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Missionary couple ’embarking on a new adventure in Africa’

Walter and Mary Norvell, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August, never imagined retirement would see them embarking on a new adventure in Africa to reach university students with the gospel.
  • November 17, 2025
  • International Mission Board
  • International Mission Board, Latest News
IMB missionaries Walter and Mary Norvell take part in a commissioning service after completing seven weeks of field personnel orientation.
IMB photo

Missionary couple ’embarking on a new adventure in Africa’

Walter and Mary Norvell, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August, never imagined retirement would see them embarking on a new adventure in Africa to reach university students with the gospel. In fact, until a few years ago, they had never been on a mission trip outside the United States.

Even so, the International Mission Board missionary couple brings decades of experience to their new endeavor. Walter, a retired professor from Williams Baptist University in Arkansas, and Mary, a former college advisor at the same school, have spent almost 50 years working with students.

“I always thought of myself as being on mission because I was crossing a generational barrier,” Walter said.

International missions, though, came later.

Full story.


EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Kristen Sosebee and originally published by International Mission Board. 

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