Reverend Duff Becomes Full-Time Director of Village Missions
Through the vision of Helen Baugh, Mary Clark, and Rev. Walter Duff, Jr., and dependence upon God, a ministry uniquely suited to the needs of rural and small communities was developed. Couples were sought who were committed to both an evangelistic and pastoral ministry in rural communities. Some minimal salary support was provided so that the couples could minister full-time in their community. In the early years, the ministry was almost entirely financed as the project of Stonecroft Ministries. The first year the three couples who were friends of Mary Clark were sent out to rural America.
When the news began to spread of a missionary society proposing to send out pastors to closed and weak churches, Village Missions began receiving scores of letters asking for help securing a pastor for their church. By 1953, the responsibilities were increasing as more couples were placed, so Rev. Duff left his pastorate to give his full time and effort to the ministry of Village Missions. Rev. Walter Duff, Sr., challenged his son to “send out 100 missionary pastors to rural North America.” Rev. Duff Jr. was able to send out over 600 rural missionaries in his lifetime.
District Representatives Serving Canada
Bob and Margaret Rayburn served as District Representatives early in our history. They were based in the United States, but served Canadian fields as well.
First District Representative in Canada
In the 1980s, the growth rate was not as fast as had been, but God’s hand was obvious on the Mission as it steadily moved forward. Village Missions was now serving 50 fields in the Eastern districts. Castle Thompson was appointed as the first District Representative in Canada in 1980 and the Canadian office operated in association with Stonecroft Ministries Canada in Toronto.
Dr. Jack Canady Becomes CEO
Photo: Dr. Jack and Norma Canady
Village Missions continued to move forward under the leadership of Dr. Jack Canady, who had previously served as a Village Missionary and District Representative. Dr. Jack Canady became the Assistant Director of Village Missions in 1989 and C.E.O. of Village Missions in 1991.
Village Missions partnered with Ecola Bible School and in turn received tuition benefit for children of Village Missionaries. The Development Department was established and a “Fifty New Fields” campaign launched. In 1996, Creative Evangelism, Inc. affiliated with Village Missions.
Western Canada District Representative
Roy Adrian, along with wife Lennie, became the District Representative serving western Canada.
New Regional Administrator
Roy Adrian stepped into the role of Regional Administrator for Village Missions Canada.
New District Representatives
Bill & Lorna Powell stepped into the District Representative role. They served Village Missions churches in Eastern Canada.
Rev. Brian Wechsler Assumes Leadership
The National Board of United States and Canada selected Rev. Brian Wechsler, as the new Executive Direct of Village Missions and he began his duties in November 2000. He and his wife Carole had been Village Missionaries since 1983, serving first in Iowa and then in Colorado.
Rev. Wechsler outlined a strategy of advance for Village Missions termed “F.I.R.E.”:
- (F) Finding New Fields
- (I) Investing in Individuals and Communities
- (R) Recruiting New Missionaries with a Passion to Preach the Word and Love the People
- (E) Equipping Missionaries and Churches to Reach Their Communities for Christ
Village Missions must advance in each area to continue its mission of revitalizing small churches and reaching communities for Christ. We must find new areas where a need exists to proclaim the Gospel and the local church is unable to secure pastoral leadership. We must invest in individuals and communities we are trying to reach with the Gospel through salary, logistical, and administrative support for Village Missionaries. We must actively recruit dedicated couples and single missionaries who God has called to our critical ministry. We must equip our Village Missionaries and the churches they serve with the tools to enable them to become effective, Biblically based churches.
Contenders Discipleship Initiative is Launched
Contenders Discipleship Initiative (CDI) is launched as a two-year program offered by Village Missions to equip Christians for ministry within their local church and to prepare those who are called for full-time ministry as missionary pastors.
Murray Graham Becomes Executive Director
As Roy & Lennie Adrian retired, Murray & Debbie Graham stepped in to fill the position of Executive Director. This transition happened on July 1, 2016.
New District Representatives
On September 1, 2019, Gordon and Val Rowland began as District Representatives for the Prairie Provinces.