Photography by Jamison Mosley
Fellow Arkansans – neighbors, colleagues and friends – are sharing a light of peace, kindness and generosity that makes The Natural State a little brighter. Inviting Arkansas and Methodist Family Health celebrate individuals who illuminate our community with goodness. Nominate someone today for a future feature that SHINES.
When asked to define Methodist Family Health, Reverend J. Wayne Clark included words like hope, opportunity, healing. He explains, “Hope for families and children; opportunities for people to give and serve; healing for brokenness.” As The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas President & CEO, Wayne continues the organization’s mission fulfillment work: empowering a faithful community of the United Methodist Church through stewardship and generosity. These values align with the work of Methodist Family Health.
Prior to The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, Wayne worked at Hendrix College. During this tenure, he began leading mission trips and realized the power of volunteerism. He fondly recalls, “The trips were not so much about the work, but actually about building bridges with people by learning from them and working side-by-side with them. With a greater understanding of the people I went to serve, and holding value of the things they could teach me, I gained so much.” Now, Wayne has organized more than 25 domestic and international mission trips – only strengthening his sense of purpose and dedication for improving lives.
Wayne has served Methodist churches in Magnolia, Pine Bluff and Dallas as well as the United Kingdom. It was in Pine Bluff when Wayne was initially introduced to Methodist Family Health. Coincidentally, a parishioner’s father was president of the organization. Nearly three decades later, Wayne believes his support and the funding that The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas provides to Methodist Family Health with the resources required to care for Arkansans that need it most. “Methodist Family Health helps put children and families on the road to success with ways to find meaning and hope in their lives that can be shared with others to do the same.”
Wayne’s heart for service is reflected through this support of Methodist Family Health and countless organizations throughout Arkansas. He summarizes, “My work with local churches, college students, leading mission trips, fundraising and helping people think about legacy giving is all a way to help people find balance, wholeness, and purpose in their lives.” Whether in Vietnam or Pine Bluff, Wayne continues to lead by example. “When I think about my achievements, I hope my work is inspiring people to do good in the world and to treat everyone with dignity and respect.”
Sponsored by Methodist Family Health | Nominations accepted at Foundation@MethodistFamily.org
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