The word maranatha (mahr-un-na’-thu) consists of two Aramean words, maran and ‘athah, meaning, “our Lord comes”, or “is coming”. If the latter is interpretation is adopted, the meaning of the phrase is, “Our Lord is coming, and he will judge those who have set him at nought.” (1 Corinthians 16:22)
In 1985, the McClendon family found themselves under a great satanic attack and with those same Biblical mandates regarding obedience in mind, were led of the Lord to co-found Maranatha Family Ministries (MFM) in Terrell, Texas. Its original purpose was to strengthen the structure of the family and enhance the work of the local church by creating an atmosphere of education, fellowship, and support. In 1993, Rev. McClendon was chosen to pastor St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. (Austin has been the host city for MFM Women’s Conference Retreat since that time).
In 1996, God expanded the vision to include a broader scope and function of MFM and from that expansion, Maranatha Marriage & Family Ministries International (MMFMI) was born. A short time later, it was incorporated as a non-profit, non-denominational entity.
