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.

Bessie Richards Enters Heaven

Antioch, TN—Former missionary to Côte d'Ivoire Bessie Richards joined her husband Norman in praising their Savior on Monday, March 4, 2019. The 74-year-old had battled a variety of illnesses over the last few years.

Bessie and Norman were married for 50 years (1963-2013) prior to his homegoing in August 2013. They were married a little over two years prior to their appointment by the Board to serve in Ivory Coast in 1966. The couple spent the majority of their time in Agnibilekrou where they planted a church, trained leaders, and led the congregation to expand into village ministry.

Bessie taught child evangelism classes, held Bible studies for women, and taught sewing classes as both an outreach tool and to help women support their families. She also worked in a reading room, promoting literacy among young people.

When their return to the States became medically necessary, Bessie and Norman worked with Home Missions in Louisiana.

Bessie's life was celebrated Saturday, March 9, 2019, at The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee.

Cuban Association Meets

Cuba—Delegates from the Free Will Baptist churches in Cuba gathered at the Cedars of Lebanon Seminary in Pinar del Rio to conduct the business of the Cuban national association February 18-21.

The convention (pictured below) featured services, competition, a graduation, meetings of the various demographics (men, women, youth, and children), and opportunities for fellowship. Former director of Mobilization Sam McVay and Director of Partnerships Kenneth Eagleton represented IM at the convention. Both men preached during the services, and a pastor was ordained during the Friday evening service.

The Cuban seminary also held a graduation ceremony Friday evening. Three students received an associate (AA) degree in Bible and ministry and four students received the Bachelor of Arts (BA). Only a couple of weeks earlier, a group of 16 students received their AA degree from one of the seminary extensions in Havana.

Around 500 people attended the Cuban convention.

Hope Alive Launches in Tokorozawa, Japan

Japan—The Hope Alive Church in the Tokorozawa area of Tokyo, Japan, officially launched on January 13, 2019. Heath Hubbard reported, “We are blown away at the many ways we have watched God work out all the details of this launch and amazed to report 14 people have indicated they want to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior! That’s 14 people who found true HOPE in Jesus Christ! Most of these people have been attending our Hope Alive Bible Studies over the last several years. We have watched God begin to open their hearts to the truth of the gospel. Now they are ready to take that step to follow Him by faith!”

Discipleship courses for these new believers began January 20. The team acknowledged God worked so miraculously because of the partnership of many people who joined together to get the gospel to the Japanese people.

The Tokorazawa team, led by Heath and Joni Hubbard, includes Daniel and Shelby Culwell (IM short-term interns), Jack and Ashley Ketteman (IM short-term interns), and Matt and Courtney Lindsey (tentmakers with a partnership blessing from IM).

Snapshots Around the World

Samburu: Eddy Simmons reports Jackson and Eunice, their Samburu coworkers, led 14 women, four teens, and one man to the Lord on Saturday, February 23. This new area first received the gospel message earlier in the week. Also, the translation of key Old Testament passages has moved forward with the hiring of a Samburu translator (pictured below) and the completion of the first 50 passages.

Spain: In February, Mandi Morgan hosted a painting party as a women’s outreach. Eight ladies, including two who do not attend the church, attended. She reminded attendees they are masterpieces in God’s eyes.

Bulgaria: Josh and Lydia Provow host weekly game nights where mostly young men gather for a game of Catan followed by a Bible study. Those attending are Muslim, atheist, and agnostic. Additionally, one group has a Turk, Gypsy, and Bulgarian playing together. The various ethnicities rarely gather in harmony.