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.

Goal Set for 2013 WMO

Antioch, TN—Mark Price, serving as the national World Missions Offering chairman, recently announced a goal of having 900 churches participate in the 2013 World Missions Offering (WMO).

“Last year was a monumental year for International Missions,” Price acknowledged. “The Lord blessed us with the most generous WMO in the history of the effort. We asked Him for 650 churches to partner with us to get our missionaries back to ministry on their respective fields of service. The Lord moved on Free Will Baptist people, and they responded obediently and generously. The 650 churches we asked for became 731, including several overseas churches.”

Director of Advancement Mark McPeak added, “Last year we were ‘surprised’ by the way God moved on the hearts of people. We shouldn’t have been, but we were. So, for 2013, we are excited and trusting that His people will respond again. The goal of having 900 churches sign up is a faith goal. But we trust a God who honors our faith and we believe He wants all Free Will Baptist people involved in taking His gospel to the ends of the earth. Please pray with us that, through our obedience, He will amaze us again!”

Mark Price—Ohio pastor, FWBIM board member, and volunteer WMO chairman—has enlisted his fellow board members, state leaders, and others committed to getting the gospel to the ends of the earth to head up efforts in their home states.

State coordinators are distributing packets with a DVD containing four new WMO videos, past WMO and coin bank videos, information about resources, a poster, and other helpful materials prepared for each stateside church.

Churches can sign up by registering on the Mission’s website (www.fwbgo.com/wmo), emailing wmo@fwbgo.com, or calling the Mission office (877-767-7736).

“Honestly, after the December 2011 IM board meeting, I felt that—unless the Lord of the Harvest blessed in a miraculous manner—within a year we would be decommissioning missionaries, bringing them home for good,” Price admits.

“Instead, General Director Clint Morgan announced missionaries held stateside could return to the people groups to whom they were called to minister. Now, we are prayerfully asking Him for 900 churches to partner with us, so our missionaries can stay where He has led them, and more new missionaries can be sent. We prayerfully anticipate His blessing on the 2013 WMO, asking our Free Will Baptist friends to partner with us in prayer and obedient giving.”

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2013 Announced

Antioch, TN—International Missions’ General Director Clint Morgan issued a new call to prayer and fasting in March. “In 2011, as I began my tenure, I greatly sensed an immense need for God’s direction and guidance. I asked others to join me and the Mission family in 40 days of prayer and fasting,” Morgan recalls. “People responded generously. Many told me how God worked in their lives as a result of this focused time of prayer. Even more amazing was how God responded! We believe He gave wisdom and direction to International Missions’ board and directors. Last year’s World Missions Offering exceeded $1 million—only through God’s goodness and grace. Monthly income, though not at record levels, exceeds the previous year. Enthusiastic, highly qualified young people are seeking to serve overseas. God has totally exceeded our expectations, on every level!”

This year's 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting began Wednesday, March 20, and will conclude on April 28—World Missions Sunday. Prayer will be focused on three areas: missionary and Mission needs, the needs of national pastors and leaders, and the Mission’s future strategies concerning fields of work, people groups, and finances.

“I believe fasting and prayer are essential elements of our Christian walk. However, we do not want either one to become ritualistic. For that reason, I was a bit hesitant to ask our Free Will Baptist people to join us in another 40 Days of Prayer,” Morgan explained. “But several pastors and laymen asked if we were going to have another. Our office staff and some of the missionary force have requested it. I was delighted to press forward with this initiative.”

Prayer requests are available via a PDF download on the Mission’s website (fwbgo.com), are sent out through social media daily, and are released via email to inboxes each morning.
“We trust God will use this 40 Days to remind us of His faithfulness and, as a result of focused prayer and fasting, lead us to rely even more fully on Him,” Morgan concluded.

Brazil Camp Yields Salvation Decision

Campinas, Brazil—Churches in Brazil, Panama, and Uruguay held family camps and retreats during Carnaval celebrations, February 9-12. Carnaval camps are used to strengthen Christian fellowship and dependence on God in contrast to the superficial alliances and debauchery of Carnaval celebrations.

The First Church in Campinas sponsored one such camp. During the four-day event, 120-140 people (above) participated in a mix of Bible studies, games, sports, and leisure. The camp theme “Unforgettable” highlighted the unforgettable things the Lord has done for each of us and the things He still wants to accomplish in lives.

One young man accepted Christ. Several others rededicated their lives during this camp.

Panamanian Women Celebrate 25 Years of Service

Panama—Free Will Baptist women in Panama held their 25th annual national retreat February 1-3 at the seminary in Chame. This year’s theme, “25 Years Serving”, led the women to remember the past, serve one another now, and look forward to future service.

Kathia de Mendoza and Stephany de Acevedo, both graduates of the seminary, were featured speakers. New officers, representing several churches, were elected during the three-day event.

An annual women’s retreat was initiated after two Panamanian women, visiting Steve and Judy Lytle in the States, attended WNAC’s retreat at Ridgecrest in 1986. The women loved the people, dynamics, and fellowship. Fressia de Diaz asked Judy, “Why can’t we do this in Panama?” When the Lytles returned to Panama in 1987, Fressia and Judy led the women to plan their first retreat in March 1988. Mabel Willey and Mary Ruth Wisehart were the speakers.

Over the years, the ladies have faithfully joined together to hear from God’s Word, lift praise and prayers to the Lord, attend to business, and enjoy one another’s presence as only Christian women can.

Snapshots Around the World

Bulgaria: Jonathan and Amy Postlewaite (below, with Awtreys) departed for Bulgaria Sunday, February 17, 2013, with daughters Anna Grace and Jonna Faith. They joined Tim and Lydia Awtrey and their two children (Yanna and Alex) in Svishtov, Bulgaria.

France: The Nantes Boissiere FWB Church celebrated 10 years in its building recently. Friday, February 15, city officials and other local dignitaries participated in the official opening of events. Saturday, February 16, the church hosted a concert by an Algerian singer. Events concluded on Wednesday, February 20, with a children’s outreach. The church also opened its doors to the public to view an exposition set up inside.

France: Vincent was baptized in the Nantes church on January 27. Many unsaved friends and family members heard him confess Christ as Savior. He accepted Christ in September 2012 after years of prayers on his behalf and even church attendance. Over the years, he moved from believing God did not exist to this step of faith.

India: Carlisle Hanna returned to India, Tuesday, January 15.  Brother Hanna carries a heavy load in India as he counsels pastors, guides the hostel and other ministries, encourages believers, etc. Ask God to give him strength for the many tasks he faces.

Japan: Heath and Joni Hubbard (pictured above) departed for Japan, Wednesday, January 16, with sons Eli and Micah. After participating in the Japan field council meeting outside Tokyo, they rented a home in Sapporo, unpacked, and began language classes in February.