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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.
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MONTERREY CHURCH CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
MONTERREY, MEXICO More than 130 people gathered in Monterrey October 20, to celebrate 50 years of ministry at Templo Rosa De Sarón, first Free Will Baptist church in Mexico. The church started in 1954 under the direction of Home Missionaries Arthur and Jennell Billows, and organized officially in 1957.
Current pastor Hilarino González and his congregation welcomed visitors from six congregations, including founder Jennell Bellows who addressed the assembly briefly. Howard Munsey, president of Berea Ministries, was the guest speaker in the rousing worship service, with translation by Dr. Thomas Marberry, dean of the Seminary of the Cross in Reynosa, Mexico.
Luis Felipe Tijerina, moderator of the Association of Mexico and recently elected vice-president of the International Fellowship of Free Will Baptists, congratulated the church on reaching the milestone milestone. Eric Thomsen, editor of ONE Magazine, presented the congregation with a plaque honoring their faithfulness.
During an afternoon service the congregation enjoyed a video history created and presented by Gabriel and Marcos Gonzalez, sons of the pastor. At the conclusion of the video, pastor Gonzalez presented one of the original church tiles to members of founding families in the church. The service closed with prayer for the next 50 years of ministry.
2007 THEOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM MEETS
MOORE, OK Symposium participants gathered on the campus of Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College October 22-23, 2007, to discuss theological issues facing today’s church. The annual symposium, sponsored by the Commission for Theological Integrity, is structured around the presentation of papers on a variety of topics.
This year’s topics ranged from homosexuality and terrorism to the authority of Scripture and pop culture. Key contributors included Stephen Ashby (OK), John Carter (TN), Leroy Forlines (TN), Paul Harrison (TN), Edward Moody (NC), Matt Pinson (TN), and Milburn Wilson (OK).
The papers presented during the meeting will be edited and compiled into a seven-chapter book to be published by Randall House Publications and the Commission for Theological Integrity. The book, Christianity and Cultural Issues will be released summer 2008.
 2007 MASTER’S MEN MOTORCYCLE RALLY
HIGHWAY 99, CALIFORNIA On October 6, 2007, California Free Will Baptists came from the north and the south to take part in the first ever California Master's Men Motorcycle Rally. Riders from the southern part of the state rumbled north on highway 99, led by Master's Men Director Kenneth Akers. At the same time, riders from the north were rumbling south, led by National Master's Men Board Chairman Clifford Donoho.
The two groups met at high noon on the campus of California Christian College. Following a barbeque lunch and devotion, both groups fired up their bikes and headed out for a ride through Wonder Valley located in the beautiful California Sierra Foothills.
Participants enjoyed the event, and plans are underway for 2008.
 CAROLYN ADAMS WITH THE LORD
ANTIOCH, TN Carolyn Adams long time employee of the Home Missions Department went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2007, after a long battle with cancer.
Married to Dr. Richard Adams in January 1959, Carolyn (pictured at left with husband Richard) spent 48 years being a model helper to her husband and mother to her family. She served the Lord faithfully as a pastor’s wife before she became a vital part of the Home Missions family for the final 17 years of her life.
Mrs. Adams was a talented singer and continually served the Lord through her music across the denomination. Carolyn loved the Lord, her family, and Free Will Baptists. She spent her life encouraging and ministering to many through her sweet attitude, humble heart, and love for the Lord. Her presence will be greatly missed.
EASTERN IOWA ASSOCIATION MARKS FIRST MEETING
BETTENDORF, IOWA On Saturday, November 9, churches in the recently formed Eastern Iowa Association of Free Will Baptist gathered for the first time as an official body. More than 30 people met at Riverside Free Will Baptist Church.
The association elected Moderator Jim Martin (Heritage FWB Church, Davenport) and Assistant Moderator Wayne Martin (Riverside FWB Church, Bettendorf) to serve as their leaders for the upcoming year. Delegates discussed the potential for growth in Iowa and made plans for training and outreach events to motivate that growth.
For more information about the ministry in Iowa, contact Pastor Jim Martin at jimmartin@mchsi.com.
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