Jim and Viola Palmer served with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board missionaries for 30 years in Central America living in Honduras and Nicaragua. Their work included Church planting, Human Needs Ministries, Leadership Training and Administration. The Palmers led the development of a church planting movement among the Indigenous Peoples of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua and Honduras. Over 200 churches have been planted among the Miskito and Mayangna people and hundreds of pastors and church leaders trained. Over the years, the Palmers have utilized short term mission projects to strategically engage mission volunteers in church evangelism, agricultural ministries, water well projects and medical missions.
In 2010, the Palmers retired from the IMB and moved to Athens, Texas. They now serve under Missionary Ventures International and direct a Mission Network called Missional Team which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Under Missional Team, Nica Team and the Ethio Team operated as DBAs (Doing Bussiness As). These two networks of churches are engaging cross culturally in Central America and Africa. The Palmers are constantly mentoring both short-term and long-term missionaries as they prepare to serve cross-culturally around the world. Viola is a registered nurse and directs medical ministries as well as facilitating multiple ministries projects. Jim provides valuable strategy consultation to mission groups around the world and frequently teaches mission classes.
