news around the world

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SEVEN BAPTIZED IN ABIDJAN

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire All three Abidjan Free Will Baptist churches united to celebrate the baptism of seven new believers Sunday, January 22. Each church had its usual Sunday morning service. Then members of the First and Second churches traveled to the Third church in the Abobo neighborhood.

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Pastor Silas (First Church pastor), Pastor Samuel (Third church pastor), Lay-Pastor Assibian (second church pastor), and Pastor Amiezi Paul (Director of the FWB Bible Institue in Bouna) joined to officiate the baptismal ceremony.

Each of the seven converts climbed a ladder into the homemade baptistry tank, affirmed his/her faith in the Lord Jesus, pledged to live wholly for Him, was immersed, and rose from the water to hear other believers singing praises to God. The service demonstrated the unity and cooperative spirit among the pastors and church members of the three Abidjan churches.

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETS

ANTIOCH, TN  The 2006 International Missions Advisory Council, comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, met to provide insight and encouragement to the IM staff.  Each IM director worked with individuals carefully chosen for their relevant proficiency to his ministry focus.

General Director James Forlines launched the two-day meeting with an overview of the International Missions vision and some of the major changes the mission is facing. Each director then met extensively with his advisory team to discuss his specific area. The meeting concluded when the entire council reconvened to process ideas from each small group. 

The Advisory Council will gather in January each year.  However, members are available throughout the year to offer insight and advice to the staff.  According to General Director Forlines, “The Advisory Council provided us with a number of ideas and insights we may never have thought of on our own.  We are grateful these gifted people are willing to give their time and expert advice to advance the cause of global evangelism.”

WORSHIP BEGINS IN ALPEDRETE

ALPEDRETE, SPAIN The Alpedrete Outreach Center held its first regular worship service on Sunday, February 5, 2006, with 18 people present. Since the Center’s opening in December, several people have approached Anthony and Lea Edgmon and Tim and Kristi Johnson, expressing their excitement over the prospect of an evangelical church in their pueblo (city). Each of these individuals claims faith in Jesus. One couple and a single lady have already begun to seek ways to be involved in the work of the new church plant.

For over seven years, the two families have worshipped and ministered with the Villalba congregation. On Sunday, January 29, the Villalba church members, led by Pastor Jhon Fredy, prayed for and commissioned the two couples for their new work in Alpedrete.

URUGUAY VBS YIELDS FRUIT

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY At least five children were saved in six vacation
Bible schools held in the northern part of Uruguay in January and February. Uruguayan women directed most of these. Missionary Molly Barker assisted in some and directed a couple of them herself. Short-term missionaries Kyle and Beth Howell also traveled from Montevideo to help with two sessions in separate areas of Rivera.

Dozens of children attended the sessions in Santa Teresa, Barrio Recreo, and Rivera. Two children accepted Christ as Savior in Santa Teresa. Most of these vacation Bible schools are held outside in neighborhoods near FWB churches. Some are held in areas with no FWB work, but with children who are eager to hear the gospel.

WILLIAMS DEPARTS, CROWSON RETURNS

Tokyo, Japan Short-term missionary Shirley Williams (right) arrived in Tokyo, Japan, February 2. She will teach English to children and adults and minister with the Tokyo team.

Shirley replaced Bethany Crowson (left) who completed her two-year assignment in the spring. Bethany helped with Shirley’s field orientation, introduced Shirley to her students, and left Japan in March.

If you are interested in teaching English in Japan as part of the missionary ministry team, please contact Judy Lytle at judy@fwbgo.com or (877) 767-7736.

IVORIAN PASTOR ORDAINED

TANDA, CÔTE D’IVOIRE More than 350 people gathered for the ordination service of Theophile Behi on February 4, 2006, in Tanda, Côte d’Ivoire. Ivorian Pastor Samuel Ouattera conducted the ordination service. Missionary Jerry Pinkerton was honored to deliver the message. He had both baptized Theophile and officiated at his wedding many years earlier.

Six Ivorian FWB pastors, some government officials, and members of several area churches witnessed the ordination of Free Will Baptists’ 12th ordained pastor
in the small African nation. The service was conducted in French and translated
into Koulango.

Theophile was saved at the age of 10 and baptized four years later. At age 17,
he became the youth director for his home church, Bondoukou FWB Church. A
1999 graduate of the FWB Bible Institute in Bouna, he also serves as the treasurer for the Ivorian National Association of Free Will Baptists. He and his family have served the Tanda church for seven years.