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.

New Board Members Elected at Convention

Antioch, TN—Delegates to the 76th session of the National Association of Free Will Baptists elected four board members to the Board of Free Will Baptist International Missions on Wednesday, July 18.

Nelson Henderson (AR) was reelected to another six-year term. Mark Price (OH), previously selected to complete Jerry Norris’ unexpired term, was also reelected. Dr. Janice Banks (above, left) was elected following a nomination from the floor and will complete the balance of deceased board member Paul Creech’s term (expiring in 2014). Dr. Brad Ransom (above, right) was selected to replace Randy Wilson who served the maximum term of 12 years.

Although social media outlets were inundated with the news that delegates had elected International Missions’ first female board member, Mrs. J.R. Bennett had that honor when she was elected to the board in 1938.

General Director Clint Morgan said, “It is always impressive to see God use the men and women who represent our churches to fill the board with a diverse representation of our denomination, people who love God and have His heart for the lost around the world. Join me in praying for all our board members.”

The full release is available on the Mission’s website: www.fwbgo.com.

Missionaries Return to Assigned Countries

Antioch, TN—Applause filled Cook Convention Center as delegates to the 76th session of the National Association of Free Will Baptists received General Director Clint Morgan’s report, Wednesday, July 18, in Memphis, Tennessee. Morgan announced April’s World Missions Offering total had surpassed $944,000. Giving God the glory for all He has accomplished, Morgan thanked the denomination for yielding to His leading and responding generously, obediently, and in some instances sacrificially.

A standing ovation greeted the announcement that missionaries detained by the International Missions Board in December 2011 were released to return to their assigned countries. “In December, no one could have predicted that a scant seven months later we’d be able to enthusiastically release these missionaries,” Board Chairman Danny Williams stated. “We are thrilled at the way God has answered prayer and look forward to His continued working.” Full release available: www.fwbgo.com.

Price to Head Volunteer Effort

Antioch, TN—Director of Advancement Mark McPeak announced that Ohio pastor Mark Price has agreed to provide leadership for the 2013 World Missions Offering (WMO). Price, a volunteer himself, will chair a team of volunteer representatives.

“If we are to invite every Free Will Baptist church to be involved in sharing the gospel overseas,” McPeak explained, “we must have more people engaged. By creating an infrastructure of volunteers passionate about reaching the world for Christ, we allow local pastors and laymen to fulfill one of their roles in the Great Commission.”

Price has served with the ambassador program since the 2008 WMO promotion. In 2011, Mark was elected to the IM board, yet continued to represent the Mission as an ambassador as well. “Mark Price has demonstrated an ongoing enthusiastic desire to grow the ambassador program. He has been innovative in promoting the WMO in Ohio and, this year, served on a WMO team led by Sam McVay that planned and implemented the 2012 campaign,” said McPeak.

“One of the key components of this year’s WMO was the emphasis on prayer and dependence on the Lord. I don’t see that changing,” McPeak affirmed. “We need His guidance. We need Him to move in hearts so people will respond in obedience to His mandate to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.”

Price said, “While we will focus heavily on the annual World Missions Offering, don’t be surprised to hear us reminding churches and individuals of the importance of consistent, monthly giving.

The WMO gives a financial boost to the second quarter of the year, but monthly giving keeps missionaries on the field performing the tasks to which they have been called.”
Full release available at www.fwbgo.com.

Snapshots Around the World

• Spain: More than 40 children participated in Alpedrete’s vacation Bible school July 16-20. Throughout the week, 11 children from unchurched families participated in the “Amazing Wonders Aviation” themed crafts, music, Bible lesson, and snacks.
  

• Brazil: The São José FWB Church in Campinas, Brazil, continues to grow. Pastor Nilvio baptized seven people Sunday night, July 29. Eleven others were baptized at the end of June. Pastor Nilvio and other church leaders seek to ensure the discipleship and spiritual growth of these new Christians. The church also hosted a vacation Bible school in July that reached more than 500 children.

• Japan: The youth of the Miharashidai Chapel in Hokkaido, Japan, (pictured above) recently initiated a Bible study for the young people following Sunday service each week. Both Christian and non-Christian youth attended.
  

• Panama: Steve and Lori Torrison partner with Osvaldo to plant a church in Penonomé. Their current rental property is beginning to fill and they are starting the process of finding a larger space. Their vacation Bible school, held September 10-14, created much excitement as many children participated.

• Spain: Jhon Fredy, pastor of the Villalba FWB Church, baptized three new believers at the end of June (pictured above).

• Japan: Ken and Judy Bailey seek to reach young families with the gospel. Ten children meet each Sunday afternoon for English Club (pictured above) where they also hear Bible stories. Parents typically attend these events with their children.