Wanda Manning of McAdory is a native of the Eastwood Mall community, originally called Logtown, in Birmingham. She was raised there until she married at the age of 18.
A faithful member of Grace Life Baptist Church in McCalla, Wanda has been a chaplain since 2001. Along with raising a family, her life has been devoted to the church, teaching and serving as a chaplain. It is a special calling when one commits to serving as a chaplain.
A soft-spoken, sweet lady, she is devoted to “Serving those who Serve.” Wanda and Terry Jacobs established the Alabama Fellowship of Fire Chaplains (AFFC) in 2012 and serve on its executive committee.
Over the years, Wanda has served as fire chaplain to the Center Point Fire Department and Jefferson County 911. She serves as a corporate chaplain with Marketplace Chaplains USA.
It is an honor and privilege for Wanda to serve first responders and train and support fire chaplains across Alabama.
What drew you to the chaplain ministry?
Wanda: Pure God-called.
What does it mean to be a chaplain?
Wanda: To be with a person during a difficult time and be able to provide comfort, to be a ready source of help and understanding, that is what it means to be a chaplain.
What has been the highlight of your career?
Wanda: Being a chaplain allows me the opportunity to go to fire stations and companies, homes, hospitals, funeral homes, jails, prisons and workplaces and serve those in need.
What is the mission of the AFFC?
Wanda: Our mission is to seek and train godly individuals who desire to serve first responders and their families with help, hope, healing in times of crisis and also in good times.
Tell me about your family.
Wanda:
I am from a family of seven. I have been married for 50 years to the Rev. Sam Manning, and we have three grown children and six grandchildren.
What has been most rewarding as a chaplain?
Wanda: It is an honor and a privilege to serve our first responders. It is a special honor for me to serve as a chaplain to them.
How long have you been affiliated with the North American Mission Board (NAMB)?
Wanda: For almost 20 years. I was endorsed as a fire chaplain by NAMB in 2007. I attend a chaplain conference every year for training, fellowship and encouragement.
What is your favorite verse in the Bible?
Wanda: My favorite verse in the Bible is 1 Timothy 1:12.
