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.

Power Conference Delivers Information, Inspiration, and Fellowship

Branson, Missouri—The third annual Acts 1:8 Power Conference on church growth and revitalization was held by North American Ministries in Branson, Missouri, May 29-30, at the Branson Hilton Hotel and Convention Center. Free Will Baptists from 18 states gathered for two, power-packed days of information, inspiration, and fellowship. Many entire families attended this year’s conference, with activities and classes provided for children throughout the event.

NAM Executive Director David Crowe and Free Will Baptist Executive Secretary Keith Burden developed the theme of the conference, Founded in the Past, Faithful in the Present, Focused on the Future, during their keynote seminar sessions on Tuesday, while NAM staff members Kenneth Akers, Brad Ransom, and Jim McComas, and IM Board Member Janice Banks, taught breakout sessions in rooms often filled to capacity.

The church services on Monday and Tuesday night were filled with inspiring music and ministry by The Calvarymen from Hartville, Missouri, The Parsons Family from Kendallville, Indiana, and comedian/singer/songwriter Aaron Wilburn from Nashville, Tennessee.

Former Welch College President Dr. Tom Malone brought a challenging message during the Monday evening service on the importance of personal evangelism. NAM Director of Church Revitalization Jim McComas delivered a timely challenge on how Christians can “sing the Lord’s song in a strange land” to close the conference Tuesday evening.

Moving the conference to the Branson Hilton Hotel and Convention Center was a huge hit. Many attendees commented on how nice the hotel was, and how convenient it was to have everything under one roof.

The Power Conference will return to beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, May 28-29, 2018, at the Music Road Resort and Convention Center.

Church Planting Updates

• Lt. Amir Ashoori was approved and endorsed by North American Ministries (NAM) as a chaplain in the California National Guard.

• Josh Bennett is starting a new work in Tifton, Georgia, a joint project with the Georgia State Mission Board and NAM.

• Donnie Burke transitioned from Castle Rock, Colorado, to a joint project revitalization project in Gainesville, Georgia.

• The Hawaii team, Carl and Cynthia Spruill and Chris and Megan Davenport completed fundraising goals and moved to Kaneohe, Hawaii, to begin planting church.

• Dexter Guin has led Woodman Road Church to self-supporting status and continues to have a strong church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We applaud Dexter, Dennise, and their entire family and team for a great job.
  

• Jordan Ledbetter resigned as associate church planter from Project Utah and moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, with his wife, Emily who is pursuing her doctorate in nursing.

• Barry Long resigned from the work in Aurora, Colorado, to take a pastorate in Florida.

• Travis McKenzie launched a church in Ashland, Ohio, with a strong start. We look forward to the coming months in this new plant.

• Tim Riggs has led Bay City FWB Church to self-supporting status and continues to do well. We congratulate Tim, Angie, their family, and team for a job well done.

For the latest on church planters, visit www.FWBNAM.com.