Alabama missionary families form support group

Alabama Baptists have taken the first steps in launching a support group for relatives of Southern Baptist missionaries.

Like similar organizations in other states (see related story, page 3), the Alabama Missionary Parents Fellowship is envisioned as a support and networking group for parents of those serving overseas. Despite its name, Beverly Miller, executive director of the Ala­bama Woman’s Missionary Union, stressed the organization is open to all relatives of missionaries, including grandparents and siblings.

Terri Willis, associate director for stateside assignments at the International Mission Board (IMB), noted the importance of missionary parents sharing with one another.

“We found that no one understands a missionary parent like a missionary parent,” said Willis.

Miller said the groundwork for establishing an Alabama group was laid in January with a luncheon to determine if there was an interest. Following that, a steering committee met in August.

The organization held its first meeting Oct. 28 at First Baptist Church, Clanton, with 62 missionary parents present. Miller said officers will be elected during a meeting planned for April 27–28.

Miller said relatives of missionaries not affiliated with the IMB may also carry associate memberships and that relatives do not have to be Baptist.

Currently, the Alabama organi-zation has 155 members. Noting some members have relatives in locations that cannot be revealed, Miller said the group brings them together to share concerns.

“This creates a network of parents for prayer support,” Miller said.

She added the organization also offers a support network for elderly parents of missionaries. “Many parents, as they age, often don’t have this support system of children who can provide for them.”

Beyond support, Miller said the organization simply offers relatives an opportunity to share stories about their loved ones.

“They share that excitement to know that their children are following the Lord’s leadership,” Willis said.

For information about the Ala­bama Missionary Parents Fellowship, contact Pat Hall at the Ala­­bama WMU at 1-800-264-1225, ext. 223.