Rock of Ages Church in Tuskegee-Lee Association recently became the first African-American congregation to form a Baptist Nursing Fellowship (BNF). Organizers of Rock of Ages BNF said the new group hopes to provide unique missions opportunities for the growing number of African-American medical professionals in its congregation.
It is also the first Alabama Baptist church to form a group, said Barbara Owen, who helps coordinate BNF as a ministry of Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU).
“The enthusiasm of Rock of Ages members Doris Burks and Wythena Gullette has proven to be contagious as the new BNF organization’s formation has attracted interest from a rapidly growing number of medical professionals who aren’t already Rock of Ages members,” she said.
Burks, Rock of Ages’ WMU director, said the interest of medical professionals inside and outside her church stems from BNF’s unique approach to meeting their needs in the areas of professional and spiritual growth.
“In helping to coordinate BNF groups statewide, Alabama WMU has proven to be on the cutting edge of meeting needs and spreading the message of our Savior,” Burks said. “As I think about the formation of Rock and Ages BNF, I am reminded of the words of Jesus, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed.’”
“I can’t wait to see how God will work through medical professionals in the Tuskegee area to care for residents’ physical and spiritual needs through projects of Rock of Ages BNF,” Burks said.
Gullette has been selected project leader for Rock of Ages BNF.
“As an employee in the medical field, I see daily the importance of good medical treatment,” she said.
Gullette noted in addition to nurses, BNF involves professionals from other medical fields, including those who deal with psychological and social problems. (WMU)
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