Missionaire International

Now, about where we are going!

Tompkinsville, Kentucky!
During our last visit to Tompkinsville in August 2006, we looked for a building that would work for Missionaire's office and classroom facility. We looked at the only commercial building that was listed for sale, and quickly realized that the building would not be large enough. Since there were no other commercial buildings available, we started the design process to build a new building specifically suited to Missionaire's needs.

In October we received a call from Marshall Hodges, chairman of the Monroe County Airport Authority Board, informing us of a building that is not listed, however the owner would be willing to sell it. The building is a two-story with 5,000 square feet on each floor. Also included is a two-bedroom frame house. This property is located in downtown Tompkinsville. It has been our desire to have our facility in the downtown area as a way of helping the local community. Many small communities see their downtown area dwindling, with businesses moving nearer to the larger and newer shopping areas on the outskirts of town.

We are praying and seeking God's direction on whether this is the building He wants us to have. The size and location both fit Missionaire's needs and desires. The house could be rented to provide additional operating income for Missionaire. As you can see from the pictures, the building will need some work so that the floor plan will fit our needs. However, if you have seen pictures of the Wheat Growers Hotel, in comparison this building basically needs nothing!

Please pray with us as to the direction that God desires for a building for Missionaire. Also please pray for the finances we need for our facility, whether it is this building (asking price is $150,000), another existing building, or a new one that we construct ourselves.

Where will we operate? The airport sits on the outskirts of town, surrounded by beautiful rolling fields. The community, with local money and no outside funding, built it in 1987. We'll be operating out of a 75' X 75' shop, with some space for offices and storage. In a town of just 3,000 (13,000 in the county), there are a number of people excited about aviation.

What about the churches? They're excited about Missionaire, and quickly caught the vision of not only what we "do" but what we can become. They have a "we can do this together" attitude. Many of the churches realize the need to take the Gospel into their own community. Though there are a number of believers in "the buckle of the Bible belt," there are still many who need Jesus. We've been asked to help equip pastors and lay people through our mission prep courses, which are geared to break down denominational barriers and encourage a deeper walk of faith. We've also been asked to help reach out to a generation that doesn't always fit in with the traditional church - 16 to 35 years olds. One pastor emailed, "The community is talking about what this means to the area. We need more jobs, but most importantly we need leaders that put God first and look to him for all understanding."

What's special about the community? Monroe County is famous for its BBQ places. Monroe County BBQ has been mentioned on an episode of Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (The Food Channel), and it certainly is "good eats"!

Dovie's is a little hamburger place built back in the 40's. It was voted the "best hamburger in Kentucky." For advice on whether to ask for your burger "squeezed" or "unsqueezed" ask any Missionaire staff member.

The people of Monroe County are warm, hospitable, and hardworking. They are survivors with an amazing attitude of perseverance.

Tompkinsville is famous for its marbles - both manufacturing and playing!Interesting opportunities... During our April visit, we met with the chairman of the Airport Board, a Kentucky Department of Aeronautics Commissioner, the principal of the high school, and the principal of the technical school. They were all very excited about partnering with us to start an aviation program through the tech school. This would enable young people to work through an aviation track during their high school years, as well as provide a structured course of theory for our own students. We are praying about this opportunity, and believe it could be a great fit for our future goals