Steve and Jenell have been serving the Lord in full-time ministry for the past 44 years.  They served as BBFI missionaries in Korea for 15 years and for the past 25 years Steve served as Associate Mission Director in the BBFI Mission Office.   While serving in the Mission Office, Steve and Jenell have been doing Missionary Care for the past 20+ years, along with many other responsibilities.  Feeling the need for more proactive missionary care, the Lord burdened them to take a step of faith in retiring from the Mission Office and following God’s call to provide a “Ministry of Presence” to missionaries.

On September 17, 2025, Steve and Jenell were reinstated as Support Team Endorsement Personnel (STEP) with the BBFI. Steve and Jenell are not traditional missionaries in that they will not be living on the mission field but rather, will travel to mission fields providing support to the wonderful, committed and God honoring missionaries living abroad whether for counsel, comfort, encouragement, or just some fun.

Their goal is not only to respond in times of crisis but to travel to our missionaries where they are, to rejoice in their accomplishments, to be an encouragement, rejoicing in their victories and providing comfort in times of crisis. Simply put, to help them stay strong in their calling. Steve and Jenell desire to provide a Ministry of Presence for our missionaries worldwide.

The Benders may be contacted by phone at 1-417-840-9732, or email – Sbendermissions@gmail.com