For Norma Thompson, the light of WMU began shining in her childhood GA group in Atlanta. Growing up in the 1960s, she found herself surrounded by friends and faithful leaders who modeled a life on mission.
“The wonderful impact of Girls Auxiliary (GAs) as I was growing up—the friendships formed with other girls and with our adult leaders—have lasted a lifetime,” she shared. “We learned so much about missions, locally and around the world, by engaging in Forward Steps, mission outreach in our community (Atlanta!), and GA Camps. We gained valuable life skills, too, like public speaking, working cooperatively with others, and setting personal goals.”
Those early experiences left a mark that shaped Norma’s love for missions and the gospel’s reach.
A Lifelong Connection
Through the years, Norma’s commitment to WMU has never wavered. She has followed God’s work through WMU’s publications, faithfully reading Missions Mosaic and its predecessors to stay connected to how God is moving across the world.
“It’s effectively carrying out the Great Commission,” Norma said. “My donations help to fund those efforts around the world.”
Norma recalls attending a WMU Annual Meeting in Atlanta in the 1970s and being deeply impressed by the quality and spirit of the event. She also remembers the joy of hearing missionaries speak and witnessing a missionary commissioning service. “I see the WMU Foundation as ensuring that the work of WMU will continue,” she said.
The Ones Who Lit the Way
When asked who lit the way for her faith journey, Norma didn’t hesitate. “My father was a Baptist minister who supported the work of WMU in every church he served. My mother was active in WMU at each church. She was Sunbeam director when we lived in Atlanta, and that provided my first experience of working with preschoolers at church, something I still do 60 years later.”
Through their example, Norma learned what faithful, gospel-centered service looks like. And through WMU, she has found a way to carry that same light forward.
Passing the Flame
Norma’s giving reflects her heart for the next generation—especially for missionary families. “I care deeply about the children of our missionaries, especially those living in other countries who are sometimes separated from their parents for schooling. I appreciate the support given to these young people as they face such challenges.”
Her hope for those who follow is simple: “To the next generation—WMU is behind you and your work to spread the gospel and help people find what God has planned for their lives.”
Norma’s story reminds us that we all play a part in passing the flame. Just like Norma, you can help ensure that WMU’s ministries continue lighting the way for future generations.
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Pass the Flame. Continue the Mission.
A generous donor has gifted $50,000 for matching gifts to the Vision Fund for Giving Tuesday!
The first 100 gifts made to the Vision Fund will be matched on a 2:1 basis, and every gift to the Vision Fund after that will be matched dollar for dollar up to the $50,000 match.
Your generosity will be multiplied to help others know Christ and to support the mission and vision of WMU.