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.

Villalba Church Dedicates Building…Finally

Spain—After years of paperwork and waiting, a grateful group of believers dedicated the Villalba church building (pictured below) on Sunday, March 30. Testimonies detailed the 25-year quest to build and occupy the first Protestant church on that side of Madrid.

The Villalba work began in 1984 in a small apartment. As the work grew, a storefront building was rented. The group purchased property in 1989 and permission was granted for the church to build. Construction began in 1992, but was mysteriously stopped by local authorities. After two years’ work with local politicians, church leaders eventually hired a lawyer. Still, some local politicians privately vowed to block the construction of the first Protestant church in their municipality.

After 15 years of court battles, the church erected a worship facility. The building process also took several years. Once it was finally complete, local city officials delayed granting all the necessary permits several more years. Today, the church has all the legal permits, licenses, and paperwork necessary to function in this city—an accomplishment for which local believers are extremely grateful.

“Please join the Villalba congregation in giving God thanks,” requests Jeff Turnbough, church founder and former missionary to Spain. “Pray for the Villalba congregation, its leaders, and Pastor Jhon as they continue to reach out to the community.”

More than 7,000 of Spain’s 8,117 towns have no evangelical church…even in a storefront.

Youth Lead Service

Spain—On Sunday, March 16, 2014, 26 children participated in a youth day service with at least 76 people present. The young people, ages four to 13, read Scripture, prayed, shared lessons from their classes, played instruments, and sang. Musical instruments featured included violin, recorder flute, piano, saxophone, guitars, and drums.

Alejandro, son of missionaries Tim and Kristi Johnson, preached the message. Their daughter Anna (pictured above) led some of the music, and Marc and Emily, children of missionaries Anthony and Lea Edgmon, played instruments.

Kristi Johnson said, “The service was a great reminder that God has given children a special role in not only praising Him, but also in reaching others for Him.  Because of this service, we had at least 12 guests.  We are thankful for the children of the Alpedrete Church who courageously shared the Truth.” This is the first Protestant church in Alpedrete’s history. •

Rare Arminian Presentation in France

France—On Thursday, March 13, Steve Riggs spoke to the Biblical Doctrines class of the Nogent Bible Institute in Paris, France. The college, one of three evangelical institutes in France, boasts about 40 students. Steve said he “emphasized the Arminian perspective on Universal Atonement, that Christ died for the sins of the world, thus all men can be saved if they will receive His offer of grace.”

The students—trained as Calvinists—proved curious and asked intelligent questions. Steve surmised:  “Obviously, there are some points on which Calvinists and Arminians will never agree. But certainly we agree that the gospel must be preached to all nations! So…let’s get out the Message!”

Less than 1% of France is evangelical Christian.

New Life Women’s Outreach

Bulgaria—Women, both believers and unbelieving guests, gathered for a Women’s Day party at the New Life FWB Church in Svishtov on March 8. Six ladies who do not regularly attend church, and most likely do not know the gospel, attended. The ladies from the church welcomed their guests and bonded through laughter during a game time.

Lydia Awtrey shared a devotion emphasizing the hope found only in Christ. The timely message encouraged many women in the group who face various trials in their daily lives. Amy Postlewaite stated, “We pray God will use the love of His people and the powerful message of the Hope He has to offer to draw these six ladies and others to Him, in spite of tough spiritual and cultural opposition.”

The majority of Bulgarians have never even heard the name of Jesus.

Snapshots Around the World

Uruguay—Molly Barker returned to Uruguay April 21 to say goodbye to her Uruguayan family, help transition the ministry, and tie up loose ends. Miss Molly retired on January 1, 2014, with almost 50 years of service. She has been stateside for close to a year dealing with various health issues, including two knee replacements.

Cuba—Regional Director Kenneth Eagleton witnessed the ocean baptism (pictured above) of three people from the Guanabo FWB Church in Cuba on Sunday, March 2. Guanabo is a coastal town about 30 minutes east of Havana.

Japan—Pastor Ishii and Doug Bishop are translating and contextualizing an English book about how to study the Bible. It should better equip Japanese believers to not only study the Bible, but also to share the gospel.

India—Almost 10,000 people converged on the Sonapur compound, March 13-16, for India Free Will Baptists’ national convention. Carlisle Hanna, with more than 60 years invested in ministry in India, wept as he viewed the throngs of people worshipping the Savior.

Brazil—Pastor Nilvio baptized 16 new converts March 16 at São José FWB Church in Campinas. At least 30 people have been baptized this year in this local congregation. •