Mission Nannys Page 3

"How We Started" (From an article in BGC World, May 2003)

A Mary Poppins for missionaries? Betty Sullins of Trinity Baptist Church, Santa Barbara, Calif., was visiting a missionary friend who had returned from the field stressed out and tired following major surgery. "Missionary families could sure use help," the woman confided. "When illness strikes, when they have to choose between homeschooling or ministry tasks, when other problems arise, they have no family members or other support nearby to turn to."

Then an idea suddenly hit them: "What's needed is a temporary Mary Poppins to help them over the rough spots." A mother of four boys and two girls, Sullins knows how valuable domestic help is for young families. A widow since the early ‘70s, she had retired early after 27 years as a federal employee and then worked at several Christian colleges. Later, when her children married and began families, she lived with them for months at a time as they needed "nanny" help.

In 1990, encouraged by her friend, Sullins created Mission Nannys, contacting mission boards and recruiting women to be nannies. By August 1991 the IRS had officially recognized Mission Nannys. In her 60s then, Sullins put her vision into action by serving as a nanny in Italy, spending three months helping a new missionary family who had an 18-month-old child and were expecting another. Because of her, they could attend language school.

Later she twice was a mission nanny in Japan and Taiwan. Sullins based Mission Nannys on Titus 2:3-5,7: "Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live.... Then they can train the younger women .... [and] in everything set them an example by doing what is good."

"We prefer the women to be over 50 [Note; there is no requirement that nannys be over 50: mature, younger women are also considered - Ed.] because they've experienced life and are more prepared to care for children and be loving and kind to the family they're helping," she explains. However, younger women will also be considered. After a woman is accepted, Sullins helps her to determine a budget for her missions work, based on where and how long she'll serve, and to raise support through her church, family and friends. Today Mission Nannys serve worldwide, helping young missionary families three to six months or as needed. Although no magical Mary Poppins, they miraculously manage cooking. baby-sitting, home schooling and meeting other needs.

Currently several nannies are on the field. Still more are needed for about 25 missionary families. Perhaps you or someone you know can help.