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

Geraldine Waid With the Lord

Antioch, TN — Former missionary to Japan, Geraldine Waid (pictured below), passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at Colquitt Regional Senior Care and Rehabilitation in Georgia. The 95-year-old was born December 11, 1930, in Lucama, North Carolina, to James Richard and Bessie Mae (Batten) Gay.

Geraldine married Herbert Waid July 23, 1954, in Nashville, Tennessee, after they met at Free Will Baptist Bible College (now Welch College). In 1958, the couple was appointed to missionary service in Tokyo, Japan, where they served for 17 years.

During their years of ministry in Japan, they became the first Free Will Baptist missionaries in Tokyo, established a church in Irumagawa, and provided teaching and ministerial support in four mission works.

Debbie Griffin, current IM missionary to Japan, reflected, "Mrs. Geraldine was a godly woman who followed the Lord’s call with her whole heart. As pioneer missionaries, she and Brother Herbert planted enduring seeds of faith in Japan. Though her time on the field ended, her missionary heart never retired. She poured love for Japan into fervent prayer, unwavering support, and mentoring the next generation. She became a precious mentor to me, selflessly sharing her deep wisdom and experience. I wilal be forever grateful for Mrs. Geraldine and the lasting impact she made, not only in Japan, but also deep within my own heart.”

After returning from Japan, Geraldine served alongside her husband in Georgia for many years, offering encouragement and steadfast support throughout their years of service.

Herbert passed from this life 14 months before his wife. Geraldine is survived by four children (Nancy Thiessen, Peter Waid, Penelope Wilkinson, and Amy Dykxhoorn), 15 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held June 21, 2026, at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Her son, Reverend Peter Waid, officiated.

From Sorrow to Rejoicing

Kenya — On Palm Sunday, Kenneth Eagleton preached at Bible Way Free Will Baptist Church in a village in Eastern Kenya, near Kitale. Over the next two days, he and Danny Gasperson conducted a seminar for the people before returning to the States.

The following Thursday, Pastor David Wafula of the Bible Way FWB Church informed Kenneth about the death of a teenager who had been ill. A few days later, Kenneth received another message from the pastor. During the teen’s funeral, Pastor David preached an evangelistic message, and 27 people responded to the invitation.

Kenneth exclaimed, “What an example of God taking tragedy and turning it into rejoicing as 27 souls found salvation in Jesus!”

Snapshots Around the World

Cuba: A new Free Will Baptist mission work (below) was established during the spring in Recompensa, Cuba, just ten miles from Bahía Honda. The congregation, named "Getsemaní," is a place of prayer, surrender, and faith. With few material resources, the small, faithful community is already making its mark. Pastor Durley López Gómez and the Bahía Honda Free Will Baptist Church sponsored the new work, believing God's mission is never limited by what we lack.

Cuba: Three mission works connected to the Cedars of Lebanon Free Will Baptist Church gathered for a Ladies Month celebration at the "Salvados por Cristo" (Saved by Christ) Free Will Baptist Mission in Pinar del Río, Cuba. Jocabed (the daughter of Boris Sarlbous, director of the Los Cedros del Libano seminary) delivered the message to the group of nearly 70 women.

Brazil: The Jaboticabal Free Will Baptist Church launched a new church plant in the neighboring town of Monte Alto on May 25. On June 7, a scant two weeks later, 85 people (15 children and 70 adults, below) gathered for worship. Fifty-five of them were Monte Alto residents.

Côte d’Ivoire: Free Will Baptist youth in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, organized a large evangelistic march (below) through Yopougon to celebrate World Evangelism Month in May. Along the route, they distributed gospel tracts and proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ to passersby with joy and conviction. By all accounts, the event unfolded under excellent conditions and reflected months of intentional preparation.

France: On June 7, Merina, a young Ukrainian, who attends the Russian service at the St. Nazaire Free Will Baptist Church, shared her testimony of salvation. After the church service, the congregation gathered at the ocean for her baptism.

Panama: On May 24, at Bethania Free Will Baptist Church in Panama, four people were baptized, publicly declaring their faith and stepping into a new chapter of life.

Togo: Sunday, May 24, Pastor Akoda baptized 12 people (pictured below) at the Free Will Baptist Church in Togo, located in West Africa.

Pakistan: On May 6, 26 people were baptized (below) at God's Love FWB Church in Lahore, Pakistan.

Bangladesh: In April, Free Will Baptist believers in Bangladesh finalized a studio to transmit Christian programming. They are creating a web-based Christian radio station to transmit the gospel in the Bangla language.