Free Will Baptist North American Ministries 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 serving the nation. 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.

Brazils to Serve as Associate Planters at Ho’omana Church in Hilo, HI

Hilo, HI — Dylan and Katie Brazil have been approved to serve as two-year church planting interns at Ho’omana Church in Hilo, Hawaii. The Brazils will minister alongside lead planters Armon and Yvette Jorden and fellow associate planters Russell and Aileen Hylton. After two years of gaining valuable church planting experience, they will reevaluate and possibly join another church planting work in a different location.

Dylan is no stranger to NAM or church planting. His parents, Rodney and Ashley Brazil, are former NAM church planters currently ministering in Vernon, Alabama. Before joining the work in Hilo, the Brazils served at Lakeview Fellowship in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where Dylan was a student intern. They have one son named Asher.

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most culturally diverse locations in the United States. Though this diversity encompasses various religious beliefs, Hawaii is increasingly secular, with over half the population claiming no religious affiliation at all and only 5% identifying as evangelical believers. The Brazils feel called by God to reach this vast mission field with the truth of the gospel bringing hope and light to Hilo. Please pray for them as they begin raising funds and transitioning into their new role as church planters.

Visit fwbnam.com/brazil to learn more about the Brazils and Ho'omana Church or financially support their work in Hilo.

Former Church Planter and Field Secretary With the Lord

Noble, OK — John “Mark” Vandivort, of Noble, Oklahoma, was called home July 18, 2024. Mark grew up on a dairy farm in Mountain Grove, Missouri, and studied agriculture at the University of Missouri. During his senior year, Mark attended a revival meeting with friends where he fully surrendered to the call to preach, profoundly shaping his life’s journey.

Mark studied Bible at Welch College and was deeply impacted by a mission internship to Cuba in the summer of 1959. In December of that same year, he married Lora “Louise” Underwood, and the couple enjoyed a beautiful 64-year marriage, with 40 years of full-time ministry together.

Mark served as a pastor in New Hampshire, a church planter in both Arizona and Missouri, interim pastor at The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, and traveled the country as a field secretary with North American Ministries. After retiring from full-time ministry, the Vandivorts left Arizona and moved to Oklahoma where Mark continued teaching and serving the Lord.

Mark’s life was a testament to his faith, his love for family, and his commitment to serving others. His memory will be cherished, and his legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

CELF Administrator Kathy Brown Retires

Antioch, TN — Congratulations to NAM CELF Administrator Kathy Brown on her recent retirement. For 42 years, Kathy Brown served church planters, chaplains, and Free Will Baptists through her work at Home Missions, now North American Ministries. Her unwavering dedication to our department, her wonderful family, and her local church is a testament to her faithfulness to the Lord and His calling on her life.

NAM enjoyed celebrating Kathy with friends and family at a reception in her honor at the National Office Building in Antioch, Tennesee. Teresa Womack, former NAM accounting administrator, has assumed Kathy’s role at CELF, and Kylah (Kivette) Walker will continue as the NAM accounting administrator.

Garrett and Huff Resign as Associate Church Planters

Adam Garrett (Champaign, IL) and Jonathan Huff (Hickory, NC) have resigned as associate church planters with North American Ministries.

We are profoundly grateful for both families and their service to NAM. Please pray for them and their families as they transition to new chapters of life and ministry.

NAM Family Grows

Ardmore, OK — We are thrilled to welcome Myla Ruth Hanshaw to the NAM family.

Myla was born October 22 to Ardmore, Oklahoma, church planters Matt and Becky Hanshaw and big sister Jovie. Congratulations and may the Lord richly bless your growing family.

First Mid-South Golf Tournament a Success

Amory, MS — The first Master’s Men Mid-South Golf Tournament teed off this October in beautiful Amory, Mississippi. Twenty-four golfers enjoyed a great time of fellowship and friendly competition.

Championship Flight winners were the father/son team of James “Pop” and Shane Stidham, with a two-day score of 131. Tim Baumgarten and Riley Young finished second (only one shot back), and third place went to the father-son team of Larry and Dwayne Brown. David Crowe and Adrian Nottonson took first place, First Flight with second place going to John Brummitt and Chris Compton.

Master’s Men looks forward to the upcoming Deep South Tournament in Albany, Georgia, and plans to return for another Mid-South Golf Tournament in Mississippi next year!