NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Leaders of two key missions partners with Woman’s Missionary Union expressed their appreciation for Dellanna W. O’Brien after the former WMU executive director’s death Sept. 7.
Issuing statements Sept. 8 about O’Brien’s service to WMU and to Southern Baptist missions causes were Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board; and Geoff Hammond, president of the North American Mission Board.
JERRY RANKIN: “Bobbye and I were grieved to hear of Dellanna’s death, and we join with many other Southern Baptists in praying for Bill and the family.
“We had the joy of working with Dellanna and Bill as missionaries in Indonesia during our early years there. The friendship, wisdom and experience they so generously shared with us helped us greatly in beginning our missionary ministry.
“When I became president of the International Mission Board in 1993, Dellanna once again became an invaluable mission partner to me as executive director of Woman’s Missionary Union, which has always been the best friend of Southern Baptist missions. Her unwavering support, her strong leadership of WMU and her vision helped Southern Baptists take major steps forward in international missions throughout the 1990s. [WMU plays a key role in promoting the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions.]
“Dellanna was a faithful missionary, a great leader and a humble servant of Christ. We will miss her deeply.”
GEOFF HAMMOND: “I was sad to hear of the home going of Dellanna O’Brien and am praying for her dear family.
“But we rejoice in her ministry to the Lord on behalf of missionaries for so many years. She was constantly thinking of the mission field and how we together could support those who work the fields.
“She truly was a champion and a prayer warrior for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions.”
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Compiled by Baptist Press editor Art Toalston.
