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

Three Baptized at Hope Alive

Tokorozawa, Japan — Osam Sakamoto, associate pastor at the Hope Alive Church in Tokorozawa, Japan, baptized three people June 30. A teen and a married couple demonstrated their growing faith in Christ.

The wife entered Hope Alive looking for English-speaking friends, not realizing it was a church. Both she and her husband had been exposed to Christianity. Emily Sakamoto wrote, “After a few conversations and Bible studies, it was clear she genuinely desired the strength, peace, and forgiveness of sins Jesus brings. She and her husband have shown great strength in this decision to follow Jesus together. They are a powerhouse for the Kingdom, with great faith and earnestly seeking to follow the words of Jesus.”

The third person baptized was a young teen named Erica. She and a friend are the only Christians in their school.

One Baptized at St. Nazaire

St. Nazaire, France — August 27, a young lady in the St. Nazaire church was baptized. Around 30 non-Christian family members and friends attended church and witnessed her baptism.
Dennis Teague baptized Lilou in the Atlantic Ocean.

Matt Price said, “We had an amazing day at the overflowing little wooden church today. We had 150 in attendance for Lilou’s baptism! For many, it was their first time in a Protestant church or to see a baptism in the ocean. It was a great, great day. We are already hearing many good conversations were held during the day.”

Snapshots Around the World

Japan: The Hokkaido team hosted a group of Korean college students for two weeks in July. The team’s main goal was to form connections and witness to college students in Hokkaido. They also held several outreach events at the New Life FWB Church, providing opportunities for the Hokkaido team to strengthen relationships within the community. (photo below)

Global Partnerships: Kenneth Eagleton visited Zimbabwe and Uganda during July. He met with potential partner organizations and people interested in joining Free Will Baptists.

Panama: Pastor Daniel of the Betania FWB Church in Panama City, Panama, baptized two people June 30, 2024.

Uruguay: A packed church witnessed the pastoral ordination of Ismael de Oliveira Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Cristo es el Camino Church in Rivera, Uruguay. Ismael has been leading the congregation for several years. Pastor Ruben Figueroa assumed the pastorate of the oldest church in Rivera following the retirement of Dom Cassildo.

Ivory Coast:  Ivorian young people gathered in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, August 2-7, for a national youth camp.

Japan:  The Hope Alive team in Tokorozawa held a Summer English Bible Camp (VBS) July 23-26. Eighty-seven kids participated over the course of the week.

Panama: The church plant in Chepo, Panama, reported 11 new converts. They also began new preaching points in Río Paja de Cañita and Capira with five new converts in each. In addition to these church plants, the Chepo Church has an effective work with university students and a Bible study on the university campus.

Cuba: Eleven students graduated with an associate’s degree from the extension course of the Cedars of Lebanon Seminary in the Minas de Matambre FWB Church. (photo below)

Côte d’Ivoire: The National Association of Free Will Baptist Churches of Côte d’Ivoire met in Doropo August 14-16. Present were association officers, visitors, and 115 standing delegates and church delegates. During the proceedings, Sié Laurent Palé, pastor of the Tchafrité FWB Church, was ordained to the gospel ministry. (photo below)