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

Ivorians Host International Fellowship

Bondoukou, Côte d’Ivoire — The International Fellowship of Free Will Baptist Churches (IFOFWBC) met in Bondoukou, Ivory Coast, August 5-9, 2025. IFOFWBC is designed to bring the global FWB community together, providing identity with a larger group, fellowship, mutual edification and encouragement, and information about the work FWBs are doing worldwide.

Thirty people, representing 15 countries, attended. An additional 40-plus Ivorian brothers and sisters attended as hosts. Delegates had an opportunity to present the work in their country, celebrating victories and praying for the challenges. Countries represented included Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cuba, France, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Philippines, Spain, Uganda, and the United States.

Evening sessions unpacked the theme “From One Generation to Another,” using the book of 2 Timothy as the Scripture.

During Friday afternoon’s business meeting, associations of two new countries were accepted into membership along with local churches in two countries where no association exists. The country of Brazil will host the next meeting in 2028. Attendees selected Panama to host in 2031.

A new slate of officers was elected for a three-year term, reflecting the passing of the baton to a new generation of leaders.

IM Board “Accepts the Mission”

Kansas City, Missouri — On July 20, 2025, the IM board met during the National Association in Kansas, City, Missouri. Around the conference room table, they illustrated the convention’s theme, “Accept the Mission.”

The board rejoiced over the new partnership with a non-profit organization (NGO) in North Africa. The partner NGO takes community development and outreach to local people groups and strengthens and expands communities of faith among Muslim-majority cultures.

The board accepted a retirement letter from Jeff and Susana Turnbough, who faithfully served with IM for 44 years and retired at the end of September. “We are grateful for their love for the people of Spain and their passion for training leaders through the ministry of the International Training Alliance, a partner of IM,” stated Curt Holland, director of field ministry personnel.

Even as the Turnboughs retire, the board appointed Cody and Lauren Herren (pictured above with their children), ETEAM coordinators since 2023, to serve in France. Leslie Nichols, director of mobilization, affirmed, “We are incredibly grateful for the Herrens’ diligent and intentional impact on the ETEAM program — transforming it into what it is today. We prayerfully look forward to seeing how the Lord will use them in their next chapter of ministry in France!”

During the Wednesday evening missions service, Cody and Lauren, along with all new and stateside missionaries and field workers, participated in the parade of nations and were commissioned by the denomination. “What an amazing opportunity for the thousands of Free Will Baptists in the convention center — and hundreds watching worldwide — to experience sending out laborers into the harvest fields,” declared General Director Clint Morgan

Don Matchett, director of development, stated, “Thank you for your continued faithful support and prayers for missionaries and partnerships. Thank you for accepting the mission of laboring with the Body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission!”

Jacklyn Reed Introduced as New ETEAM Coordinator

Antioch, Tennessee — Jacklyn Grizzle Reed accepted Director of Mobilization Leslie Nichol’s invitation to be ETEAM coordinator. Jacklyn replaces Lauren Herren who, with her husband Cody, was appointed to missionary service in July.

Jacklyn served on ETEAMs in 2015 and 2016. “Through ETEAM,” Jacklyn said, “God opened my eyes to His heart for the nations and made it clear: I was called to be part of the Great Commission.”

Not sensing a call to overseas service, she desired to help send missionaries. Jacklyn attended Welch College and studied business, “not because I dreamed of spreadsheets, but because I dreamed of supporting missionaries.” She served on a College Missions Program (CMP) team during college. After graduation, she worked for IM in the finance department, “doing exactly what God had asked of me: helping send out missionaries,” Jacklyn testified. A year later, she and her husband moved to North Carolina for his new position as a kids’ pastor.

In 2024, the Reeds led an ETEAM to Chicago. Jacklyn called it “a full-circle moment, pouring into students just like others had poured into me years earlier.”

“ETEAM changed my life — and I believe in it with all my heart. It’s more than a mission trip; it’s a launching pad for life transformation,” Jacklyn explained. “I’m honored, humbled, and deeply grateful to be a small part of this incredible story. May God use ETEAM for His glory and for the good of generations to come.”

Snapshots Around the World

India: Sunday, August 10, IM partners in India baptized five people at 4 a.m. to avoid problems with radical Hindus. Director of Global Partnerships Kenneth Eagleton urged: “Pray for those baptized and for the pastor.”

France: The St. Sebastien FWB Church in France baptized one person July 3. Missionary Michelle Chereau wrote: "We praise the Lord for E's life and testimony. We had a full house where we could host his family and friends, some of whom were not Christians."

Brazil: The National FWB Church, located in Brazil's national capital, Brasília, baptized 11 people on Saturday, August 16.

France: The Mosaïque FWB Church in Nantes, France, baptized two people Sunday, July 10.

Panama: A lady was baptized at the Chitré FWB Church in Panama on July 6.

Cuba: IBL Nazareth Church in San Francisco, Havana, Cuba, celebrated its 71st anniversary June 22. Founded by pioneer missionary Pop Willey, the church saw ten people baptized during the celebration.

France: The St. Nazaire FWB Church in France baptized seven people July 6.