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.

Board Seeks to Move Forward While Halting Losses

Antioch, TN—The eight members of the Board of Free Will Baptist International Missions met December 7-8, 2011, in the Mission’s office in Antioch, Tennessee. The two-day intensive session, bathed in frequent prayer, yielded encouraging reports, positive actions, and difficult decisions.

Joel and Lydie Teague were appointed as two-year, short-term interns to France. Currently, the couple lives and works in France and will travel to the States in 2012 to raise ministry awareness and funds.

“Even in the midst of continued financial challenges,” Board Chairman Danny Williams emphasized, “I am optimistic. God is working in marvelous ways globally and I am confident people within our denomination will respond financially to ensure the gospel continues to be made known around the world.”

The board voted to approve a $6.1 million budget for 2012, a full $1.15 million less than the initial framework budget adopted in April 2011. The board instructed General Director Clint Morgan to develop action plans for coping with further financial deficits. He is to present these to the board for review and approval as soon as possible.

In an ongoing effort to end financial shortfalls and to rebuild cash reserves, the board voted to postpone sending all new missionaries as well as veteran missionaries currently on stateside assignment to their fields of service until “cash reserves reach a sustainable level of 10% of the operational budget.” The board voted to implement this strategy as an ongoing standard policy.

All board members were present for the two-day session: Nelson Henderson (AR), Jeff Manning (NC), Greg McAllister (CA), Tom McCullough (MI), Rob Morgan (TN), Mark Price (OH), Danny Williams (AL), and Randy Wilson (OK). Full release available on www.fwbgo.com.

Board Postpones Missionary Deployments

Antioch, TN—“The hardest task I’ve had thus far as general director,” Clint Morgan stated, “was calling missionaries who expected to leave the States in January and telling them their departure is on hold.” Following the December board meeting, the general director made phone calls to several missionaries who expected to depart over the next few weeks.

“All those currently slated for stateside assignment in 2012 will still return to the States,” affirmed General Director Clint Morgan. “We need all hands on deck, sharing the marvelous work God is doing through Free Will Baptists and encouraging our people to pray and give.” Three couples are scheduled to return for stateside assignment during the first quarter of 2012.

“We are immensely grateful for those who have been staunch supporters of the Mission throughout the years and especially during the financial crisis that has plagued the global economy,” emphasized Sam McVay, missionary to Spain and interim development director. “However, we must have more churches and individuals to become sacrificially involved in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.” Full release available on www.fwbgo.com.

Bunch Accepts Missouri Executive Post

Antioch, TN—On November 10, 2011, the Free Will Baptist International Mission Board voted to accept the resignations of Stan and Brenda Bunch, 28-year missionaries to Panama. The resignation is effective February 29, 2012.

Stan and Brenda will relocate to Missouri, where Stan will embrace the role of executive director of the Missouri State Association of Free Will Baptist Churches, effective March 1. Full release available on www.fwbgo.com.

FWBIM No Longer Partnering With Brazil Children’s Home

Antioch, TN—For 20 years, Free Will Baptist International Missions and the Free Will Baptist denomination have celebrated the ministry of the Free Will Baptist children’s home, Lar Nova Vida, in Araras, São Paulo, Brazil. This institution is not directly affiliated with International Missions or Brazil’s Regional Association of Free Will Baptist Churches.

Because of a variety of recent changes made by the current leadership of the children’s home, Free Will Baptist International Missions, following the recommendation and counsel of Latin American Regional Director Stan Bunch and the Brazil Field Manager Kenneth Eagleton, has determined to discontinue its partnership with Lar Nova Vida. As a result, International Missions will no longer channel funds or provide personnel for this ministry. Full release available on www.fwbgo.com.

Snapshots Around the World

Panama—On December 10, 2011, 31 kids crowded into Paul and Chrissy Collins’ yard for the weekly Bible club they host. Three children accepted Christ that day.

Japan—Six young people, including Andrew (13) and Jake (10) Snow, were baptized on Christmas Day at the Miharashidai Chapel in Japan. Four Japanese youth, ranging in age from 16 to 20, joined the Snow boys.

Panama—Three adults were saved within the last two months of 2011 through the work in Chitré, Panama. The Chitré congregation recently organized and has two strong, active mission works in mountain villages.

France—The St. Sébastien church had two people saved during November and three people preparing for baptism.

Brazil—Three Campinas churches organized a 10-day mission trip to Uruguay. Twenty-one people traveled to Montevideo Friday, December 10, and then split into two teams. One team helped the churches in Rivera (on the border with Brazil) and the other team worked with the church in Melo.

India—More than 100 new believers were baptized in November in North India. Another 100 or so are preparing for baptism in upcoming months.