Nadine Peterson’s passion for missions was planted early—when her mother, new to the Southern Baptist church, enrolled her in Sunbeams at just eight years old.
What began as a simple act of obedience became the spark that would shape a lifetime of gospel purpose.
From childhood leaders to modern-day mentors, Nadine has been deeply influenced by women who lived with eternal vision. “GA leaders and missions leaders over the years taught me how missions are directed in the Bible,” she shared, “and how each of us is called to pursue that mission as we walk out our faith.”
For Nadine, living on mission isn’t just about giving financially—it’s about living daily in response to the Great Commission. “My obligation is to always be ready to tell the truths of the Bible, to live as an example for others, and to give because God has given me so much,” she said. “I can’t possibly ever be proud of myself—but I can be grateful.”
That gratitude spills out in her commitment to missions giving, her years of teaching missions education to all ages, and her belief in the power of legacy.
One turning point came when she met WMU historian Rosalie Hall Hunt. A single question about a photo on the wall turned into an impromptu history lesson—and a gift: Rosalie’s first book. Nadine became a devoted reader of WMU’s history and of the “giants of our past,” women whose courage and calling laid the foundation for today’s missions movement.
Their stories—especially those of Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong—continue to inspire her today. “When you learn about sacrificial living,” she said, “you begin to see what that should mean in how I should live my life.”
Nadine has seen firsthand how WMU’s mission transforms lives. She shared about a friend who once lived far from God but found her place in a Women on Mission group. Once shy and unsure, that woman now mentors others, speaks out in Bible studies, and serves the homeless in her community with bold faith. “She has grown immeasurably,” Nadine said, “and it all started with someone inviting her in.”
For Nadine, this is why the work of WMU must continue—and why supporting the WMU Foundation matters so deeply.
“It’s a blessing to know that my funds go to work that has a Kingdom focus,” she said. “I rarely support anything that doesn’t have the purpose of sharing God with the world. The funds I give are dedicated to the purpose God has given me for my life.”
Nadine’s story is a testimony to how one life—rooted in gratitude and grounded in truth—can multiply into many.
Support the WMU Foundation today and help ensure that Christ is proclaimed until all have heard.