Pastor Jim and his wife Sister Doris Varnell acquired The Cherokee Children's Mission around 1987. They ran the Mission with the help of their daughter Nanette and her husband Ray Ketcher, their grandson Zach and a very special friend Tootsie since then.
The CMM staff share a common sense of purpose to make a difference in the lives of the children of Adair County. Christian values and principles are taught in the chapel services, and lessons from Bible classes are exeplified by the staff and workers. Though the number one priority at CCM is to administer to the spiritual needs of the children, the personnel are also sensitive to the physical needs of the children and their families.