(Pictured: Rev. Walter and Edith Duff) Mary Clark knew of three couples who wanted to become part of Youth Home Missions and go out as missionaries to rural communities. Helen approached her brother, Walter, about directing an organization to send out couples. Although by then he was the pastor of a large, growing church, Walter agreed to take on this added responsibility.
Years later, Walter told his sister of their father’s dying request: “Walter, having a pastorate is fine. But why don’t you give your life to recruiting and sending other ministers and missionaries to country churches without leadership. You should be able to send out at least one hundred men in your lifetime.”
Village Missions, a mission to send pastors to rural areas, was launched at the Cannon Beach Conference Center in Oregon on September 9, 1948. Rev. Walter Duff, Jr. was appointed the National Director, and a Board of Directors was formed.