NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

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 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.

Hands Held High at the Power Conference

The second Acts 1:8 Power Conference sponsored by North American Ministries (NAM) was held May 30-31 at Music Road Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A crowd of nearly 400 people enjoyed two days of fellowship, informative seminars, and inspiring services.

Christian comedian, singer, and songwriter Aaron Wilburn and gospel group Three Bridges kicked off the conference with a concert. During the evening service, Executive Director David Crowe and Director of Chaplain Support Kerry Steedley led a Memorial Day salute to our nation’s fallen heroes. Director of Church Revitalization Jim McComas completed the tribute by singing “God Bless the USA.” After special music by Aaron Wilburn and Three Bridges, Dr. Joe Arthur, pastor of Harvest Baptist Tabernacle in Jonesboro, Georgia, shared a powerful message on “dream killers.”

A busy seminar schedule kicked off on Tuesday after a challenging keynote address by Director of Church Planting Brad Ransom on “The Cultural Climate in America.” NAM staff members Kenneth Akers, Brad Ransom, and Jim McComas led seminars and workshops throughout the day, along with International Missions Director Clint Morgan and his wife Lynette. Pastor, author, and counselor Dr. Eddie Moody was the featured seminar presenter throughout the day, providing practical help to those in ministry in the areas of discouragement, depression, and opposition. Jim McComas wrapped up the day of seminars with a combined session, sharing the ultimate revitalization story from Scripture—Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones.

The Tuesday evening worship service began with a concert by Aaron Wilburn and The Primitive Quartet, one of America’s premier gospel groups. Executive Director Dr. David Crowe delivered the inspirational message “Hands Held High: a Ministry of Encouragement.” The conference ended appropriately with dozens of ministers and their wives gathered around the altar while the hundreds in attendance prayed for them.

The responses to this year’s conference have been overwhelming. Many indicated their plans to make the conference part of their annual schedule, describing it as one of the most inspirational and informative conferences they have ever attended. One pastor said “This conference might as well have had my name on the flyer, because each and every service, message, and seminar was just for me.”

Plans for next year’s conference are well underway. The 2017 Power Conference will take place May 29-30, at the Hilton Convention Center and Hotel in scenic Branson, Missouri. The conference will explore the theme “Founded in the Past; Faithful to the Present; Focused on the Future.” Mark your calendars so you don’t miss one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the Free Will Baptist denomination.