news around the nation

For more information about the FWB Home Missions Department (now North American Ministries), please visit www.FWBNAM.com.

CHURCHES REACH SELF-SUPPORTING STATUS

ARIZONA CHURCH DEDICATES NEW BUILDING

SIERRA VISTA, AZ Home Missionary Jerry Rayburn and the congregation of Desert Spring FWB Church in Sierra Vista, AZ recently celebrated a milestone. Their new building was dedicated in a service with more than forty in attendance, including five first time visitors. Former Home Missions General Director Trymon Messer was the guest speaker.

Rayburn lived in Sierra Vista while serving in the military and developed a burden for planting a Free Will Baptist church. He began the church but was sent overseas. While he was gone, the congregation continued to hold services, and the church began to grow. Rayburn returned to the states, finished his military tour, and now is pastors the church full time. The Lord has blessed his ministry, and the church looks forward to great days ahead.

CROSS POINTE FWB CHURCH REACHES MILESTONE

LANCASTER, OHIO Cross Pointe FWB Church stands as a beacon of hope to this growing community. Located in a fast-growing subdivision, the beautiful facility sits on several acres with room for expansion. The congregation celebrated their self-supporting status with 145 attending the service. Bill and Debbie Pitts and the church family have done outstanding work to win souls, disciple families, and bring the mission to its current status. Ohio Mission Board Chairman Rev. Roy Hutchinson, Rev. Edwin Hayes, and Rev. Tom Dooley participated in the celebration. The Home Missions Department congratulates the Pitts and their church family on reaching this important milestone in the life of the church.