Planting Churches Across America

By Larry A. Powell

Free Will Baptist church planters are connecting with families across the nation. They are preaching repentance and faith for salvation in Christ alone. Enjoy the following accounts of their success.

Don and Sonya Bailey, San Antonio, Texas

The Baileys are making a mark for Christ between the two interstate loops that surround this great Texas City. The church recently purchased 10 acres in a great location and has secured permits to build. Free Will Baptists from several states are going to help Don and his mission pour the foundation and construct a beautiful building. Let’s pray that God will continue to help Don and Sonya connect with people in the Alamo City.
 

Mark and Khristi Shores, Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico has often been called the Land of Enchantment. The mission has wonderful property and facilities along one of the main thoroughfares of this sprawling city. When I visited the mission, the service was inspiring with good music and great preaching from Mark. This church has experienced growth in recent months with several new families coming into the fellowship.

The city of Albuquerque has a tremendous need for evangelical witness, and the Shores and their church are meeting that need. Their sons John and Josh have been instrumental in church growth. Pray for the Shores as they minister in this isolated location, far from Free Will Baptist fellowship.
 

Clayton and Tammy Hampton, Clarkesville, Tennessee

I recently stood on a hill overlooking several new subdivisions in Clarksville, Tennessee—five acres recently purchased by Two Rivers FWB Church. Individual and churches have given with enthusiasm to pay for this property and to support the Hampton’s mission.
 
I enjoyed the morning worship and fellowship with the Hampton family. After the service, we looked over the plans for a new house of worship. Brother Clayton is working to secure permits and city approval. We are thankful that soon we will have a beautiful, new church in this rapidly-expanding city.
 

Scott and Dawn Real, Overland Park, Kansas

This project is now completed! The Overland Park mission has become a self-supporting FWB Church. Scott and Dawn have built on the solid foundation laid by Mark and Shelley Brazier. This beautiful facility has a great location, and the congregation is growing under Scott’s capable leadership.
 
Thank you, faithful Free Will Baptists, for your consistent monthly prayer and financial support of our labors in North America.
 

About the Writer: Larry A. Powell is general director of the Home Missions Department. To learn more about the ministry of FWB Home Missions, visit www.homemissions.net.

Missionaries Gather in Nashville for 2009 Summit

Church Planters across the nation gathered in February for three days of training, fellowship, and prayer. Dr. Troy Bush trained church planters how to "Love Your Neighbor; Tell Your Story" and shared about his experiences while supervising Southern Baptist church planters in Maryland. Jay Baines, pastor of Townsend FWB Church in Delaware, spoke on organization and practical matters in the church.

The ladies held a separate meeting for a day, enjoying fun, food, fellowship, and feasting on God’s Word. Missionary wives shared their priceless experiences and provided insight into how to work with others and become essential to missions ministry.

Dennise Guin, from Colorado Springs, CO, spoke on “Building Your Relationship and Encouraging Your Husband.” Pam Jones, of Greensburg, PA, shared her field experiences and provided suggestions on “Helping Your Children Survive.” Betty Booth, Rochester, NY, gave her listeners insight into how to “Build Relationships with Others.” Patsy Gwartney of Florence, AZ, taught attendees how to “Build Relationships with the Unlovely.” Donna Crabtree spoke on the topic, “Building Your Relationship with God.”

The ladies enjoyed their time together, especially the open discussions about building relationships and churches for the Lord.

What they said...

Quotes from missionaries who attended the summit:

“Everything was very much on target. The fellowship was wonderful and encouraging, and the teaching this year was very practical, as well as applicable to every pastor, regardless of the stage of his mission work.” —Dexter Guin, Colorado

“Thank you for having this meeting for us! It helped me keep from slipping into a ‘maintenance mode’ mentality.”—Howard Gwartney, Arizona

“The food was delicious, the accommodations were extraordinary, and the information we received was very helpful. I love being around other missionaries. The fellowship we had with them was very refreshing.” —Tom Jones, Pennsylvania

“Do it again.” —Dana Booth, New York