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.

Mission Hires Director of Advancement

Antioch, TN—On February 2, 2012, International Missions’ General Director Clint Morgan announced to the board, staff, and missionaries that Mark McPeak (pictured below) had accepted the offer to return to the Mission as director of advancement.

The response from missionaries, board, and staff has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
“As a missionary who is currently stateside because of the financial crisis our Mission is facing,” Kristi Johnson (Spain) wrote, “I know the importance of finding someone to develop a solid strategy for a strong support base. I believe Mark’s proven passion for sharing the gospel and his amazing giftedness will be a vital part of leading International Missions into the future, where missionaries will remain on their fields of service without fear of being called back to the States because of a lack of funds.”

McPeak’s role encompasses engaging the entire IM family in unified strategies and tasks; effectively communicating the purpose of IM; and developing and maintaining constituent relationships.

For more than nine months, the board grappled with the timing of implementing this vital position. In the December meeting, the board authorized hiring a director of advancement within the approved, reduced budgetary restrictions.

When informed of McPeak’s employment, Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, responded, “Mark McPeak’s personal integrity, people skills, and credibility among denominational leaders uniquely qualifies him to assist International Missions as they address present challenges and build a stronger, more effective outreach for Free Will Baptists.”

McPeak asked, “Please pray (and partner) with us as we seek the Lord’s direction. We desire that our plans will be His plans.”

McPeak transitioned to his new position on Monday, February 6. Full release available at www.fwbgo.com.

Year-End Financial Picture for International Missions

Antioch, TN—Although the audit for fiscal year 2011 has not occurred, unaudited numbers drawn from financial reports have been released by Rob Conley, chief financial officer for International Missions.

Money sent to the Mission as undesignated funds provided $1,670,149.26 for underfunded missionary accounts, field projects, and field ministries. “What a blessing that so many donors have transitioned their giving to the general fund,” General Director Clint Morgan stated appreciatively. “Individuals, churches, and associations giving undesignated funds to

International Missions made it possible for all missionaries to end the year without carrying the burden of a deficit account over into the new fiscal year.”

Designated money entered accounts as designated throughout the year. At year-end, three accounts were over-funded and contributed $34,770.76 to the $1.67 million that flowed out of the general fund to subsidize underfunded accounts. The accounts of two retired missionary families contributed $24,715.63 to the general fund. One career couple who has yet to deploy to their field of service added $10,055.13 to the general fund. “Please note,” emphasized Rob Conley, “that no career missionaries with overseas service had overfunded accounts. Yet, because many donors have given undesignated, the funds to supplement underfunded accounts were available. Kudos to our donors!”

Conley also indicated that though undesignated funds greatly benefited missionary ministries, the unaudited numbers indicate the Mission ended the 2011 financial year with a deficit of $443,748.91. “We absolutely do not have funds in reserve to sustain another year of financial losses,” explained Conley. “Rebuilding those cash reserves is the goal of every missionary currently on stateside assignment. Substantial one-time gifts and a tremendous World Missions Offering will encourage Mission personnel and strengthen the bottom line. However consistent, systematic support through monthly faith-promise giving, church budget giving or tithing, and consistent giving through existing channels and programs is necessary to build the cash reserves. I truly thank God for those who have taken that step of faith.”

Full release available at www.fwbgo.com.

Snapshots Around the World

Panama: The Panamanian National Association met January 6-9 to commemorate 50 years of Free Will Baptist work in the country. The four-day celebration also included the graduation of four students from the Chame seminary. On Saturday, January 6, Cirilo Mendoza, Kathia Mendoza, Lino Pascacio, and Benjamin Acevedo received their bachelor’s in theology. Each graduate immediately began leading local churches and ministries.

Brazil: Seven students graduated from the Campinas Bible institute Friday, January 6. Six students received two-year Bible certificates and one received a B.A. Kenneth and Rejane Eagleton returned to the States on January 12 for stateside assignment. Don Robirds, retired FWBIM director of communications and former Brazil missionary, began teaching on February 13 at the Campinas seminary in Kenneth’s absence.

Spain: On Sunday, February 5, the Alpedrete FWB Church celebrated six years since their inaugural service, with 54 people crowding into their small storefront building. The congregation has negotiated a lease on a new building that will more than double their space, allowing them to have several classrooms.

Uruguay: Five young people were baptized during the annual family camp held during Carnaval in Uruguay. This year’s camp, held February 20-25, followed hard on the heels of the national association meeting (January 14-15) and celebration of 50 years of Free Will Baptist ministry. The meetings were held in Rivera where Free Will Baptists began ministry in the country.

Panama: The mission effort in Penonomé held its inaugural service on Sunday, February 5. On February 17, Lori Torrison wrote, “We had 19 at our most recent Wednesday night service!”

France: Two men were baptized in the Nantes FWB Church on Sunday, March 4. The younger man was the fourth member of his family to come to Christ and be baptized. He testified that his father’s changed life played a pivotal role in his decision to become a Christian.