news around the world

IM serves churches, pastors, and people by helping them fulfill their role in establishing churches beyond North America so unreached peoples can know the joy of a relationship with the living God. To find out more about the ministry of IM, visit www.IMINC.org

Joyful December Board Meeting

Antioch, TN—The IM Board met December 5-6, 2022. Some members joined via Zoom. In their time together, the board repeatedly expressed joy as they appointed new missionaries, created unprecedented ministry endeavors, and received highlights of current global efforts.

Neil Gilliland, retiring director of mobilization, rejoiced, “As we step into this season of joy, the Father continues to call people to His service. Free Will Baptist young people continue to respond to His call to reach beyond the borders of the United States. Be encouraged!”

The board approved five new intern missionaries (below) to serve two-year terms: Bradley Mercer (Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina): international students at the University of Missouri; Callie Stox (Greenville, North Carolina): Hope Alive team, Tokyo, Japan; Tristen and Sierra White (Owasso, Oklahoma): Hope Alive team, Tokyo, Japan; and Jace Dixon (Haskell, Oklahoma): Nantes, France.

“IM’s internship program has proven a great success,” attested IM Director Clint Morgan. “The vast majority of those who go through the two-year internship have made long-term career commitments. We are truly thankful for the amazingly gifted and committed people God is sending to serve with IM.”

After completing their internships, Keren Delgado, originally from Cuba, was appointed to minister in Madrid, Spain; and Jonathan and Michelle Chereau, national missionaries in France, will return to France as church planters.

Jaimie and Tammy Lancaster submitted their resignations as missionaries after serving faithfully in Uruguay. Jaimie will continue with IM as assistant director of field partnerships, assisting Dr. Kenneth Eagleton.

Ruth McDonald’s resignation was received as she began her new ministry as the director of WNAC. Donnie McDonald, continuing as an IM missionary, will serve as the field ministry personnel associate, working alongside Curt Holland.

The board adopted an operational budget of $8.8 million and an all-inclusive budget of $14.75 million including IMpact and other specific projects.

Snapshots Around the World

Hokkaido, Japan—IM missionaries joined Japanese believers (above) in Hokkaido, Japan, for the Japan Free Will Baptist national association meetings October 10-11. The Kettemans summarized the time, “We met many Japanese pillars in our denomination, heard challenging messages, made new friends, ate yummy food, and honored the McDonalds for their decades of faithful service!”

Bangladesh—Free Will Baptist affiliates in Bangladesh report they baptized 110 people and established three new churches. Once believers are baptized, the group is recognized as a church. This week, the recently completed translation of the New Testament into the Mruchow language will go to print. This ethnic group is looking forward to the dedication of the Scriptures in their heart language.

La Haie Fouassière, France—November 27, 2002, Mosaic FWB Church was full as Ophélie shared her testimony before friends and family prior to her baptism (above). Lydie Teague said, “The Christians in the room were clearly outnumbered. Many were moved by Ophélie’s testimony.”

Rivera, Uruguay—November 20, 2022, Jaimie and Tammy Lancaster and Kenneth Eagleton participated in discussions with Uruguayan church leaders (above) as they considered necessary steps to formalize a partnership between the Uruguayan church and IM.

Tokorozawa, Japan—Three people, including missionary kid Carter Ketteman, followed the Lord in baptism Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Hope Alive church.

Côte d’Ivoire—The Ivory Coast association, touched by the destruction Hurricane Ian wreaked in Cuba, received and sent an offering of $1,605 toward the relief effort.

St. Nazaire, France—Valentin and Jean shared their testimonies at church on September 25. After the service, everyone adjourned to the beach to witness their baptisms (above).

Panama—October 29, three Panamanians departed for Cuba with suitcases filled with food, medicine, and other supplies to aid relief efforts in Cuba as they continue to recover from Hurricane Ian.

Jaboticabal, Brazil—The Free Will Baptist church in Jaboticabal ordained members Lude Handel and Tiago Trevisan (above) for pastoral ministry November 19, 2022.

Ribeirão Preto, Brazil—The First FWB Church in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, baptized 12 people in November. John Poole pastors.

Pakistan—In October, Pakistani partners reported 30 baptisms, the fruit of evangelism and discipleship.

Alpedrete, Spain—October 30, Alpedrete church members witnessed the baptism of a 17-year-old young lady. Though she grew up in the church, she testified she had allowed herself to become “anesthetized” to the things of God by giving her time and attention to social media and other influences. God patiently continued to speak to her.

Anthony Edgmon said, “Many hearts were touched by this testimony. Please continue to pray for V as she grows in Christ. Pray also for the unbelievers, new believers, youth, and adults who heard God’s Word through her testimony.” 

Pakistan—November 14, two attackers targeted a group of Free Will Baptist believers. Four men were injured by gunfire. Though no injuries were life-threatening, Kenneth Eagleton urged, “Please pray for boldness for believers in South Asia who face persecution for their faith.”

Villanueva de la Torre, Spain—Mandi Morgan wrote, “After several years of waiting and praying, God answered our prayers for a physical location for our church! Praise the Lord with us for His goodness and His provision.” The rented building became home to a new church plant December 1, 2022.