Updated Tuesday, April 08, 2008

New home offers shelter to missionaries

By Dianna L. Cagle

BR Assistant Managing Editor

SNOW CAMP - There's no place like home.

But for Siloam Missionary Homes, a non-profit ministry in Snow Camp providing housing to missionaries, they now have one more place to offer missionaries coming back to the United States.

"I'm so excited I can hardly stand it," said Glenda Carden, co-chairperson of the Mount Zion Baptist Association Woman's Missionary Union (WMU).

"God is so good. It's exciting to see a dream become a reality," Carden said.

The associational WMU group organized the building of a two-story, 2,700-square-feet house. After the WMU celebrated its 100-year anniversary two years ago, Carden said they decided to do something that would last, something that would include churches and the community.

About 40 churches in the association have helped "in one way or another," she said, along with individuals and other volunteer groups.

While the house isn't quite complete, the WMU hosted a dedication service and reception March 29 at the site.

"I know God's got money," she said to a crowd of about 80. "Some of it is in your pocket."

Carden said some churches had held showers for the house to provide furnishings. She prays missionaries who stay in the house "will be rejuvenated," she said. Each sheet of drywall has a scripture on the back of it.

Her husband, Ken, was the contractor for another house at Siloam in 2001.

Ken said working with the ladies of the WMU on this project has helped restore his faith.

"It's been an encouragement," he said. "It's a great organization."

Carden said he had seen some ladies living on limited incomes giving out of a desire to help.

Frank Page, Ruby Fulbright and Dianne Daniels were on hand for the dedication service.

Page, who is ending his second year as Southern Baptist Convention president in June and is an N.C. native, used Phil. 1:4-5, and said the Mt. Zion WMU house is an example of partnership, which pulls people together taking them beyond their own agenda.

Partnership "enables accomplishment," he said. "That's what makes me proud to be a Southern Baptist. Together we are seeing some great things."

Page said his church - Taylors First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C. - has three missionary homes.

"It's such a blessing to us," he said. "We want them to be treated royally when they come to us."

Dianne Daniels, who works with the WMU in Birmingham, said she's a product of Mt. Zion's WMU.

"The women of Mount Zion association have given themselves" in order to raise awareness about missions, she said. "We cannot let that passion die."

Ruby Fulbright, executive director of WMU-NC, raised three missionary children. When returning to the United States from Zambia, they all experienced "reverse culture shock," she said.

Something as simple as carpeted floors or padded church pews stimulates emotions for missionaries.

"WMU has always cared about missionaries," she said. "WMU has carried the torch. Siloam Missionary Homes is a ministry that cannot be overstated."

Fulbright said missionaries feel that people do not understand what they are going through. Many have made their home in their country of service and feel out of place coming to the States. They have become part of a new culture.

"Siloam Missionary Homes provides a community of people who really do understand," she said, "who are truly co-laborers together as you are helping the world."

Glenda Jenkins, a member of North Graham Baptist Church, said her Women on Mission group got her church involved through giving money.

"I think it's marvelous," she said. "When this started I didn't know this could be done. Our churches have really worked."

At the reception at the house, Jenkins admired the handmade porch swing that her husband, Jim, contributed to the front porch.

Glenda Carden said Mt. Zion's WMU is not done yet.

"We just want to keep serving the Lord in missions," she said.

About Siloam

Siloam is a non-denominational ministry located on 26 acres in Alamance County. Run by Larry and Joyce George, it was founded in 1992 and costs about $1,000 a day to run. Other homes range in size from a 576-square-feet efficiency apartment to a 1,900-square-feet, four-bedroom, three-bath home. Each of the 13 homes is completely furnished with appliances, dishes, linens, etc. Utilities and phones are on and homes are ready for a family to move in.

Dad's Country Store is available for the families to get groceries, clothing and other supplies. All items are donated by churches and individuals and are free to the missionaries staying at Siloam.

Siloam is available for meetings and retreats. Siloam Family Center provides two bunkrooms for overnight guests accommodating 20-40 people. The fellowship hall provides a meeting room, library, game and dining areas and kitchen. A banquet room is available for special events. The Burden/Love Chapel is also open to the public.

As the daughter of missionary parents, Joyce grew up in Brazil and understands the needs of missionaries as they prepare for and return to the United States. Larry has a master's degree in pastoral counseling.

Missionaries must fill out a request form for consideration. No rent is charged but missionaries are asked to pay a $325 maintenance fee plus telephone and utilities for the duration of their stay.

To donate toward the finishing of the house, make checks payable to Siloam Missionary Homes and designate funds to "Mt. Zion WMU house." Send donations to P.O. Box 705, Snow Camp, NC 27349. Call (336) 376-8200 or e-mail siloamh@bellsouth.net for more information. You can also visit the ministry's web site at www.siloamhomes.org.