Free Will Baptist North American Ministries (NAM) is dedicated to planting churches across America as well as Canada, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Chaplains minister to thousands of men and women in the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, and Reserve forces. And cross cultural church planting specialists connect with people who have come to America from all over the world. Learn more about our ministry: www.FWBNAM.com.

Chaplain Mark McCraney Promoted to Lieutenant Commander

Jacksonville, NC—Congratulations are in order for Chaplain Mark McCraney and his family. On September 1, McCraney was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during a ceremony held at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina. McCraney, surrounded by fellow sailors, marines, friends, and loved ones, stood at attention while his family pinned the new rank on his uniform. Chaplain McCraney’s long- time friend (from Air Force Academy days) Colonel Jason Lamont officiated the ceremony.

The McCraney family undertook an exciting journey as they faithfully answered God’s calling to various roles in Free Will Baptist ministry. Mark served as the pastor of First FWB Church in Fayette, Alabama; pastor of Red Bay FWB Church in Red Bay, Alabama; and as a church planter in Colorado. He reentered military service as a Navy chaplain in 2015. Now, after wearing the rank of Captain/Lieutenant for 23 years, he accepts the responsibility of Lieutenant Commander.

Congratulations to Chaplain McCraney and his family for this important milestone in their steadfast service to our Lord, our nation, and our denomination.

Landmark Celebrates Self-Supporting Status as Equip FWB Church Launches

To everything there is a season! On Sunday, September 18, North American Ministries celebrated the end of one church planting journey and the beginning of another.

New York—Landmark Free Will Baptist Church in Clifton Springs, New York, celebrated self-supporting status with a special organizational service September 18. Pastor Jim Martin and his wife Sylvia became associate church planters to the Rochester, New York, area in July 2006. After the team’s lead pastor resigned, Jim answered God’s calling and accepted the lead pastorate role. He has since shepherded Landmark faithfully.

Congratulations to Jim, Sylvia, and the entire congregation of Landmark FWB Church! Please continue to pray God will raise up more workers to plant churches in this region to advance the gospel in the Northeast.

North Carolina—The same week the Landmark Church became self-supporting, Equip Free Will Baptist Church in Hickory, North Carolina, officially launched. Equip is led by Brandon and Shelly Smith and associates Jonathan and Heather Huff. Since becoming church planters in 2021, the two couples have tirelessly worked to build gospel-driven relationships and serve the Hickory community. They launched regular, weekly services September 18, with more than a hundred friends, family, guests, and team members attending.

Please pray for Equip Church and its leadership. Ask God to grow the church, open new doors for community outreach, and make His name great in Hickory!

Cultivate Church Moves Into New Building

Athens, AL—After an extensive renovation process, Cultivate Church in Athens, Alabama, recently moved into a new, permanent church building and began holding services. Thank God for this incredible step forward in this church planting journey.

As we move into a new year of ministry, please pray for Cultivate’s members and leadership team: the Franks, Eatons, and Castros. Ask God to continue providing opportunities to share the gospel, opening doors for community outreach, and growing the faith and passion of existing believers in the church.

Yorks Resign as FWBNAM Church Planters

Buffalo, NY—Tim and Amanda York, who have faithfully served as church planters to the greater Buffalo, New York, area since April 2010, announced their resignation in August. We thank God for their successful ministry to the Deaf community and to NorthPoint FWB Church, and we pray He will continue to bless them and their children as they lead Southside FWB Church in Paintsville, Kentucky.

Though the Yorks will no longer be in New York, the work of Team Buffalo will continue as NorthPoint DePew launches a second church in the West Seneca area led by Dawn and Danny Elliott.