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.

Warrens Resign From Mission, Begin New Ministry

Antioch, TN—The Board of FWB International Missions accepted the resignation of Sean and Jill Warren on September 9, 2008. An announcement was delayed to allow their future employers, the General Association of General Baptists, an opportunity to make the announcement to their denomination. Sean has been named Director of International Missions for General Baptists.

The Warrens departed for France in 2003. After they returned to the States during the summer of 2006, it became increasingly clear that God was redirecting their ministry. In 2007 the Warrens requested and were granted a one-year leave-of-absence.

Sean begins his duties as director-in-training on April 1, 2009, and steps into full responsibility in October. The couple plan to relocate to Missouri this spring.

Missionaries Depart for Field

Two singles and five missionary couples departed for their fields of service in January. Kimberly Johnson (Brazil) left for Araras, São Paulo, for her first four-year-term on January 7. Bobby and Geneva Poole (Brazil) returned on January 10 and began their 49th year of service. Casey Jones (Creative Access) departed for his short-term ministry January 11. Rusty and Brenda Carney (Japan) left for Sapporo on January 13, where they will attend language school for their first year.

Steve and Judy Lytle (Panama) are not new to missions but are beginning a new journey. The Lytles departed on January 29, and will serve in Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. Stan and Brenda Bunch (Panama) also returned to the field on January 29. Mick and Rachel Donahue (Spain) began their first full-term January 19.

Bowermans Return to States

Chame, Panama—In an extra official meeting on October 23, 2008, the Panama Field Council voted unanimously to recommend an early stateside assignment for Eddie and LaRhonda Bowerman due to health needs.

The Bowermans were appointed to missionary service in April 1995. With the purchase of the Chame property in 2005, Eddie and LaRhonda realized their long-term goal: establishment of a centralized seminary degree program. As director of the seminary, Eddie is training Panamanian men and women for full time ministry.

Eddie has dealt with chronic liver disease for the last few years. The Bowermans returned to the States on January 12 for medical consultation, evaluations, and consideration of medical options.

Snapshots Around the World

St. Sébastien, France. Six people were baptized Sunday, November 9, 2008, at the St. Sébastien Church (Missionary Dennis Teague pictured above). Three were new believers and three were young people from Christian families. Approximately 140 people attended the special service, at least 25 of whom do not claim to know Christ. The testimonies given by those baptized brought tears to the eyes of some of the unsaved.

Rivera, Uruguay. The annual Leadership Conference in Uruguay was held October 31 and November 1, 2008, at the Central Church in Rivera. Over the course of the two days more than 30 people attended workshops relating to leadership. Tammy Lancaster led two workshops for women that were based on forgiveness and the role of the wife of a leader. The highlight of the weekend was the ordination of Carlos as a new deacon for the Central Church.

London, England. Members of the International Training Alliance (ITA) gathered for their annual meeting November 4-5, 2008, outside of London. Eight evangelical mission groups form the alliance: Operation Mobilization, Wycliffe, Caleb Australia, Caleb New Zealand, Christian and Missionary Alliance Southeast Asia, World Horizons, Tentmakers, and Free Will Baptist International Missions. ITA offers the practical and unique Leadership Matters Course (LMC). At the time of this meeting, over 1,100 leaders from 35 organizations and over 60 nations had gone through the course. FWBIM holds the great responsibility of translating the training course into French and Spanish.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The Belo FWB Church held their Christmas program Sunday, December 14, 2008. “The Way of the Cross” featured different Bible characters presenting reasons the cross pointed to life that otherwise would not be possible. A choir, solos, and duets added musical presentations to share the message.

Svishtov, Brazil. The Good News FWB Church hosted a children’s Christmas program Saturday, December 13, 2008. Games and a puppet show were followed by boxes of presents given to each child. Many families attended the event and new contacts were made.