stay on the mission field.”
— Dr. Dick Webster - Executive Director, Global Independent Baptist Missions