News Summary
The International Mission Board’s Journeyman program marks its 60th anniversary, highlighting the impact of young adults dedicated to mission work abroad. Alumni, such as Nancy Lyons Thomas, share their transformative experiences in Nigeria, showcasing the program’s legacy of community service and cultural exchange. Since its inception in 1965, the program has inspired many to serve and connect deeply with diverse cultures globally.
Richmond, VA – This year marks the 60th anniversary of the International Mission Board’s (IMB) Journeyman program, a two-year mission initiative that has influenced the lives of many young adults since its inception. The first class of Journeymen served from 1965 to 1967, with ten individuals assigned to serve in Nigeria, an experience that has left a lasting impact both on them and the communities they served.
The inaugural class received training at the South Hampton campus of the University of Richmond, where they prepared for their transformative journeys. Alumni like Nancy Lyons Thomas, who was part of this first group, have shared their experiences abroad, which helped shape their careers and foster a passion for service.
Nancy, a graduate of Furman University in 1962, began her teaching career at Poynor Junior High in Florence, South Carolina, before embarking on her international mission. Initially considering joining the Peace Corps, she discovered the Journeyman program through a church periodical and recognized it as an opportunity to teach overseas. In June 1965, she entered training with the initial cohort, comprising individuals dedicated to impactful service on foreign mission fields.
The summer training for the Journeyman program was crucial in providing not just practical skills, but also fostering deep connections among participants. Guided by key figures from the Southern Baptist Convention, the training emphasized emotional, spiritual, and intellectual preparation for the challenges ahead.
Nancy began her journey in Nigeria at Newton Memorial School located in Osogbo, a boarding school for missionary kids in grades 5 to 10. Her time in Nigeria exposed her to the realities of a country experiencing a significant transition post-independence, marked by political unrest and social challenges. While serving there, she encountered military checkpoints and witnessed a coup occurring during her time with the school, offering her a vivid understanding of Nigeria’s complex sociopolitical landscape.
The contributions of IMB personnel were vital in spreading the Gospel across Nigeria, with many appointed teachers and medical professionals assisting in the mission efforts. Nancy learned about the challenges faced by missionary families, including the separation from their children, as many missionary kids returned to the United States for their education.
Serving alongside her partner, Ellie Harper, Nancy embraced her role not only as an educator but also as a mentor, affectionately known as “Aunt Nancy” to her fifth-grade students. They built strong relationships with families in their Nigerian community, welcomed by missionary Mary Jane Wharton, where they learned to navigate local customs, cuisines, and markets, deepening their cultural understanding.
The first Christmas away from their families celebrated together with the Journeyman group marked a significant moment for Nancy and her peers. Participating in local church services, they engaged with the Yoruba language and integrated both Nigerian and Western attire into their worship practices, reinforcing the message of cultural exchange and unity through faith.
Upon completing her service, Nancy returned to the United States with transformative insights about the universality of spiritual connection. She continued her educational journey at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she earned a Master’s degree in Religious Education. Later, she dedicated herself to inner-city mission work, along with her husband, Frank, serving at the Baptist Neighborhood Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a decade.
Through her diverse roles over the years, including directing A Child’s Garden Preschool of First Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, Nancy’s commitment to community service remained steadfast. In 2021, she returned to her childhood community near Walterboro, South Carolina, continuing her lifelong mission of nurturing and educating future generations.
The IMB Journeyman program, which began with a humble group of dedicated individuals, has led to a legacy of service and commitment that has transcended geographical boundaries. Celebrating its 60th anniversary highlights the program’s impact on countless lives and its ongoing mission to inspire young people to engage in meaningful service around the world.
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Additional Resources
- Baptist Press: Once a Journeyman, Always a Journeyman
- Wikipedia: International Mission Board
- Baptist Press: The Impact of the IMB’s Journeyman Program
- Google Search: Peace Corps
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missions
