News About the Denomination The following news items apply to (or affect) the Free Will Baptist denomination scattered across the nation and around the world.To read more about Free Will Baptists and the various departments that make up the national organization, visit www.nafwb.org. Read a brief history of Free Will Baptists in the United States.

ONE Magazine Wins Nine National Awards

Lancaster, PA—The Evangelical Press Association (EPA) presented nine awards to ONE Magazine including an Award of Excellence and eight Higher Goals honors during the 2023 convention held April 12-15 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The 75-year-old association, which draws members from more than 200 evangelical publications, helps define journalistic standards for Christian periodicals, news outlets, and online mediums. EPA honors publications that excel in writing, reporting, art, and design. EPA seeks to provide ongoing inspiration, instruction, and opportunities for networking to strengthen today’s evangelical publications. Free Will Baptist publications and staffers have been active in the organization since its founding.

“While we don’t write and design for awards or recognition, it is always encouraging to see the hard work of writers, editors, proofers, and designers validated by the greater Christian community,” ONE Magazine Managing Editor Eric Thomsen noted. “We are honored to receive these awards and inspired to continue the level of publishing excellence that prompted them.”

ONE Magazine has won more than 125 national awards since it began in 2005, but 2023 marks the highest one-year total to date.

Executive Secretary Eddie Moody offered his congratulations: “Free Will Baptists have enjoyed ONE Magazine for nearly two decades now. This year’s awards are an indication that the greater Christian community also recognizes the value of this magazine. How wonderful to see ONE Magazine honored for excellence, biblical exposition, and promotion of unity. Free Will Baptists can be thankful to Eric Thomsen and the entire ONE Magazine team for the excellent magazine they are producing.”

2023 Award of Excellence

Award of Merit (Denominational)

2023 Higher Goals Awards

Biblical Exposition – Fourth Place: “Are You the Weakest Link?” by Eric K. Thomsen

Cause of the Year (Christian Unity) – First Place: “Are You the Weakest Link?” by Eric K. Thomsen

Department – Fifth Place: “Leadership Whiteboard” by Dr. Ron Hunter Jr.

Devotional – Third Place: “God and a Good Cup of Joe” by Mark McCraney

Fiction – Fourth Place: “Who Made the Trees?” by Claire Ryan

First-Person Article – Second Place: “Uncle Bob” by Jennifer Thomsen

Personality Article – Fourth Place: “Uncle Bob” by Jennifer Thomsen

Standing Column – First Place: “First Glimpse” by Eric K. Thomsen

Update on Fort Meyers Church Hit by Hurrican Ian

From Pastor Joel Portillo and family (below)

Two years ago, I started a church with my wife and church leaders in the living room of our house. For the glory of God, it has been a privilege to serve and grow together in the Word of God. It is our vision to plant Free Will Baptist churches in Southwest Florida and expand the gospel in this area, not only in Spanish but in English as well. We want to build a church in Fort Myers, Florida, that reaches many families, and in turn, takes missionary trips in the United States and around the world. We ask for your prayers as we build our church.

On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian hit our community. I immediately requested an emergency response from Free Will Baptists. I am grateful for the quick response of many brothers and sisters from Free Will Baptist churches in Kentucky and Georgia, along with churches from Pensacola, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida; and many other churches from South Florida. With their help, we were able to help many families who lost everything. We thank each of the churches for being part of this calling to help our community in this hard time.

Since the hurricane hit our community, God placed a burden in our hearts to help in the recovery of people who need not only material things, but also spiritual help. Thanks to Pastor Rufo Gomez, Rick Bowling, and Sam McVay for helping us put together all of this amazing help. We thank the Lord for their lives as they have been a part of our ministry, providing help and guidance. We are thankful to everyone who was part of it.