Master's Men Update

Master's Men has organized men's ministry for the National Association of Free Will Baptists since 1955. Learn more: www.fwbmastersmen.org.

South Carolina Flooding Prompts Relief Efforts

ANTIOCH, TN—This week, an indirect hit from Hurricane Joaquin combined with heavy tropical moisture to produce record rainfall (18 inches or more in a 24-hour period) and flooding in South Carolina. According to Chris Todd, promotional director for the South Carolina State Association, at least three Free Will Baptist churches have been affected by the flooding, and many Free Will Baptist families have been displaced as a result of the high waters.

Master’s Men, in partnership with CitiIMPACT and Free Will Baptist Disaster Relief, has scheduled two semi truckloads of supplies to be delivered to rescue shelters in Clarion County, South Carolina. The affected areas will have additional needs in the coming weeks, however, in addition to these initial supplies. Master’s Men are seeking volunteers to help with clean-up and reconstruction, along with immediate financial assistance.

We are currently staying in contact with our FWB people in South Carolina. Once we feel it will be safe and reasonable to go, we will make plans. With over 400 roads closed and law enforcement not allowing anyone in, we MUST wait. Once we are able, we will go in to help with clean-up. Brooms, shovels, chainsaws and cleaning supplies will be needed. We are in desperate need of funds to help those affected. Donations can be sent directly to Master’s Men, PO Box 5002, Antioch, TN 37011, marked SC Disaster Response.

For more information, contact Master’s Men at 877-767-8039 or www.fwbmastersmen.org or Chris Todd, South Carolina State Association Office: 843-657-2091.

Good Days for Good Springs: National Golf and Softball Tournaments

Antioch, Tennessee— The Master’s Men National Golf and Softball Tournaments started with cool, wet, cloudy days but ended with high temperatures and high spirits. It was already raining Thursday morning, August 6, when 40 golfers met at Windtree Golf Course in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, for the 2015 tournament. While some decided to forego the rainy round, a soggy but cheerful group took part in the 7:30 shotgun start. Teams paused several times during heavy showers, but everyone finished.

Scores were where you would expect for the conditions. In the championship flight, the father-son team of Tommy and Cage Ellis (pictured above), from Good Springs FWB Church, Pleasant View, Tennessee, won a scorecard playoff to top defending champions Ronnie Dunn and Paul Ballard—both teams scoring a 5-under-par 67. First flight, first place went to Garnett Reid and Clint Morgan followed by Jim Gaw and David Allen in second. First place, second flight went to the grandfather-grandson team of

Roger and Rusty Cooper with Eric Thomsen and Manuel Lopes finishing second.
“While the weather was less than desirable,” said Ken Akers, Master’s Men director, “the attitudes and fellowship were sunny. Thanks to all the brave golfers for supporting Master’s Men.”

While it never rained on Friday or Saturday, August 7-8, the softball fields were soaked as the national tournament started. Twelve teams representing six states participated in the 2015 event. The weather was perfect for softball the entire weekend. Friday saw a mostly cloudy day with temperatures in the low 80s. Saturday was sunny and warm, but a light breeze kept the conditions comfortable.

Every team played four games Friday, finishing around 5:00 p.m., and three teams remained undefeated going into Saturday. Eight teams began the double elimination segment of the weekend on a foggy Saturday morning. Teams had little time to rest between games. By noon, the number had been whittled down to eight teams, and down to four by 2:00 p.m.

As the trophy rounds began, some teams had already played five games, and had to play four more to continue. It proved to be another good day for Good Springs Church (above), as they won the tournament for the first time in their long history of participation. They finished with a perfect 8-0 record for the weekend. Lebanon FWB Church (SC) took second place, while Sylacauga, (AL), finished third and Northridge, (OH), finished fourth.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the teams and their sportsmanship during the tournament,” Akers said. “We are looking for ways to boost attendance next year by adding more teams, and we are considering adding a co-ed tournament. We would love input from our churches.”

Visit www.fwbmastersmen.org throughout the year for more information regarding upcoming tournaments.