The North Carolina Baptist Nursing Fellowship was founded in 1983 as a chapter of the national Baptist Nursing Fellowship under the umbrella of WMU. It was the first chapter formed. NC BNF was the vision of Dr. Ellen Tabor of Winston-Salem, NC. Nurses had been attending the Medical-Dental Fellowship annual meetings and desired a way to use their nursing skills in a volunteer capacity. Thus through the support of WMU, NC BNF was formed.
NC BNF has been active in many areas of Baptist and missions life. A few of these include sponsorship of the NC Medical/Dental Bus in various associations, participation in migrant ministries, blood pressure and health screenings, local free clinics, serving as camp nurses for Camp Mundo Vista and leading health care conferences. Members have participated in partnerships and mission projects in Togo, Mexico, Poland, Brazil, Iraq, Russia, Gaza, Haiti, China, Honduras, Venezuela, Nigeria, Ukraine, South Africa and India.
NC BNF has a trust fund that assists in providing funds for members who are interested in participating in mission projects. To increase this fund, churches are encouraged to honor nurses on Nurse Appreciation Day. Members are encouraged to contribute to Buck-a-Month in honor of missionary nurses. NC BNF is a professional organization with elected officers that serve two year terms. Annual meetings are held for business, inspiration and continuing education. NC BNF communicates to the membership by a newsletter, “THE PULSE.” There are also local chapters.
The purposes of NC BNF are to provide Christian professional fellowship, promote continuing professional education and growth for the membership and nurse missionaries and encourage nursing service that evolves from a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.
The mission statement is “NC BNF is a fellowship of Christian Nurses, seeking to model and encourage others to model Christian professional care giving.”
If you would like to know more, contact NC BNF President Donna Rodgers at ncbnf@wmunc.org or download the brochure here.