Former office building made home for missionary families

CLOVIS — A former office building in Clovis has found new life helping various people in the faith community.

So far, the Eastern Baptist Association Ministry House has so far had two missionary families stay in the fully-furnished house, including one family that was deported from Russia. The EBA uses the home to give those families a place to stay while they wait on, or figure out their next step in missionary work.

“The home has three bedrooms,” said ministry assistant Elaine Williford, "so it's big enough for one family."

Local churches fund the home, said Dan Pearce, the EBA Director of Missions. These churches may also utilize the space to house visiting pastors or hold their own retreat.

“We do have preference to Baptist missionary families,” said Pearce, “but others are welcome.”

Before the home was used for its current purpose, it held the office space for the Eastern Baptist Association and was renovated last June.

“(The home) has been an encouragement,” said Pearce. “More than 50 people helped (remodel the home). They helped clean, did windows, paint … it’s really great to see people participate.”

One family stayed at the home before its renovation was complete.

“We were not prepared,” said Pearce, “but they had a need.”

The Southern Baptist Association assessed its ongoing missions, and decided to bring back about 1,000 missionaries throughout the country. The home is a local way to help those given what Pearce called “early retirement.”

The house also features a guestbook, which included the following entries:

• “We had no idea of God’s plan and had no idea such a beautiful home was waiting for us,” said a Baptist missionary couple.

• “This house is an incredible ministry,” wrote one pastor on retreat, “it was a wonderful time to rest and focus on my relationship with the Lord.”

• “Thanks for all you put into making this a welcome home,” wrote a family, “(and) for your help and hospitality.”