Free Will Baptist North American Ministries 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 serving the nation. 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.

Morell Family Approved to Plant New Work

Lebanon, TN — North American Ministries is pleased to announce the approval of church planters Hansel and Ellie Morell (below). Through a partnership between NAM and The Donelson Fellowship, the Morells will plant Cedar City Church in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Hansel and Ellie are both from the Nashville area and spent the past several years ministering at The Donelson Fellowship, where Hansel served as student pastor and Ellie as the lead pastor’s assistant. The Morells have two young daughters, Ivy Grace and Madeline.

Located just east of Nashville, Lebanon is the twelfth fastest-growing city in America. While the southern United States — Tennessee in particular — is often considered a “churched” region, a recent influx of unreached people groups and families have moved into this region. The result is a significant need for healthy, multiplying churches to bring the gospel to these communities.

The Morells have lived in Lebanon since 2024 and sense a clear calling to plant this kind of church in their community. Their longing to see people find freedom, purpose, and fulfillment through Christ has shaped their vision for Cedar City Church: a place where the lost are found, and lives are transformed by Jesus — ordinary people changed by an extraordinary Savior, reaching the one far from God, and multiplying disciples until their city and generations to come are transformed by His love.

To learn more about Cedar City Church or to financially partner with the Morells, visit fwbnam.com/morell.

The Altar SD Launches Sunday Services

San Diego, CA — One of NAM's newest church plants, The Altar SD (pictured below), launched Sunday services March 29, 2026. The service marked a time of celebration and thankfulness, remembering all God has done and looking forward to all He will continue to do in their San Diego, California, community.

Please pray The Altar will be a place where “the lost will be found, and the saints will be strengthened, to the glory of God.” Also, ask God to strengthen and empower NAM church planters Chris and Ashly Littlecreek, Leah Williams, and Levi Johnson as they lead the work.
Learn more about The Altar SD and its leadership team at thealtarsd.org.

NAM Announces Staff Transitions

Antioch, TN — Free Will Baptist North American Ministries is excited to announce two important staff transitions effective June 1, 2026.

Kylah Walker transitioned into a newly-created role as student impact coordinator after faithfully serving as accounts administrator since joining the staff in 2023. During her time in the accounting office, Kylah has served church planters and supporters with diligence, efficiency, and kindness.

In her new role, Kylah will oversee the logistics of NAM’s newest program, Frontier Student Missions, helping connect young leaders with opportunities that encourage spiritual growth, equip them to pursue God’s calling, and inspire them to join North American Ministries in its mission to spread the gospel and reach the lost.

Drawing from her experience at NAM and her personal background in church planting ministry, Kylah is uniquely equipped to invest in the next generation of ministry leaders.

As Kylah transitions into this new position, NAM is also pleased to welcome Paula Kivette as NAM accounting administrator. Paula and her husband Chad are veteran church planters who have served with NAM since 2005, planting and revitalizing churches in Colorado, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

Most recently, the Kivettes ministered at New Life FWB Church in Amory, Mississippi, a revitalization work that recently reached self-supporting status and transitioned to local pastoral leadership as the Kivettes relocated to Nashville.

In addition to extensive ministry experience, Paula brings more than 25 years of educational and administrative experience from both public and private schools. Her background in ministry and education gives her valuable insight into the needs of church planters, chaplains, supporters, and ministry partners across the various ministries of NAM.

These transitions reflect NAM’s continued commitment to strengthening ministries, supporting church planters and chaplains, and investing in the next generation for the advancement of the gospel across North America.

CELF Reduces Investment Interest Rates

Antioch, TN — Due to current market conditions, interest rates for the CELF* investment program were reduced by one-half percent (0.5%) beginning July 1, 2026.

Effective July 1, CELF investment rates are as follows:

3.0% for $500 - $24,999
3.5% for $25,000 - $49,999
4.0% for $50,000 - $99,999
4.5% for $100,000 - $499,999
4.75% for $500,000 - $999,999
5.0% for $1 million and up

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in our department as we work together to build God’s Kingdom!

*CELF may not be available in all states.