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Transition from the Founder
Rev. Walter Duff Jr. officially retired in 1991. In 1993, Rev. Walter Duff Jr. was ushered into the Presence of God after leading Village Missions for 45 years. In honor of the one who he had served so faithfully all of his adult life, the Tempo magazine issue in May/June, 1993 headlines said just two words, "Well Done."
Rev Walter Duff Jr. was a man of conviction and prayer. His supreme goal, during his lifetime, was taking the Word of God, which alone can change lives, to those in rural areas who did not have access to a gospel preaching church, or a compassionate shepherd to help them in the crisis needs in their lives. He expressed his conviction in his simple admonition to, "Preach the Word and love the people."
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. Under Dr. Jack Canady's leadership, a permanent office was purchased and remodeled. The office staff was increased as the finances were moved from Stonecroft Ministries in Kansas City to the International Service Center in Dallas, Oregon in 1996. Village Missions began partial support of 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. The 50th Jubilee Anniversary of Village Missions was celebrated in Estes Park, CO in 1998, with Dr. Howard Hendricks as keynote speaker.
This was a time of transition in many ways. To move Village Missions from a Founder/Director to a Chief Executive Officer is no small task and it was accomplished by the gracious, patience of Dr. Jack Canady. Dr. Canady was given a sabbatical in July of 1999 and officially retired in June of 2000.
Rev. Donald Still became the Interim Acting Administrator in July 1999 and served in this position until a new Executive Director was hired in November 2000.
