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news around the world
For more information about international FWB ministry, please visit www.fwbgo.com |
COIN BOXES INTRODUCED FOR WORLD MISSIONS OFFERING
ANTIOCH, TN International Missions Director of Development Tim York recently announced the availability of coin boxes. The boxes are designed to help individuals, especially children, participate in the World Missions Offering scheduled for April 26.
“With the Change the World coin banks, you can use your change to make a difference in the lives of people to whom Free Will Baptists have been called to minister,” says York. “It doesn’t matter if you are four or 74, you can take part in this ministry.”
Four Bible institutes will be underwritten this year through the IM general fund. These schools (located in Africa, Cuba, India, and Russia) equip tomorrow’s leaders and ministers. Free Will Baptists have the opportunity to touch the lives of these men and women and help them plant churches overseas. “We have already seen God yield precious fruit from these educational facilities,” York continued, “and we believe He will continue to use them to expand His glorious kingdom and educate His people.”
Change the World coin boxes may be received from your local church or by visiting www.fwbgo.com.
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BOARD OPENS NEW FIELD
ANTIOCH, TN The Board of FWB International Missions met in Antioch, Tennessee, on Wednesday,
December 7.
In historic action, the board voted to open Bulgaria as a new field for Free Will Baptists. Field Operations Director Steve Lytle and Europe Regional Director Clint Morgan traveled to Bulgaria in October to investigate the opportunity.
Based on the findings of this trip and the potential of approving missionary personnel to open the work, the board confirmed the Lord’s leading into this former Communist-controlled country. The Bulgarian Evangelical Alliance 2001 census indicated less than one percent of the population of approximately 7.5 million people was Evangelical Christian. Candidates for service in Bulgaria will be considered at upcoming board meetings.
Steve and Becky Riggs were reappointed for another term of service in France. Tim and Di Keener were appointed as full-status career missionaries, pending completion of educational requirements. The board approved the creation of a VISION Campinas fund to support the multiple church-planting projects in this Brazilian city.
International Missions board members present were Milton Worthington (chairman), Danny Williams (secretary), David Williford, Sherwood Lee, Jerry Norris, Jeff Manning, Tom McCullough, and Bill VanWinkle. Randy Williams was unable to attend.
PASTORS AND MOTHERS HONORED
CHITRE, PANAMA The Good News FWB Church in Chitré celebrated Panama’s Mother's Day on Sunday, December 11. New missionary appointees Steve and Lori Torrison were present and participated in the event. The Good News Children's Bible Club sang and recited poems and then presented each mother with a red rose. Fifty-one people were present in the service, and one man rededicated his life to Christ.
Stanley and Brenda Bunch are excited about the growth they are seeing in this new work. Several American FWB churches have given sacrificially to help with the construction of the church building in Chitré. “We are very thankful for the tremendous blessing God has given us with the building,” says Stan Bunch.
The Panama Field Council members hosted their annual pastor appreciation and Christmas banquet on December 9, 2005, at the Riande Continental Hotel in Panama City, Panama. Nine pastoral families were present as well as missionaries Steve and Lori Torrison, Darrel Nichols, and Stanley and Brenda Bunch.
The Panama Missionary Field Council has hosted this banquet for several years. Each pastoral family received several nice gifts and cards. After a time of testimonies, laughter, and fellowship, Stanley Bunch shared a short challenge,"Keeping Joy in Christmas." The annual event has served to deepen the existing appreciation and love between national leaders and FWBIM missionaries.
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ALPEDRETE OUTREACH CENTER OPENS
ALPEDRETE, SPAIN Anthony and Lea Edgmon and Tim and Kristi Johnson celebrated two years of preparation and planning on December 17. The team held the first events in their new Outreach Center: two morning English story hours with crafts and an afternoon demonstration on how to make Christmas cookies.
The first church service was on December 25. Anthony Edgmon spoke on the names of Jesus. Additional events planned for the next few months are English lessons, English story times for children, cooking classes, “Mommy and Me” craft times, and worship services. The Outreach Center is the first evangelical church in the 500-year history of Alpedrete.
The city granted the Johnsons and Edgmons permits for a church and outreach center on October 31. The couples signed a rental contract for a storefront building November 2. After more than a month of remodeling and purchasing furniture, and the distribution of 5,000 flyers, the center opened December 17.
MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS IN DEFICIT
ANTIOCH, TN The following International Missions
missionary accounts were in deficit November 31, 2005.
Davison (France).........$19,163.24
Howell (Uruguay)...........3,509.18
Hubbard (Japan)............3,373.23
Owen (Uruguay).............3,992.27
Smith (Spain)...............10,714.91
Snow (Japan).................7,326.57
Teague (France)............10,982.22
Warren (France)..............2,035.29
Gifts to these and other accounts can be made online at
www.fwbgo.com. or by mail:
FWBIM
PO Box
5002, Antioch, TN 37011-5002
Monthly updates to deficit
accounts are available at www.fwbgo.com.
NEW CHURCH PLANT IN BRAZIL
CAMPINAS, BRAZIL The Sao José FWB Church in Campinas, Brazil, has begun its second mission work in the city. The new church plant is located in the Ouro Verde neighborhood with more than 300,000 people. The first service was held December 18.
Eight couples from the First FWB Church of Campinas, the Sao Jose FWB Church, and the Nova American FWB Mission were commissioned to begin this work in Campinas. Couples underwent training for a two-week evangelism blitz of the area prior to the first service.
Alcemir and Claudia, whose garage was used to start the Sao Jose work eight years ago, will lead the Ouro Verde work.
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