news around the world Free Will Baptist International Missions 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 Free Will Baptist International Missions, visit www.fwbgo.com.

The Hanna Project Selects Joe Wilson for Stateside Role


Antioch, TN—Joe Wilson began his role as stateside administrator for The Hanna Project on September 1, 2010. Founded in 2004 as a humanitarian and relief agency, The Hanna Project is a non-governmental organization known by many people as THP.

Wilson recently completed a 14-month assignment as special project coordinator for the Go10 Walk for the World, a unique youth initiative. Spanning 2,500 miles through 14 states, the Walk guided 1,800 individuals in 10-mile segments. They raised over $600,000, with a matching gift of $500,000. The total raised was over $1.1 million.

Administrative director of The Hanna Project Clint Morgan said, “We believe Joe will bring the same enthusiasm and leadership to THP as he demonstrated with Go10, helping us expand our success.”

THP has completed projects in North Africa, West Africa, and Central Asia. Plans are to extend the reach of THP to Europe and Central and South America through upcoming projects. The agency identifies needs and focuses on medical, educational, and relief projects, sending teams of highly qualified, trained professionals to bring help, hope, and healing while working with in-country partners.

“I am excited about mobilizing hundreds, even thousands, of people in the U.S. to help change the lives of people around the world,” Wilson said of his new role. Wilson’s responsibilities include developing strategy with the administrative director; identifying and acquiring necessary resources; facilitating overseas projects; and recruiting and training leaders and teams.

Morgans Commissioned

Turbeville, SC—Neil and Mandi Morgan were commissioned for missionary service on Sunday, August 8, in their home church, Horse Branch FWB, in Turbeville, SC. Former board member and missionary to Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, Sherwood Lee delivered the message. James Forlines, general director of FWB International Missions, delivered the charge to the Morgans.

The Morgans’ pastor, Mike Edwards, and Carlisle Hanna, veteran missionary to India, led in commissioning prayers.

Eight days later, August 16, the family of four boarded a plane for Costa Rica. After several delays, the tired foursome arrived in Costa Rica in the early morning hours with all 28 suitcases safely in tow. “We were exhausted but overwhelmed by God's provision and protection,” wrote Mandi. “We know that it is because so many of you were praying. Your prayers impact God's work around the world. Please continue to pray.”

Neil and Mandi will study Spanish in Costa Rica for one year and then join the Dodsons, Lancasters, and Molly Barker in Uruguay.

Snapshots Around the World

Alpedrete, Spain—Three Ecuadorian believers were baptized Sunday, June 27, in Alpedrete, Spain. Each has lived in Spain for several years and has unsaved family members. They included a 16-year-old male, an 18-year-old wife and mother, and a 40-something mother.
 

Svishtov, Bulgaria—Four people publicized their acceptance of Jesus as Savior through baptism on June 5, in Svishtov, Bulgaria. The Danube River served as the baptistry for two men and two women. Family and friends enjoyed a picnic and fellowship on the riverbank following the baptisms.
 

Alpedrete, Spain—The Alpedrete congregation hosted Café y Algo Más (Coffe and Something More) June 13 at a local hotel. The event was planned by church members and garnered the largest attendance of any Café events to date, with 71 people attending the main events and 41 children and seven caregivers in another room. Twenty-five non-believers were among those who enjoyed coffee and croissants, a short fashion show, music, and a talk about the problems adolescents face from a Christian perspective.
 

Creative Access—Workers in Central Asia and a CMP team worked in an English camp June 14-20. The theme, The Road of Life—One Way, impacted than 150 college-age young people who are immersed in the ethnic religion of the area. English camp is taking place from June 14-20.
 

Jaboticabal, Brazil—The Evangelândia campground in Jaboticabal, Brazil, was the site of a leadership retreat June 3-5. About half of the Free Will Baptist churches in Brazil participated, sending a total of 50 people.
 

Nantes, France—Throughout France, the first day of summer (June 21) is celebrated with open-air music festivals. The choir from the Nantes FWB Church has participated for several years. Sylvain led the group in both English and French songs that encouraged listeners to focus on Christ and the work He longs to do in lives. Many people stayed throughout the concert, rather than moving on to another group or soloist.
 

Montevideo, Uruguay—Kendra Dodson began a bi-monthly Bible study on July 24 with two Uruguayan women. The ladies, one of Kendra’s language teachers and her friend, do not know Christ, but will study the Gospel of John for the next several months.
 

Alpredrete, Spain—The church services in Alpedrete, Spain, have not experienced their usual summer slump as members take their annual vacations. In fact, visitors continue to come as well. July 26 included three unbelievers in the congregation of 41 attendees.
 

Tokyo, Japan—Ruth McDonald recently began Good News Kids, an outreach to moms with preschoolers in the Good News Chapel area. The four-month trial program features English playtime with songs, games, activities, and crafts in each monthly hour-long session.
 

Belo Horizonte, Brazil—The Belo Horizonte Church recently voted in a business meeting to place a plaque commemorating those who established the church. The plaque honors the work of Dave and Pat Franks, as well as recently retired missionaries Jim and Vicki Sturgill.
 

Campinas, Brazil—Pastor Lucas baptized six people at the First FWB Church in Campinas, Brazil, on July 12. One couple, Suely and Carlos, was baptized. Carlos, who has advanced cancer, accepted Christ at the beginning of 2010 and wanted to be baptized as soon as possible. Two other men and two women were also baptized.
 

Chame, Panama—Paul and Chrissy Collins graduated from language school on August 15 in Costa Rica. The family moved to Chame, Panama, where they will assist Steve and Judy Lytle at the Bible institute.
 

Couëron, France—The work in St. Couëron, France, is impacting the lives of college students. Not only are French youth influenced, but also students from around the world, specifically, from China. One Chinese student was baptized the end of May. Following the service another Chinese student accepted Christ as Savior. Since then Matt Price has begun an English Bible study for both Christian and seeking Chinese students.