DEERFIELD BEACH (FBW)-The old sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach has a new look and a new purpose. Built in 1931, the 2,000 square foot building has been renovated into a residence for missionaries.

Now called the "Barnabas Missionary Residence," the structure has three bedrooms, two baths, a living room, dining room, kitchen and a study, Pastor Danny Allen told Florida Baptist Witness.

John Fleming, director of missions for Gulf Stream Baptist Association said he was thankful for the "mission heart" of FBC, Deerfield. He attended the dedication ceremony Jan. 5, and was impressed that a "run-down unused facility" was now a beautiful home.

"Such a residence will enable our churches to have a closer relationship with missionaries as they live and worship with us while on leave," Fleming said. "This wonderful ministry is an illustration for other churches to follow."

Over the years, Allen said the building was used as a pastorium, a preschool school building and an administration office. Two years ago, the congregation began to pray about the empty building and decided to upgrade it as a residence for Southern Baptist Convention, International Board Mission missionaries who are on stateside assignments.

Allen praised his missions team for its leadership and administration. Church member and general contractor, Greg Rogers, Allen said, brought the building up to "twenty-first century standards and conveniences," at a cost of about $60,000.

"The interior is absolutely breathtaking with mostly new furniture," Allen said. He said Whirlpool Corporation and Sheridan House Family Ministries in Ft. Lauderdale assisted with the promise of major appliances. While staying in the home, missionaries pay only for the utilities.

In late December, James, his wife and their three young children who serve with the IMB in Central Asia returned to America and moved into the home. For security reasons, his name has been changed.

The missionary family, who have ties with a South Florida Baptist church, were pleasantly surprised with their temporary residence.

"We can't help but praise God for inspiring the church to create the Barnabas House," James said. "The church has put so much love and time into this house." He said the residence is "over the top" of his expectations for temporary quarters.

A year ago the family did not know how they could afford the cost of living and rent in South Florida, but the renovated Barnabas House opened just weeks before they returned to the States.

While on the year-long stateside assignment (formerly called a furlough), the family plans to visit many Florida attractions and to have "sleep overs for the kids with the grandparents." James hopes to get at least one round of golf.

But their time in Florida is more than rest and relaxation before returning to Central Asia next year.

The "heart" of a stateside assignment is "to connect with the local church," James said. The husband and wife team plan to speak to churches in Florida, Texas, Mississippi and South and North Carolina.

"We want to help as many people as possible to understand what it means to be a Christian who lives overseas," James said. And he plans to visit several mosques and learn more about the South Florida Muslim community.

James said returning the States is also a time for reflection about their work overseas.

"It helps us prayerfully look at our work from a distance," James said. "We are able to see God's hand of grace on our lives and work."
After three years away, James said returning to the abundance of America was a shock. "My wife and I felt paralyzed at a local restaurant because of the choices on the menu," James said.

Allen said he hopes this missionary home-away-from-home will be what its name implies - a "house of encouragement."

Missionary housing coordinator for the Woman's Missionary Union, Linda Peek, said Barnabas House is one of five houses in South Florida available to IMB missionaries. Although Florida has a total of 28 houses, she said she would like to see even more in the state. If a church is interested in creating missionary housing, Peek said to contact her by e-mail or call 205-991-4014.

Missionaries interested in reserving the Barnabas House are encouraged to contact the church by email.