WNAC: A Missionary's Perspective

By Lynette Morgan

My first awareness of WNAC came around age six. My dad was in medical school, preparing to be a doctor so we could go to the mission field. Money was tight; at times we literally had no money. God always provided, but I especially remember getting a wonderful box from a church one Christmas—a super blessing in the midst of having little.

Later, as a child on the mission field in Ivory Coast, West Africa, WNAC was that wonderful group of women back in the States who sent medicine bottles and bandages to our remote medical station, 450 miles in the bush. Our medical work survived on those bottles and bandages for many years. However, what I remember most about Woman’s Auxiliary (the name back then) were the treats.

The closest store that offered treats like we might find in the States was in Abidjan, the capitol—a two-day’s drive away. Needless to say, we didn’t go there often—maybe once every six months. The next best thing was the store in Bouna, 50 long, dirt miles away. Every week, we made the 90-minute trip on awful roads to refill our gas bottles, get kerosene for the lamps and refrigerator, and shop for the few supplies available there. But most importantly, we would get our mail at the post office. This was the highlight of the week—hearing from grandparents and friends and seeing if anyone had sent us packages. In those days, women’s groups often sent these. And when a package arrived, it was like Christmas.

The oodles of boxes that came for the hospital were just as exciting as those we received for birthdays or holidays. We would open them one after another, as fast as we could, to see if those medicine bottles contained any goodies. What a treat when an auxiliary filled the bottles with candies, gum, or other such coveted sweets; but even band-aids, sewing needles, and thread seemed a treat. Here in America, where we can get whatever we want, whenever, it’s hard to fathom how much fun this was for our family—especially for us kids, and later, for our own kids—to receive a package from the States.

When this scared, backward girl who knew little of the ways of the world left the bush of Africa to return to the States, WNAC groups came to my aid. Cofer’s Chapel Auxiliary gave me a wonderful shower and helped dress me. Other groups sent me money to purchase more clothes and things I needed for settling here in the States. Auxiliaries invited me to come and share about my life in Africa. During this stressful new season of life, women loved me and helped me adjust. When our own kids returned to the States, WNAC’s Provision Closet provided what they needed to set up their college dorm rooms. Plus, they were given phone cards and Walmart gift cards.

Like a missionary "Walmart" or Free Will Baptist "Target Store," the Provision Closet has blessed us and provided for us in so many ways through the years. Not just our family, but hundreds of families, have benefitted as we used these linens and household items, then passed them on to our African brothers and sisters. School supplies, toys, clothes, tapes, books, and even Christmas decorations—the list of treasures found in the Provision Closet goes on and on. The Closet also provided wedding gifts for Ivorian pastors and Bible institute students. And I have taken baby clothes for many new babies in Côte d’Ivoire. When Clint was regional director for Europe, Africa, and Asia, Provision Closet gifts for missionary kids and women missionaries accompanied us as we traveled to these fields.

Over the years, many WAC groups have given me showers. This is such a wonderful treat for a missionary woman coming back from the field. I remember when we would return to the States, as a family of six, needing a car and clothing for this new culture. And then a WAC group would give me a shower or a check. One group in western North Carolina showered me with things on my wish list and gave us a set of luggage. Recently, a WAC group in Mississippi sent me a gift card for a manicure and pedicure—such a coveted treat and a ministry to me when I needed encouragement.

Encouragement is a hallmark of WNAC. I cannot count the cards women have sent us over the years for birthdays, Christmases, holidays, or just to say, “We are praying for you.” Women have supported us through financial gifts to our mission account and to us, personally.

WNAC has also provided scholarships for students at the Bible institute in Côte d’Ivoire. In a country with little money, these gifts allowed us to train pastors who now carry on the ministry of the church.

One year, when the mission house in Abidjan needed refurnishing, several WAC groups adopted a room as their project. They sent new bedspreads, linens, curtains, rugs—everything each room needed. How beautiful the house looked and what a blessing this was to all the missionaries. Fifteen years later, the furnishings remain.

After the Mission asked us to research and write strategy for ministry in restricted access areas, the Lord led us into Central Asia. When we asked women to raise money to send 500 of their downtrodden sisters (many who had never been out of their local area) to that region’s first ever prayer retreat, not only did Free Will Baptist women accomplish the goal, but WNAC also sent a team of women themselves, and made up gift bags for each woman who attended.

For several years, WAC groups have given “Christmas Joy” to hundreds of children who would never have known a gift at Christmastime or the real Joy of Christmas. In 2007 and 2009, women traveled to Central Asia to help with this January distribution.

My family enjoyed more blessings via WNAC when we occupied the MIR house on the campus of Welch College—probably the closest I will ever come to living in a mansion until I get my “mansion over the hilltop.” Today, many of those fine furnishings supplied by WNAC now grace our own missionary guest apartment.

A verse in 1 Samuel expresses my feelings concerning WNAC: “As his part is who goes down to battle, so shall his part be that stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” The importance of women “standing by the supplies” equals that of those gone out to battle. Each needs the other. WNAC has been our right arm for our whole missionary life.

Churches today seem to promote a consumer mindset, finding the best buy for the buck. Yet the issue is not about what WNAC can do for women in our churches, but rather, how can women serve God most effectively? WNAC offers women opportunities and avenues to serve as they discover unique, God-designed roles within their homes, churches, communities, and world. WNAC provides women ways to obey God’s Great Commission in the places He has planted them.

About the Writer: Lynette Morgan is daughter of pioneer medical missionaries Dr. LaVerne and Lorene Miley. She and her husband Clint served with excellence in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, from 1976-2005. Clint recently became general director of Free Will Baptist International Missions. The couple has four children and six grandchildren. Find out how you can get involved in the ministry of the WNAC Provision: www.wnac.org.