PAYNE RETIRES

ANTIOCH, TN Eddie Payne retired from his position as director of mobilization and recruitment on June 30, 2005. Payne served in the role for five years, overseeing the College Missions Program and teen short-term missions (E-TEAM). During his tenure, 20 men and women were approved for career missions, 36 people were appointed for short-term overseas service, 344 young people ministered with E-TEAM, 69 adults functioned as E-TEAM leaders, and 126 college students participated in summer missions service.

Payne impacted the lives of many young people through his role with IM and his eight years as missions professor at FWBBC. He and his wife Sandra began their relationship with IM in 1962, when they were appointed to be career missionaries to Ivory Coast. The couple served 25 years as field missionaries.

Upon Eddie’s retirement, the board of FWBIM approved a restructuring of responsibilities. Doug Little, formerly director of stateside development, has been reassigned as director of mobilization while recruitment and processing of career missionaries has shifted to Steve Lytle, director of field operations.

COUSINEAU APPOINTED NGO DIRECTOR

ANTIOCH, TN Mike Cousineau, veteran missionary to Cote d’Ivoire, has been selected to head the non-governmental organization, The Hanna Project, by the board of directors.

Mike and his wife Deleen served as missionaries to West Africa for 27 years. Mike ministered in church planting, leadership training, and, most recently, as business manager at an international school for missionary kids.

Cousineau began his responsibilities in late summer. A transition period will allow Mike to maintain a dual role as THP executive director and missionary to Cote d’Ivoire.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS BOARD MEETS IN LOUISVILLE

LOUISVILLE, KY The Board of FWB International Missions met in Louisville, Kentucky, Thursday, July 21, following the National Association of FWB.

Action included reappointment of career missionaries Jeff and Susan Turnbough (Spain) and Jerry and Carol Pinkerton (Cote d’Ivoire) to their fields of service. Matthew and Brooke (Atwood) Turnbough were approved as career missionaries to Spain. They concluded a two-year short-term service in June.

The retirement of Eddie Payne as director of mobilization and recruitment led board members to approve a reorganization of responsibilities within the IM office. Doug Little was reassigned as director of mobilization. He will continue to work with pastors and individuals to help congregations become Great Commission churches. He will also oversee student missions and adult volunteer short-term missions (ProVol) programs.

Three men were elected to The Hanna Project board: Mark McPeak (Mt. Juliet, TN), Cameron Lane (Little Rock, AR) and Van Stewart (Nashville, TN).

Jeff Manning (Unity FWB Church, Greenville, NC) participated in his first IM board meeting. He was elected during the convention business session to replace Bill Jones. Health issues led Jones to resign.

URUGUAY HOSTS LYTLES, HOLDS NATIONAL CONVENTION

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY Director of Field Operations Steve Lytle and his wife Judy ministered in Uruguay in August. The couple spoke to the youth of Nueva Vida FWB Church in Montevideo, participated in church services in all six Uruguayan FWB churches, served as speakers for a marriage conference at the Malvin FWB Church in Montevideo, and welcomed short-term missionaries Kyle and Beth Howell to Uruguay. Judy returned to the States on August 11.

Steve attended the national association meeting and held workshops for 23 students of the Rivera Bible institute. He also preached in three church services and spoke at the Malvin men’s meeting on the subject of integrity. He returned on August 19.

All six Uruguayan FWB congregations had representatives at the national association held August 13 in the Santa Teresa FWB Church in Rivera. The host church provided lunch for the 60 attendees.

Delegates approved a motion that calls for executive committee members to serve for two years rather than the existing one-year term. A new executive committee was elected: Jaimie Lancaster, president; Ruben Figueroa, vice-president; and Esteban Abella, secretary. Delegates also elected Julio Figueroa to serve as their delegate to the 2007 meeting of the International Fellowship of FWB Churches that will be held in Spain and France.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IN COTE D'IVOIRE

GOUMERE, COTE D'IVOIRE The Ivorian National Association met August 16-20 in Goumere. International Missions General Director James Forlines attended the meeting. A special ceremony was held to celebrate Ivorian responsibility for the Bible institute in Bouna. Although the institute is behind rebel lines, Ivorian leaders have continued to train pastors throughout the conflict. Amiezi Paul has completed his Masters degree in theology and will assume responsibility for operating the institute. The Ivorian leaders expressed great appreciation to Women Nationally Active for Christ for sponsoring their education through the Foreign Student Scholarship Fund.

Forlines attended the field council meeting on August 6, visited and spoke in churches throughout the country (including four in rebel-held areas), and spoke to the Southern Region Youth Camp in Agnibilekrou where many attended this annual event for university students.

MISSIONARIES RECALLED FROM COTE D'IVOIRE

ABIDJAN, COTE D'IVOIRE While in Cote d’Ivoire, General Director James Forlines announced a strategic withdrawal of missionaries as recommended by Regional Director Clint Morgan and Ivory Coast Field Chairman Mike Cousineau. The recommendation was based on confidential information the two men learned from various sources regarding the impending violence surrounding the October 30 elections.

Missionaries booked flights departing Abidjan on August 24. Return dates have not been determined, but certainly will not occur prior to the elections.

“Your prayers for the national church and the missionary family are needed and critical at this time,” stated James Forlines.