Preparing for return, couple hones skills

Paul and Kathy Broom of Anniston are preparing to return to their missions post in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela.

While home on furlough, the Brooms, who are part of the International Mission Board’s Eastern Core Team in Venezuela, have gone back to school.

Kathy is studying for her nursing degree at Ayers State, and Paul is pursuing a degree in counseling at Jacksonville State University. The Brooms’ stateside service ends in July, but they plan to take a leave of absence from their missionary post to finish their degrees.

There are many problems related to families in Venezuela, he said. The couple plans to return to Puerto La Cruz to use their degrees in teaching hygiene, nutrition, baby care and helping families.

“The middle class doesn’t exist, but the poor can be divided into three (classes)- upper, middle and lower,” he said.

Before he left, Broom said he could see signs of openings in the upper class. The couple said they plan to focus in that area when they return.

Sent as church planter developers, the Brooms have helped develop three missions “using really traditional methods.”

Paul Broom once worked with Alabama Children’s Homes and served in the Salem-Troy Association. He was pastor at Antioch Baptist Church, Troy, before being appointed as missionary in 1994.