news around the world

IM, Inc. 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 this ministry, visit IMInc.org.

IM Board Holds Year-End Meeting

Antioch, TN—On December 8-9, 2020, the IM board met. Cameron Lane and Mark Price opened the sessions with personal reflections and devotions.

The IM board adopted a new family leave policy for adoptive and natural parents. The board also approved establishing two endowments which will assist new missionary appointees (Grow Endowment) and supplement the general fund (Cornerstone Endowment). Director of Development Don Matchett proclaimed, “What an exciting day! These endowments, when mature, will support new missionaries and support ministries for generations to come. Watch for fundraising to begin soon.”

The IM board heard testimonies from two candidates. Emily Petty and Abby Walker received unanimous approval to serve as two-year interns to Japan. Chairman Jeff Nichols expressed, “It is always a joy to serve on the IM board, but the opportunity to approve these two new missionary interns is special. Free Will Baptists are blessed to have a stream of young people saying yes to God.”

CFO Rob Conley presented a financial report stressing God’s faithfulness during the trying COVID season. Rob confirmed, “God is good! Even in a pandemic and all that is 2020, God is good.”
As a final business point, the board adopted the 2021 budget including active ministries, new candidates, trips, projects, and IMpact projects.

General Director Clint Morgan reflected, “Each board meeting is unique since the topics for discussion change regularly. However, the IM board and leadership team is laser-focused on getting the gospel to the unreached.”

All board members participated. Chairman Jeff Nichols (TN), Vice-Chairman Rodney Yerby (AL), Secretary Mark Price (OH), Casey Cariker (OK), Rick Cason (NC), Will Harmon (AR), and Darren Walker (NC) gathered in the IM office. Janice Banks (OK) and Cameron Lane (AR) joined via Zoom.

Pansy Murray With the Lord

Antioch, TN—Pansy Campbell Murray (below) moved to life eternal October 25, 2020. The 76-year-old succumbed to complications of COVID-19. Dr. Ron Callaway, former missionary to Spain and Panama, conducted the graveside service Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

Appointed missionaries to France December 27, 1977, John and Pansy Murray served until December 1989. The couple ministered in Nantes, leading the renovation of the church building. Friends and former missionary colleagues expressed how much the French people appreciated Pansy. Her gift of hospitality made her a vital part of the ministry in many practical ways.

IM General Director Clint Morgan stated, “Our hearts grieve with the passing of another IM family member. The IM family joins our hearts to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Our prayers are with John and his children as they navigate life in the valley of the shadow of death.”

Pansy left behind her husband of 59 years, John Dawson Murray, Jr., son John David Murray, daughter Patricia Murray Fite, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested contributions to Nashville Rescue Mission (nashvillerescuemission.org).

Russian Institute Holds Graduation

Chelyabinsk, Russia—Eleven students graduated from the Chelyabinsk branch of the Moscow Theological Seminary in Russia, December 11, 2020. Graduates studied five years while maintaining their responsibilities as pastors, deacons, musicians, preachers, etc. in Baptist churches in the Ural region. A total of 18 students studied at the Chelyabinsk institute this year.

IM began partnering with Russian Baptists in 1996 after discovering their Arminian doctrine dovetailed with FWB doctrine. Throughout the 20-plus year partnership, IM has supported the training of more than 140 ministers by sending professors and helping underwrite some of the Bible institute’s expenses.

Some who participated in training at the institute over the years include Leroy and Dr. Fay Forlines, Dr. Robert Picirilli, Dr. Garnett Reid, Dr. Paul Harrison, and Dr. Kenneth Eagleton. Many others have contributed to the long-term effectiveness of this ministry, notably Randy Wilson and the Bethany Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and missionaries Mike and Cathy Corley.

Snapshots Around the World

Côte d’Ivoire: Pastor Silas Noufé baptized 12 people (below) in the village of Bayana, near Bouna, Ivory Coast, November 6.

Bulgaria: Brenton and Debbie Driscoll hosted a Thanksgiving dinner (below) for friends in November 2020. They wrote, “It was encouraging to see so many people at our apartment; it was a wonderful mix of friends, old and new, and we look forward to building relationships with them as we continue our time here, in Shumen. During our dinner, everyone took turns sharing things for which he or she is thankful. We heard people offer thanks for health, job opportunities, family, and friends. We pray one day we will hear those same people offer thanks to our Father for the grace and salvation He so freely gives.”

Cuba: Pastor Leonel Sotero baptized six people in Cuba November 29, 2020.

Bulgaria: Lydia Awtrey meets online weekly with three women (individually) for discipleship studies. As a result, two of the women decided to move forward with baptism. On December 4, she began working as a full-time volunteer in the COVID ward of the Svishtov hospital. She requests, “Please, pray for me to be useful and to show God’s love with my actions and words.”