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.

2013 Nominees Requested

ANTIOCH, TN—The 2012-2013 Nominating Committee, which will serve through the national convention in Tampa, Florida, is prepared to receive nominees for the 2013 convention election, according to Mike Wade (OK), committee chairman.
The committee will meet Tuesday, December 4, 2012, at the annual Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, to consider nominations and compile a slate of nominations for each position to be filled. The report will be presented to the delegates at the 2013 convention.

The following board and commission positions will be filled in 2013: Home Missions (3), Board of Retirement (3), Master’s Men (3), Free Will Baptist Foundation (3), Commission for Theological Integrity (1) Historical Commission (1), Media Commission (1), Music Commission (1), General Board (11), Executive Committee (3), and General Officers (4).

Nominations, accompanied by a brief resume, must be submitted in writing exclusively to the chairman on or before Friday, November 30.

Contact Chairman Mike Wade:

Nominating Committee
Oklahoma FWB State Office
PO Box 7527, Moore, OK 73153
mwade@okfwb.org

Tennessee Couple Leaves $1.2 Million to Free Will Baptists

Johnson City, TN—Free Will Baptists from across Tennessee gathered at Johnson City FWB Church, Monday, July 9, to honor the memory of Reverend O.P. Stokes and his wife Ruby. The memorial service felt more like a celebration as friends and colleagues recounted the Stokes’ faithfulness through more than 60 years of ministry—a faithfulness that continued after death. The couple left $1.2 million to four different ministries—Free Will Baptist Family Ministries ($500,000), Home Missions ($243,000), International Missions ($243,000), and Welch College ($243,000).

Eddie Young, Tennessee pastor and friend of the Stokes for nearly 50 years, delivered a message filled with humorous accounts of their friendship. “Brother Stokes was the key to my ministry,” he joked. “When I ran into a problem, I would call him up, listen to his advice, and do exactly the opposite. Worked every time.” On a more serious note, he added, “Brother Stokes was a great soul-winner. He was a great pastor, and he was my big brother in the Lord. He built 16 churches during his lifetime—a pioneer for God and for Free Will Baptists.”

Representatives from each of the ministries benefiting from the Stokes’ generosity were on hand to receive a symbolic check. “Because of Brother Stokes and his wife Ruby, and their love for ministry,” said Frank Woods, director of FWB Family Ministries, “we are reaping the benefits. This gift is going to make a difference. You better believe it will!”

Randall House Publications Awarded by PIAS

Nashville, TN—The Printing Industry Association of the South, Inc. (PIAS) announced winners of the annual 2012 Graphic Awards on June 25 during its annual convention in Destin, Florida. The competition awards and honors top-quality printed materials in the industry. A panel of experts judged each entry using a point system to determine the winners.

PIAS awarded six awards of excellence to Randall House Publications:

• Direction Student Devotional Magazine (September-November 2011)
  

• Adventure Guide (Fall 2011)
  

• Explorer’s Guide (Winter 2011)
  

• 2011 Randall House Product Catalog
  

• Every Age on the Same Page D6 Curriculum Booklet
  

• The Legacy Path Brochure
  

• Next Brochure (D6 2011 Conference)

Executive Director Ron Hunter said, “We are very pleased to be honored for continued excellence in the quality of our products. Any time a Christian organization earns awards in the secular marketplace, it is a compliment to the cause of Christ. These quality products draw readers into the Word of God daily in our devotional magazines, curriculum, and books.”