Missions Minute - Bruce and Lisa Burkholder (May 22, 2024)

Bruce and Lisa Burkholder recently visited the Summit. I recently spoke with them to get an update and more detailed information to share with you about their ministries. They are located in Sebring Florida. Their mission is with EBI which stands for “Editorial Bautista Independiente”. EBI is focused on publishing all sorts of biblical materials to help strengthen churches in Latin America and the Latin American community around the world. These materials range from theological books for Pastors and church leaders, to bible study books for men and woman, to children’s books to use in the church’s youth ministries.

Bruce is also involved in another mission ministry called STEP, which stands for, Strategic Theological Education Partnerships.

Bruce is the General Director of EBI. Some of his tasks in that role include directing the team of 14 other staff members, reading manuscripts, coordinating and overseeing the publications of selected titles at their Columbian printer. Lisa Burkholder handles things like helping to answer questions, acting as the mission’s receptionist, helping fulfill orders and managing the logistics relating to the distribution of their many publications.

EBI distributes materials not only to Latin America but also to Latin American communities throughout the world in places like Japan, Germany, and even Australia. One area they are working hard to reach are Latin American communities right here in the United States. Many of these Latino believers are difficult to locate and reach out to as there is often little to no contact information readily available outside their small church communities.

Some practical ways our church family can help the whole team at EBI is by praying they find more ways to reach Latin American communities in the United States. If anyone has contact information that may help them in this part of their mission outreach Bruce would welcome an email at brucelynnburkholder@gmail.com

EBI currently has 7 titles out for publication at the publishing house they contract with located in Columbia South America. They would like prayers that all these materials are produced on time, within budget and delivered back to the U.S. without delay for distribution.

The STEP ministry is also having an Administrators retreat in July at the Canton Baptist Temple. STEP is a relatively new ministry of Baptist Mid Missions (BMM). In this role the goal of STEP is to serve the BMM international theological education ministries around the world by promoting dialogue, training on issues related to theological education, accountability, and collaboration. Bruce would like prayers for that upcoming retreat to go well and be fruitful for all attendees.

Personally, Bruce and Lisa ask for safety as they travel to and from Florida to attend this ministry event. As well as traveling on other personal trips to help family and support some close friends. They also ask for continued health and strength for themselves and their whole team.