news about the denomination The following news items apply to (or affect) the Free Will Baptist denomination scattered across the nation and around the world.To read more about Free Will Baptists and the various departments that make up the national organization, visit www.nafwb.org. Read a brief history of Free Will Baptists in the United States.

Foundation Awards 2022 Grants

Antioch, TN—Over the last six years, the Foundation has awarded grants to Free Will Baptist ministries across the world. The Foundation is happy to announce the continuation of the grants program this year. During the April 2022 board meeting, the Foundation board voted to award $750,000 in 23 grants to ministries. The following are the 2022 grant recipients:

1. IM, Inc. – Japan; purchase building for Hope Alive Church $150,000

2. IM, Inc. – Bangladesh conference center $100,000

3. IM, Inc. – Pop Willey Scholarship $50,000

4. OH State Association – Renovation to office $50,000

5. NorthPoint Free Will Baptist Church – Develop deaf ministry $45,000

6. Randall House – D6 for At-Home Bundles $45,000

7. Whitney FWB Church – Food truck $45,000

8. Free Will Baptist Media Commission – Upgrade equipment $39,600

9. IM, Inc. – Bulgaria; Façade renovation $36,000

10. SC State Association – Build churches in South India $25,000

11. SC Friends of India – Build a school $25,000

12. Vertical Church – School Kindness Program $25,000

13. NAM – Translate The Quest for Truth into Spanish $18,000

14. ONE Magazine – New computer $15,000

15. Faith in Action Church – Roots of Faith building project $13,500

16. Arms of Compassion – Food trailer and storage $13,500

17. IM, Inc. – Village of Hope; Library construction $10,500

18. Theological Commission – Bulletins for FWB pastors $10,000

19. BOR – Re:Invest Conference 2023 $9,000

20. WV State Association – WV church revitalization $7,500

21. Faith Mission – Church in Barbacena, Brazil $7,500

22. Ozark FWB Church – Food pantry and distribution $5,400

23. Harmony FWB Church – Distribution of Bibles $4,500

Total Grants $750,000

McDonald Accepts Position as WNAC Director

Antioch, TN—WNAC is pleased to announce Ruth McDonald (below) as the new WNAC Director. Ruth’s husband Donnie will continue to serve as an IM missionary and strategically promote missions education in the U.S. by visiting churches, developing a teaching curriculum, and assisting with Go Global events.

The McDonalds ministered as missionaries in Japan for 38 years. They served as church planters, teachers, evangelists, and recently provided leadership in the Good News Chapel in the greater Tokyo area. Ruth shares, “WNAC had a huge part to play in our ministry in Japan all these years. I am excited about giving back by serving our wonderful Free Will Baptist women.”

Amy Johnson, WNAC Board Chair, noted, “We have seen God’s hand guide through the process of hiring a new director. We are beyond thankful and excited to welcome Ruth. With a rich Free Will Baptist heritage and a love for this denomination, Ruth has a passion for women’s ministry and sharing through the written and spoken word. We are confident her values, goals, and passions will help expand new ministry opportunities while holding tight to the heritage of our Free Will Baptist women’s ministry organization,”

The McDonalds will move to Nashville in October to begin their new roles November 1.

Phyllis York, interim director, said, "November can't get here fast enough! I look forward to assisting Ruth with the everyday tasks of the office while she adjusts to a new culture and position."

Please join IM and WNAC in praying for the McDonalds as they enter this new season of ministry. Also, pray for the Good News Chapel in Japan as they look confidently towards the future and transition to Japanese leadership.

Learn more: IMinc.org | wnac.org

Foundation Delivers $1.1 Million to Denominational Work

Antioch, TN—Following its April board meeting, Free Will Baptist Foundation announced gifts of $1.1 million to denominational work, in addition to the $750,000 disbursed through its grants program. Director David Brown noted, “The Foundation was hugely blessed over the last year with more than $1.1 million in income. We have been blessed to be a blessing, and we are sharing our income with Free Will Baptist ministries. We encourage others to give as well.”

While the bulk of the gift ($1 million) went to The Together Way Trust, WNAC also received $50,000, along with $50,000 to Vertical 3, a ministry of Randall House.

The Together Way Trust is an endowment established in 1982. Funds held in the endowment are never used, remaining permanently as principal. However, interest funds are disbursed annually to Free Will Baptist national ministries.

Executive Secretary Eddie Moody noted, “We are thankful to the Foundation for this generous gift to The Together Way Trust. This unique endowment benefits all national ministries, and in turn, benefits all Free Will Baptists. We hope others also give—both big and small gifts—to the trust to help us reach our $5 million goal. We can reach this goal together, and this endowment truly will help us be better together.”

Phyllis York, WNAC interim director, expressed her thankfulness: “This gift from the Foundation was totally unexpected but greatly appreciated. It will enable WNAC to continue providing opportunities for Free Will Baptist women to be encouraged, strengthened, and equipped for Kingdom work.”

Randall House Director Ron Hunter shared, “When Vertical 3 provides services and CTS competition for the national convention, expenses remain the same, regardless of the number of participants. This unexpected grant from the Foundation helps us to continue offering young people a chance to participate in experiences that build a faith that continues into adulthood.”

To learn more about the work of Free Will Baptist Foundation, or to contribute to The Together Way Trust or other Free Will Baptist ministries, visit www.FWBGifts.org.

WNAC Celebrates In-Person Flourish Event

Antioch, TN—Huntington, WV—Ladies (and men) from ten states gathered at Central Free Will Baptist Church in Huntington, West Virginia, March 26, for the 2022 Flourish Conference. Excitement filled the sanctuary as old friends hugged and new friendships were formed. After two years of virtual conferences and online meetings, attendees enjoyed the live event.

Keynote speakers Alicia Crowe (OH), Jody Sullivan (WV), and Judy DeLong (KY) encouraged those present with stories of brokenness, loss, and grief, and how God redeemed each one. Sarah Sargent (OH), Ashley Alphin (WV), and Elizabeth Hodges (TN) presented the importance of generational mentoring, while a panel consisting of Jonda Patton (KY), Sarah Sargent (OH), Derena Coleman (KY), Linda Hutchinson (WV), and Elizabeth Hodges (TN) tackled the importance of grace in all areas of life.

Attendees also were challenged to flood FaceBook for the next ten days with positivity, using the hashtag #flourishgratitudechallenge, listing three things for which they are thankful.
Former WNAC Director Elizabeth Hodges reflected on the conference: “I am thankful for the encouragement and challenge from each speaker. Every hour of preparation, every delay, every detour was all in God’s perfect plan.”

To learn more about upcoming WNAC events, visit wnac.org.