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Expansion of the Ministry
Expansion Across the Country and into Canada
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. Some of the early fields served by these and other pioneer Village Missionaries were:
- Joseph, Oregon
- Lostine, Oregon
- Mabton, Washington
- Canby, California
- Dillon, Colorado
- Arago, Oregon
- Fernwood, Idaho
- Skokomish, Washington
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.
The Village Missions' home office moved several times during this decade, including: Dallas, Oregon, Sterling, Kansas, Kansas City, Missouri, and back to Dallas, Oregon. The first Village Missions office was located in Rev. Walter Duff Jr.'s garage and then for many years, the Village Missions' office was located in a doublewide trailer on the Dunn farm just outside of Dallas, Oregon. The present office, located in Dallas, was purchased, remodeled, and became the Headquarters for the International Service Center for Village Missions in September of 1991. As the Mission grew, District Representatives were appointed for various areas of the country. The District Representatives visited the churches and missionaries, visited prospective churches, and visited Bible colleges and seminaries.
In 1968, interested Canadians asked if Village Missions would consider the spiritual needs of Canada. Village Missions gave Christine Schuman, a Youth Home Missionary, the commission to survey areas in Canada that needed our ministry. The very first Village Missions field was opened that same year in Willow River, British Columbia. Now these many years later, Village Missions is providing leadership from Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia in many communities and villages. Our Motto - One mission - two nations!
From 1968 through 1978, God continued to bless and move Village Missions forward. A Village Missions Manual was developed, delineating a highly effective approach to ministry in rural and small communities. Candidate schools were held during summer staff conferences, training new Village Missionaries in our approaches and policies. By the end of 1978, Village Missions was serving 235 fields in the US and 25 in Canada. Many people were hearing and responding to the clear presentation of the Gospel. God truly blessed and brought many people into His kingdom.
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. Affordable retirement facilities were purchased in Dallas, Oregon, as many missionaries were reaching retirement age and in need of housing. Village Missions purchased additional retirement facilities in Grand Junction, CO in 1987. Judge Ed Allan became the Board Chairman. He continues to serve the Lord and Village Missions faithfully in this position.
