news from master's Men and WNAC

Master's Men has organized men's ministry for the National Association of Free Will Baptists since 1955. Women Nationally Active for Christ (WNAC), an auxiliary arm of the denomination, has coordinated the collaborative efforts of Free Will Baptist women since 1934.

SHINE 75! Assists Bible Institutes

Antioch, TN—WNAC invites church groups and individuals to join in lighting the way for a new day of ministry among Spanish speakers. Shine 75! WNAC’s current national project provides much needed funding for three Free Will Baptist Bible institutes: The Seminary of the Cross in northern Mexico, IBLAC (Altamira Bible Institute) in southern Mexico, and the Gwen Hendrix Hispanic Bible Institute in Inman, South Carolina. Named to honor WNAC’s rich 75-year history, Shine 75! focuses on future Free Will Baptist ministry efforts among this growing segment of the world's population.

With 329 million native speakers, Spanish ranks as the world’s second most prolific language. Hispanics now comprise the largest minority group in the U. S. (16% of the total population). Analysts predict this figure will swell to almost 30% by 2050, when nearly one in every three Americans will claim Hispanic origin. This population rise, coupled with a growing number of Hispanics abandoning tradition and embracing relational Christianity, creates a vast need for discipleship and leadership training. All three institutions targeted in Shine 75! offer ministry programs for Spanish-speaking men and women from countries throughout the western hemisphere.

Women seek to raise $75,000 in this cooperative effort with Free Will Baptist Home Missions. All monies received for Shine 75! will be equally divided among the three schools. Learn more at www.wnac.org, or contact WNAC at office@wnac.org or 877-767-7662.

WNAC Launches New Theme, New Format

Antioch, TN—The focus is on fitness as WNAC announces its 2011-2012 theme. “Body Builders” encourages and challenges women to improve spiritual and physical health, strengthening each other in Christ. Throughout the next year, Bible studies, group meetings, and women’s events will take on a fitness twist as women exercise spiritual gifts, strengthen core values, stretch themselves in ministry opportunities, and develop endurance as followers of Christ.

“Body Builders” also serves as the theme for this year’s WNAC convention. The one-day event, Tuesday, July 19, with speakers Carolyn Dwyer and Steve and Judy Lytle meets in the Charlotte Convention Center in conjunction with the National Association of Free Will Baptists and the National Youth Conference.

In years past, women often had to choose between attending WNAC meetings or seeing children compete in NYC activities. This new consolidated format seeks to alleviate these conflicts. The day will include four stand-alone sessions. Scheduled breaks between each segment will allow women to come and go as needed. Close proximity between WNAC and NYC events will also make getting to and from locations easier.

This fall, readers will see changes in WNAC’s publications. WNAC will produce a study guide rather than a magazine. This smaller, more compact quarterly publication will continue to carry WNAC’s signature Bible studies, interest items, and other women’s ministry helps. WNAC will offer its yearly Program and Plan Book free to every WAC member group (quantity prorated according to group size). WNAC continues to increase online offerings and activities for its growing web audience.

WNAC Welcomes Myanmar Women Active for Christ.

Antioch, TN—WNAC Executive Director Elizabeth Hodges officially welcomed Myanmar Women Active for Christ as an international affiliate, March 1, 2011. In a letter to Brother Roger Than Maung, National Director of Myanmar WNAC and President of the Myanmar Free Will Baptists Association, Mrs. Hodges expressed her great excitement and expectation in working together with this growing group of women. Currently, the organization includes 487 women from 26 chapters within two states and one division of the Myanmar Free Will Baptists Association. Mrs. Grace Eht Lowm, Brother Roger’s wife, serves as national coordinator.

WNAC networks women’s groups in 21 U.S. states, the Atlantic Canada region and the U.S. Virgin Islands. WNAC also recognizes organized Free Will Baptist women’s groups in CÔte d’Ivoire, Panama, Cuba, and Mexico as international affiliates.

Roger Than Maung and wife Grace Eht Lowm lead WNAC in Myanmar.

CMI Conference in Mississippi

Booneville, MS—Over 60 men gathered at the Martin Hill Free Will Baptist Church February 18-19, for a CMI (Count Me In) conference sponsored by Free Will Baptist Master’s Men. CMI conferences are designed to encourage and equip men to become spiritual leaders and mentors to other men. Master’s Men Director Kenneth Akers, Tennessee Pastor Cliff Donoho, and National Moderator Tim York spoke to attendees about men mentoring other men. They also addressed issues that men deal with in today’s world.

In addition to challenging services and workshops, the men were treated to great food and better fellowship. Host Pastor Rodney Brazil and the men of his church did a great job hosting the event.

The next CMI conference will be held in October at California Christian College in Fresno.

Halls Repeat as Deep South Winners

Dothan, AL—Jerry and Joseph Hall held off all challengers to defend their title at the 2011 Master’s Men Deep South Golf Tournament. After a five-year absence, the tournament returned to Dothan National Golf Course and Hotel in Dothan, Alabama. Golfers enjoyed perfect weather, with temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s with a slight breeze. The conditions were right for low scores and great fellowship.

In addition to golf and fellowship, attendees enjoyed great food, including a treat of steak and baked potatoes followed by peach cobbler and ice cream Thursday night. Georgia Promotional Director William Smith delivered the devotional message Wednesday night.

Other trophy recipients included Gladson/Pilgrim (second place), Baumgarten/Dease (third place) and Thompson/Judah (fourth place). Winners of the first flight were Breiby/Franks followed by Pugh/Hendrix. Nottoson/Dillashaw took first place in the second flight followed closely by Burns/Burleson.

All golfers enjoyed the tournament, and we anticipate more golfers to participate next year.