Summer Mission Students at Mississippi College Travel the Globe

Kimberly Parker

Domestic violence incidents are alarming across America.

In June and July, recent Mississippi College graduate Kimberly Parker is gaining a much deeper understanding of the statistics behind the widespread crisis. She’s gaining insights and getting to know domestic violence victims as a Baptist summer missionary working at an Oklahoma shelter.

There’s no such thing as a typical 40-hour week as she joins a committed team of staffers in Tulsa.

It’s just one more non-profit trying to address America’s enormous domestic abuse problems. Nearly one in five women in the nation have become rape victims during their lifetime, reports the Centers for Disease Control.

Other statistics show that nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by their intimate partners in the United States.

Women between the ages of 18 to 34 are at greatest risk, says the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It’s not just an issue facing NFL stars like Ray Rice – domestic violence touches many families in all 50 states and around the world.

Much of the work Kimberly does at the Tulsa shelter she cannot discuss due to confidentiality issues.

Serving as “the hands and feet of Jesus” to these ladies struggling after years of abuse has tugged on her heart all summer. The victims are never easy to get to know.

“We are slowly earning their trust,” she says. “Several women have since shared their story or struggles with me and I have had opportunities to minister to them.”

The 21-year-old from Grenada, Mississippi and staffers prayed for revival in recent weeks. They noticed positive results.

“Following the first night we prayed this, the next day we had one guest accept Christ into her life! Since then, two more women have accepted Christ as well as one guest turning back to Christ after years of harboring anger and running from God,” Parker said. “These have been such sweet blessings of fruit here from the Lord!”

One of 19 summer missionaries supported by Mississippi College’s Baptist Student Union, Kimberly performs a variety of tasks.

Kimberly answers phone calls from women seeking help, cooks meals, accept donations, works child care shifts, leads Bible study, and provides emotional support.

The center will host a Christmas event for the families, including a holiday dinner, and even a visit by Santa.

Parker has written a blog on her life-changing experiences.

“The difference in my opinion of this summer has changed so drastically from the beginning until now,” Kimberly says. “I am so thankful to see how the Lord has changed not only these women, but me.”

Her work leads to some festive moments. She helped organize an event to take the ladies and children to Tulsa’s biggest July 4^th celebration with delicious grilling at a park and a fireworks show.

God taught her a great deal.

“I’ve learned how difficult it can be to work here. These abused women aren’t always easy to love. We had to be taught about boundaries. We’re not here to be their best friends, we are here to be their staff.”

God’s work is being carried out by Mississippi College summer missionaries across the USA and other nations.

After receiving her MC diploma in May, graduate Olivia Koonce, 21, of Millington, Tennessee worked to plant churches in Worchester, Massachusetts, assist with church ministries and much more in recent weeks. “We are doing child care, reaching out to communities, local businesses, colleges and doing prayer walks,” Koonce said of her mission work with MC’s Macey Riley of Mantachie, Mississippi.

“We are overjoyed at the diverse and kingdom-sharing types of ministries our students are involved with around the world,” says Mandy Phillips, associate director of the BSU. “Many of them are sharing the Gospel with those who will hear it for the first time.”

MC student Bailee Tabor of Kentwood, Louisiana remains busy on a summer mission trip to Illinois. Work ranges from teaching English to Nepali earthquake refugees to helping with an Ethiopian church plant.  Katelyn Bowen and Savannah Carpenter are serving on the Mercy Midwives team to help with medical needs in the Phillippines.  In Mexico, Erika Hofacker of Athens, Alabama is teaching English and winning disciples for Christ.