WMU building missionary home
By Dianna L. Cagle
BR Editorial Assistant
The idea of giving missionaries a place to call home inspired one Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) group to build a house.
The Mt. Zion Baptist Association WMU in conjunction with the association broke ground March 25 on a missionary house at Siloam Missionary Homes in Alamance County.
"Last year, we decided we wanted to do something special," said Glenda Carden, co-director of Mt. Zion WMU. She said it was a way to celebrate the WMU's 100th anniversary in the association.
Founded by Larry and Joyce George 15 years ago, Siloam consists of 12 homes specifically for missionaries and their families. The mission is to house families who are home on stateside assignment or for short-term trips. The web site, siloamhomes, also indicates that plans are in the works for future retirement facilities and other homes.
The WMU house will raise the number to 13 homes for the non-profit organization. The project was introduced in June 2006.
Carden said her husband Ken brought the idea to her.
"Ken (who is a general contractor) had built a house out there before," she said. "He was excited about the mission they had out there."
Volunteer workers laid the foundation the first week in May for the two-story "Carolina T" house.
The home - which is approximately 2,700 square feet - will have three or four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large kitchen and a family area with a fireplace. The estimated cost - $125,000 - does not include the lot, septic tank and well that were already in place.
"Different people have put together the seed money" for the houses, George said. Without volunteer labor, the cost would most likely double, Carden said.
Carden said the WMU emblem will be etched in glass in a gable of the house, and a time capsule will be placed in the structure to be opened in 50 years.
More than 40 churches in the Mt. Zion Baptist Association are involved in providing for this house, George said.
It will be a joint effort between the association, WMU and Baptist Men, George said.
"This is the first house fully sponsored by Southern Baptists," he said. The homes are provided rent free to the missionaries. A country store on the campus also provides food for the families. Siloam also has a chapel, fellowship hall, a library, children's playground and two bunk rooms that can house 20 to 40 people. The fellowship hall can be converted into meeting rooms or dining and game areas. Housing for the missionaries is between 540 and 3,000 square feet of living space, George said.
"Some missionaries have big families," said George, who said it is not unusual for some missionaries to have six children or more.
The WMU structure will help in housing a larger family, he said.
George said the homes are booked through 2010, and the waiting list is growing.
"We can't wait to see it materialize," said Carden, who added that excitement builds each day.
The Georges previously served with New Tribes Mission. Joyce's parents served on the mission field in South America.
"We believe that in this area is where a majority of missionaries want to stay," said George, who is a member of New Covenant Fellowship in Graham.
A couple of ladies are already scouting furniture to fill the house, George said. The first house that was built on the property in 1994 was in the Parade of Homes.
"We want them to have things for which we take for granted," said George, who said it is important to provide well for the families.
George has a background in counseling and helps with missionaries who are readjusting to the United States.
WMU leaders are planning a March 2008 dedication. Frank Page, Southern Baptist Convention president, is scheduled to attend. Ruby Fulbright, executive director of WMU of North Carolina, attended the groundbreaking and is planning to attend the dedication as well.
For more information about volunteering or donating, contact Siloam Missionary Homes, 1053 Quakenbush Road, Snow Camp, NC 27349 or call (336) 376-8200. Please make checks to Siloam Missionary Home and designate the funds for WMU House.
