Free Will Baptist North American Ministries (NAM) is dedicated to planting churches across America as well as Canada, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Chaplains minister to thousands of men and women in the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, and Reserve forces. And cross cultural church planting specialists connect with people who have come to America from all over the world. Learn more about our ministry: www.FWBNAM.com.

FWBNAM Board Approves Missionaries for Service

North American Ministries is pleased to announce the approval of new lead church planters Joel and Viviana Portillo and Armon and Yvette Jorden.

Joel and Viviana Portillo will serve as cross-cultural church planters at Iglesia Nacion Santa FWB, a Hispanic work in Louisville, Kentucky. Before moving to Kentucky, the Portillos ministered faithfully in Fort Myers, Florida, for over a decade. While in Fort Myers, Joel served at Iglesia Ministerio Unido FWB for ten years and pastored Iglesia Nación Santa FWB Fort Myers for the past three years. The Portillos consider it a true privilege to join what the Lord is doing in Louisville to build His Kingdom and change lives. Joel and Viviana have three children: Sebastian, Valentina, and Esteban.

Armon and Yvette Jorden will serve as lead church planters to Hilo, Hawaii. Hilo will be NAM’s third church plant in the state and the first on the big island of Hawaii. Armon is one of the first second-generation NAM planters to plant a new church. He was saved and discipled in a NAM church plant in Grand Junction, Colorado, under church planter Chad Kivette. The new work in Hilo is evidence NAM is reaching the goal of “disciples making disciples.” Yvette was born and raised in Hawaii, giving her firsthand knowledge of the island’s distinctive history, religious challenges, and rich cultural background. Though raised in the U.S., Armon was 30 years old before he first heard the full gospel, making him uniquely aware of the deep spiritual needs within our nation. The Jordens’ knowledge of Hilo and their genuine passion for sharing the gospel will be an asset as they seek to serve their community and reach the lost there.

LTJG Josh Alderman Sworn in as Newest FWB Chaplain

Reverend and U.S. Navy veteran Josh Alderman became the newest Free Will Baptist Chaplain October 27, 2023, by joining the U.S. Navy on the deck of the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. Josh, accompanied by his wife Tasha and three children, Blake, Cole, and Hadley will begin an active-duty assignment in January when Josh begins Chaplain Corps Training school in Newport, Rhode Island.

Josh re-enters the U.S. Navy with the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade (LTJG). Please pray for Josh and his family as they serve Free Will Baptists, our great country, and our Savior Jesus Christ.

2LT Anderson Welcomed to Chaplain Candidacy

Mason Anderson serves as a chaplain candidate in the Missouri National Guard. He and his wife Courtney are both graduates of Hillsdale FWB College (Randall University) and hold advanced degrees from Liberty University. Currently, 2LT Anderson oversees religious ministries, such as officiating at worship services and other meetings and serving foreign military personnel and civilians, including hospice ministry. The Andersons have two children: Ezra and Emerie.

Please pray for 2LT Anderson and his family as they move forward in obedience to God’s calling to serve our nation and its servicemen and women.

Master’s Men Disaster Response Teams Serve in Middle Tennessee

On December 9, 2023, deadly tornadoes developed across Middle Tennessee and Kentucky resulting in multiple fatalities and extensive property damage. Master’s Men Disaster Response Teams (DRT) quickly organized and began assisting with the cleanup effort. Volunteers came from DRTs in Tennessee, Illinois, and South Carolina. The 180 FWB Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, acted as a staging ground for workers and provided a warm place for the community to have access to electricity and supplies.

Master’s Men thanks everyone who gave financially, volunteered time and labor, and prayed for storm victims. The ministry additionally offers special thanks to Master’s Men volunteers on the ground and Pastor Brian Lewis and 180 Church for their generous hospitality and faithful service to the Clarksville community.

Over 50 Baptisms at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Missouri Free Will Baptist Missions recently shared an amazing update from Fort Leonard Wood. God has blessed the ministry of Chaplain Michael Beatty, and they have baptized over 50 recruits over the last several months. We are thankful for God’s open gift of salvation and for the ministry of Chaplain Beatty and others like him.

Keep praying God will move among military members and more chaplains will
answer the call to serve them.

CELF Investment Rate Increase Announced

The Church Extension Loan Fund (CELF), a ministry of North American Ministries, has been meeting the needs of churches for over forty years.

NAM’s CELF program receives investments from individuals, churches, or other entities, and then loans that money to churches and ministries to buy land, construct church buildings, or make improvements on existing properties to better serve their members.

As of January 1, 2024, CELF investments earn interest from 3.5% to 5.5% depending on the investment amount. This is an increase from past rates. Interest is compounded monthly to give an added benefit to the investor. With only a 30-day requirement for withdrawal, the money is not tied up for an extended period.

If you or your church would like to invest in CELF, contact us at nam@nafwb.org today!
CELF may not be available in all states.