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

Carlisle Hanna Ends Seven Decades of Service

Antioch, TN—Ninety-three-year-old Carlisle Hanna entered the Lord’s presence February 17, 2023. Born August 3, 1929, near Lake City, South Carolina, he is survived by three children: Brenda Kay (Michael), Donald (Millicent), and Mark (Elizabeth). Carlisle was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marie, their daughter Sheila Marie, their grandson Jason, his parents, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and nine brothers and sisters.

Hanna served more than 70 years in India beginning in 1952. His dedication to his Savior and the people of India impacted thousands, not only in India but also in the States. Clint Morgan, general director of IM, stated, “Few men have impacted a country, a people, a denomination, and the world of missions like Brother Carlisle, better known as ‘Uncle’ by the people of India and those who knew him best. If ever a missionary gave of himself completely, he did. For 70 years, he served the Indian people with compassion and passion. He never felt he could give enough or do enough. He has been honored in many ways by people and mission organizations. None could come close to capturing the welcome home he received as he left his earthly home and joined the Lord he loved shamelessly, shared joyfully, and served willingly.”

A celebration of his homegoing was held March 4 in Turbeville, South Carolina. A memorial service was held in India as well.

Sharon Ferguson Dies

Antioch, TN—Former missionary Sharon Kay Ferguson went home to her Lord April 10, 2023. The 75-year-old grew up in Blaine, Kentucky. She left the small town to attend Welch College in Nashville, Tennessee, receiving a degree in Bible and missions.

She met her husband Ledgel during a revival meeting in her home church. Together, they served the Lord in the United States then in Ivory Coast (1977-1990; 1991-1995). They pastored in Georgia and Kentucky before responding again to mission field needs, this time in France (2006-2010).

They returned to Blaine for their retirement, serving as volunteers at Camp Caleb and their home church, Cherokee FWB Church.

Survivors include Ledgel, her husband of 47 years; her brother Mike (Eileen) Roberts; and numerous extended family and a host of close friends.

Funeral services were held April 14 at Cherokee FWB Church in Blaine.

WMO Set for August 27, 2023

Antioch, TN—The annual World Missions Offering is scheduled for August 27, though individuals and churches may give to the WMO at any point in the year. This year’s theme focuses on the main purpose of missions: taking the gospel to the ends of the Earth.

The IM website (iminc.org) hosts resources to promote the offering within churches: bulletin inserts, PowerPoint slides, videos, children’s curriculum, posters, and more. Many resources are available in English and Spanish.

Don Matchett, director of church relations, notes, “With 3.28 billion unreached people in the world, we all have a part to play in taking the gospel where it’s most needed. We get to be a part of evangelizing, ministering, partnering, teaching, training, and giving! Let’s work together until the gospel reaches the ends of the Earth.”

IM Partners With 1040i in Côte d'Ivoire

Antioch, TN—IM General Director Clint Morgan and his wife Lynette, an RN, went to Doropo, Côte d’Ivoire, to serve with IM partner 1040i in February. Through medical interventions, construction projects, and biblical teaching, hundreds of people were impacted.

Medical personnel dispensed more than a thousand prescriptions, performed 100-plus surgeries, provided prenatal and postnatal care tips to local women, and supplied 364 medical consultations. The construction team painted the “Eagleton” house and a water tower, put a new roof on the first Free Will Baptist church constructed in 1968, and completed numerous repair jobs and emergency plumbing/electrical tasks.

A bicycle repair team fixed more than 30 bicycles and other modes of transportation at the “shade tree bike shop”—a valuable means of ministry. Bible teaching sessions covered many hours, with pastors and institute students engaging in meaningful conversations. Clint declared, “Good seeds of the gospel have been planted, and God will bring a harvest.”

Snapshots Around the World

Svishtov, Bulgaria—“Praise God, we found a bigger place to meet on Sundays in Svishtov!” Lydia Awtrey exclaimed. “We also have a new church van (pictured below), so we can take disabled and elderly people to church. So very grateful. Thank you for your prayers.”

Hokkaido, Japan—In mid-February, Japan’s Free Will Baptist pastors and teachers met at New Life Church with the Bishops for their annual leaders’ conference. They shared ministry updates, participated in leadership training, and enjoyed fellowship and encouraging one another.

Bangladesh—In February, IM’s partners in Bangladesh celebrated the completion and dedication of two New Testament Bible translations into local languages with funds from IM’s partnership and Word of Life in Bangladesh. Support the ministries in Bangladesh by giving at www.iminc.org/give.