Baptist Nursing Fellowship (BNF), a Christian organization for health-care professionals, was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., in 1983 under the watchful eye of national Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU). Since that time, state and local chapters have formed as nurses found a place for a shared expression of their love for missions.
“For 30 years and counting, WMU and BNF have worked together to help health-care professionals hear and respond to God’s call to allow Him to use their gifts in serving others,” said Wanda S. Lee, executive director of national WMU. “It’s been a great partnership.”
The main purpose of BNF is to encourage nursing service evolving from a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. BNF offers special training and continuing education units; funds to assist members with expenses of missions trips; a prayer and fellowship network; and an avenue to utilize skills through health-care ministries and disaster relief projects.
For example, a team of national BNF members served at the Children’s Malnutrition Center in San Juan, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, in September 2012 in partnership with Orphan’s Heart, a ministry of Florida Baptist Children’s Homes. The center provides temporary care for children who are severely malnourished. Led by Lee, the team of 21 cared for 72 children by holding, feeding, bathing and providing medical care as well as providing spiritual nurturing through Bible stories, singing, crafts, games and other activities.
In 2013, BNF is celebrating 30 years of missions involvement through health-care outreach efforts. To celebrate this significant milestone, national WMU will host BNF friends and members for their annual meeting April 11–13 in Birmingham.
This year’s event will be in conjunction with the Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship Annual Meeting, and events will take place at national WMU and The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham. Health-care professionals are invited to attend and earn Continuing Education Units, enjoy worship and fellowship and learn more about current needs and opportunities to use their nursing skills in missions.
April 13 will be a time of learning and ministering to others across the Birmingham community; a joint banquet that evening will include special recognition of June Whitlow, the only executive director to serve BNF, as she retires.
Lee, a nurse and former missionary in addition to serving as executive director of WMU, will be the keynote speaker on the evening of April 13. For more information, including a registration form, go to wmu.com/bnf and click on “BNF Trips and events.”
(WMU)
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