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 Training Center Graduates Seven

Cuba—Cedars of Lebanon Seminary in Pinar del Río, Cuba, has trained leaders for more than 50 years. However, with the expansion of evangelism and church plants to the eastern side of the island, many who wanted additional training could not benefit from this established Bible institute.

About two years ago, Pastor Yem Cruz headed the opening of The Work of the Potter Leadership Training Center on the eastern side of the island for those unable to travel more than 500 miles for training. The first class of seven people (six men and one woman, pictured above) graduated in July with their two-year associates in arts degree in Bible and ministry.

New Board Members Elected

Antioch, TN—Delegates to the 83rd National Association of Free Will Baptists elected two new members to the board of IM, Inc. following General Director Clint Morgan’s report on Wednesday, July 24.

Delegates elected Casey Cariker (OK) to replace the unexpired term of Robert Posner (TX) who resigned in 2018 and Darren Walker (NC) to fill the unexpired term of Danny Gasperson (NC). Gasperson joined the IM staff July 1.

Cariker pastors Rejoice FWB Church in Owasso, Oklahoma. He has served the congregation since 2000—first in student ministries and then as teaching pastor before becoming lead pastor in 2011. Casey has served on the Oklahoma State Missions Board four years. He also has served Oklahoma on the Christian Education Board. Active in overseas missions, Cariker has participated in short-term trips to eight countries. As pastor, he led Rejoice to assist North American church planters in Arizona, Illinois, and California. A graduate of Mid-America Christian University, he earned his master’s degree from Moody Bible Seminary. Additional studies include the Ambassador Program for Apologetics and the Bonhoeffer Project. Cariker’s term will expire in 2024.

Walker began pastoring First FWB Church, Washington, North Carolina, in February 2019, after 12 years as the congregation’s youth and children’s pastor. Prior to that he served First FWB Church, North Little Rock, Arkansas, as youth pastor. A 1993 graduate of Welch College, Darren’s Great Commission passion has resulted in leading 33 short-term mission trips in six states, a U.S. territory, and five international locations. Walker has participated in 11 trips to Svishtov, Bulgaria, working with IM missionaries Tim and Lydia Awtrey. Walker’s term will expire in 2024.

“What a blessing to see God use the men and women who represent our churches in the business session to fill the IM board with a diverse representation of our denomination, people who love God and have His heart for the lost around the world,” stated General Director Clint Morgan. “We are delighted to have these men join the board. Join me in praying for all our board members.”

Snapshots Around the World

Samburu: More than 200 people in Sesia accepted Christ as Savior in the first half of 2019. Eddy and Amanda Simmons and Victoria Little serve in this hard place. Samburu Christian leader Jackson and his family and widow Eunice assist in the ministry.

People hear the gospel while waiting to be treated in the clinic. God’s Word is sent out on MP3 players so new believers can share it with others. Evangelistic efforts are held in villages and health training serves communities and points individuals to Christ.

Cuba: Pastor Leonel Sotero of the Jibacoa FWB Church in Cuba baptized seven people (five women and two men, pictured below) Sunday, July 28.

Spain: Missionaries participated in a Spain field team retreat August 11-14.

Brazil: The Jardim Palmeiras FWB Church in Uberlândia, Brazil, recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. Tom and Nancy Hughes planted the church and Walter de Almeida serves as pastor.

Côte d’Ivoire: Several churches in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, combined to hold a two-day children’s camp in the city. At least 130 children attended (pictured below).

India: Over a four-week period in June and July, 150 workers in India completed two weeks of training in Sonapur. In August, ten men were ordained for ministry. Brother Carlisle Hanna oversaw this effort before returning to the States, August 28.

Côte d’Ivoire: Pastor Edmond Koadja baptized four young ladies at the Nassian FWB Church in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, June 23.

Panama: Pastor Uriel Velásquez baptized three people at the Chame mission church in Panama in June. This congregation serves the “least of these” in their community.

Brazil: Pastor JeanCarlo Ache baptized three young people at the Jaboticabal church in Brazil June 23 (pictured below).

Bulgaria: Three men recently accepted Christ as Savior in Varna, Bulgaria. Trif Trifonov leads this congregation.

Brazil: On Sunday, August 18, First FWB Church in Campinas, Brazil, celebrated the baptism of four people. During a business meeting, the four were accepted into church membership. Members also selected four men to serve as deacons. When ordained, they will join the three already serving.