Volume 20
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
April—May 2015 Number 6
Mid-South Bible Conference
Eldridge Children's Home Eldridge, Alabama
April 29-May 1, 2015
The Mid-South Bible Conference will be held at the Free Will Baptist Children's Home April 29May 1. Services will begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 29th and will conclude with the morning service on Friday, May 1st. This will be the second year for the conference to be held at the
Children’s Home. Last year proved to be a very challenging and uplifting conference of great
preaching, singing, and fellowshipping. You will have opportunity to visit with the staff and children at the home
and also visit your new state office building. Area churches are encouraged to attend the Wednesday night service.
Special singing will be by Rev. Jim McComas and Redeemed. This year’s speakers will be Bro. Jim McComas
and Bro. David Crowe. David Crowe—is the Executive Director of North American Ministries for FWB. Bro.
David was born, raised, saved and answered the call to preach in Alabama, not far from the Children’s Home. He
has a working knowledge of our history and a comprehensive understanding of communicating the gospel and
making disciples. He has preached over 1300 revivals in our churches, conferences, camp meetings, mission rallies
and youth camps in 45 states and 10 foreign countries. He is a friend to pastors and a great encourager to church
families. Bro. David has served with Home Missions for a total of eighteen years. Jim McComas—Rev. Jim
McComas serves as the Director of Church Revitalization for North American Ministries . Bro. Jim was born and
raised in Northeast Ohio. He was saved early in life and answered the call to preach at age nine. Jim
was Senior Pastor at Canaan Free Will Baptist Church in Creston, Ohio, for twenty-one years, where
he led the church in two building programs and many years of continuous growth. Along with his
preaching and teaching ministry at Canaan, Jim served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of
the Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists. During his years as pastor at Canaan, Jim was also
very involved in his local community.
Schedule
Wednesday 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM
Thursday 11:00 AM
-
Jim McComas
David Crowe
Jim McComas
Thursday
Friday
Friday
7:00 PM
9:30 AM
11:00 AM
-
David Crowe
David Crowe
Jim McComas
Hotel Information
Harbin Hotel Bed/Breakfast (9 antique type rooms)
131 Third Street
Nauvoo, AL (15 miles, 20 min)
(205) 697-5652 Gene/Erlean McDaniels
$85 + tax Comes with complete breakfast
Hampton Inn
7005 Hwy 129
Winfield, AL (10 miles 10 Min. mostly interstate)
(205) 487-1270 $94 + tax, b’fast included
Holiday Inn
5750 Hwy 44 (NEW opening 1st of April)
Guin, AL (15 miles 15 Min. mostly interstate )
205) 412-6657 Tammy Brashier
89 + tax Full service restaurant.
For these rates you must identify with Alabama
Free Will Baptists. Cut-off dates for these
rooms is April 14th
The Digest
Alabama Free Will Baptist Executive Director Resigns
I will be submitting my resignation to the Executive Committee this month, effective May
31st. We must have had a ball, because they say “time flies when you are having fun.” I can
say the last 16 years have been some of the most thrilling, challenging and fruitful years of my
ministry. Thanks Alabama Free Will Baptists for joining hands together to make a difference
in this lost and dying world. It has been a thrill to see Alabama Come Together for the Savior.
During this period of working together we saw Alabama’s annual missions giving double after
the first eight years of the Acts 1:8 program. Alabama went from seventh place to fourth place
Rick Cash
in the support of denominational ministries in the last 16 years. By working together we saw
the construction of a church camp in Russia. According to Dima Sobolev it’s the prettiest camp in all of Russia. A
camp where hundreds of Russian boys and girls have come to know Christ. We have made possible the completion of a Bible Institute in Russia and have funded one in Mexico since 2009. We helped make possible the construction of one church plant in Russia, two church plants in Uruguay and five church plants in Mexico. All this
while funding Alabama’s home and foreign missionaries. Thank you Alabama for allowing us to be used of the
Lord to make a difference in this lost world. Many Alabama Free Will Baptists take seriously Jesus' words when
He said “You are the Light of the World.” From Sally and I we want to say thanks Alabama Free Will Baptists for
giving us a place to serve and for enriching our lives and ministries. Pray for us as we seek to finish strong elsewhere.
Visit us online www.alfwb.com
ALABAMA COMES TOGETHER for the SAVIOR
February receipts were $44,254. YTD Acts receipts through February total $116,353. This was $12,618 more than
we received in the first two months of 2014. Our 2015 Acts budget goal is $505,000. January—February gifts:
Barnesville
Bay City
Beaverton
Belk
$665.00
$4,450.00
$200.00
$3,890.74
Free Will Chapel
$351.36
New Hope, Midland City
Glen Echo
$300.00
New Liberty
$1,600.00
Hamilton
$174.00
New Oak Grove
$1,000.00
Harvest, Jasper
$300.00
New Zion, Headland
$2,458.00
Carbon Hill
$500.00
Holman
Cave Springs
$270.00
Individual
Center Point
$220.00
Jasper Assoc
Davis Chapel, Sterrett
$559.94
Laodicea FWB Church
$1,500.00
Piney Grove
Eastside, Dothan
$182.29
Liberty #1 Assoc
$1,018.92
Pocahontas
Fairview, Moody
$186.00
Liberty, Guin
$1,324.00
Red Bay
Faith, Jasper
Faith, Opelika
$80.00
$3,085.00
$300.00
Oak Grove, Gardendale
Phillips Chapel
Pilgrim's Rest
$300.00
$20.00
$1,606.10
$102.09
$8,225.00
$321.00
$3,313.16
$99.00
Liberty, Lawley
$26,902.98
Shiloh, Gordo
$770.00
$370.38
Liberty, Vernon
$80.00
Soul's Harbor
$406.50
First, Dothan
$1,581.26
Macedonia, Millport
$910.00
South Highland
$640.00
First, Fayette
$3,160.53
Madison
$770.00
Springfield, Vernon
$650.00
First, Florence
$1,566.66
Moody
$400.00
Sulphur Springs
$1,240.00
First, Hackleburg
$1,000.00
Mt. Harmony
Tabernacle
$1,186.50
$1,875.75
First, Jasper
$244.00
Mt. Moriah
$645.00
Townley
$225.00
First, Montgomery
$360.00
Mt. Moriah H Ms Bd.
$100.00
Union Chapel, Winfield
$822.80
Union Hill, Reform
$495.00
Union Hill, Slocomb
$500.00
$850.00
Union Ridge, Sulligent
$479.00
$120.00
Victory, Columbus
$3,184.00
Winfield
$2,154.97
First, Northport
$3,510.33
Mt. Olive
First, Sulligent
$1,205.98
Mt. Pleasant, Brilliant
First, Sylacauga
$689.00
Mt. Pleasant, Centreville
$3,470.00
$75.00
First, Vernon
$1,709.98
Mt. Zion, Northport
Florida State Line Assoc
$2,161.30
Mt. Zion, Pell City
$7,465.04
Forestdale
$1,257.70
Mt. Zion, Pell City, WAC
$1,100.00
Free Water
$617.95
New Center Point
$798.63
TOTAL
$116,352.84
The Digest
Our Missionaries
Jaimie Lancaster (Uruguay) Greetings from Montevideo! The saying is
that from Christmas till the last cyclist passes through downtown (for the
Easter races) that nothing happens in Uruguay! Thankfully that has not
been the case for us. January was filled with guests and time spent getting
to know our neighbors and people in the community. My sister was able to
come down for a quick visit as well. The highlight of February was our
Family Camp that is held in Rivera. I had a class of about 40 students (ages
12-70) and we studied Robert J. Morgan’s book “Simple.” It is our goal to
have a plan of discipleship in each of our churches and this book is one of
the foundational steps. We want people designated to come alongside new
believers and not only teach them with lessons but also with their actions.
Uruguay Camp
In March, we returned to Rivera to the Santa Teresa church and did two
days of training on “How to respond Biblically to conflict.” Over 40 people participated in that workshop. Pray
for us as we are scheduled to do this again on the 6th and 7th of April in Melo .As you can see we’ve been doing a
lot of teaching and training here lately. Investing in the lives of and preparing Uruguayan leaders is something
that we are praying to bring great dividends. Pray that they will continue to have the hunger and willingness to
learn in order to reach others, Please be in prayer for the Torrisons and the Morgans as they are scheduled to return in June! It will be great to have some fellow workers on the field. As you are aware the World Missions Offering will be taking place in April. Please participate so that ministries like ours and others around the world can
continue. I read a statement from someone the other day that said, (I
saw)" an old ad for a 1997 Lincoln Continental: “It Gets Into Your Soul,
Not Your Pocket.” When God gets into your soul, God gets into your
pocket” Please let God work on your heart and help make this the best
WMO ever. We recently celebrated 16 years on the field and every year
that we tick off another we think of the faithful support from our Alabama supporters. Thanks for keeping us here and your prayers. Jamie
and Tammy Lancaster (Ed note: As we are going to press we have received word that Tammy is having some physical issues. Please be in
prayer for her.)
“Simple” Class
Matthew & Brooke Turnbough (Spain) -On January 8, 2015, a week and a half after being diagnosed
with breast cancer, Bethany Atwood Lytle (Brooke’s sister) passed away at the age of 32. Needless to say
these last couple of months have been very difficult for us. The pain is still present but we are comforted by
the thought of Bethany standing in His presence –beyond the sorrow, the scars and the difficult realities of
this life and world. Recently, Brooke was sharing with a good friend from the children’s school (“Marta”),
about the experience of losing her sister. She told Marta that she looks forward to seeing her sister again one
day in Heaven and then proceeded to ask her how she deals with death. Marta replied, “In the past it has
been especially difficult to lose loved ones. But I hope that one day I will find something that will fill the
void that exists in my life.” Please pray for us as we continue to share our
faith- and that Marta and others will embrace the Good News of hope and
eternal life in Him. We ask that you also pray for David (Bethany’s husband) and their three children Isaac (5), Jude (3) and Naomi (2). As always,
THANK YOU so much for your faithful prayer and financial support for us!
We realize that we could not be here without you. We are thankful that God
continues to work in the social outreach ministry in our local church
Villalba. These ministries are going well. We are scheduled to return to the
States in July for our regular stateside assignment. We hope to see many of
you during our time there. Please let us know if you would like for us to
come to your church to share about the work in Spain. And please pray for
our children and us in this time of transition during the next several weeks.
Turnboughs
The Digest
Mark McCraney (Colorado) Things are definitely happening around Truth right now! Since my last update in
the Digest, our property has gone under contract and we will close on the sale by early May! What is even more
amazing is that, after only owning the property for a little over a year, we will make a profit of almost 50%!!!
The extra money will help us be able to move forward quickly with a new piece of property. Speaking of that, the
church that currently owns the property that we are interested in here in Castle Rock is continuing to work through
their congregational process to sell us the property. What is exciting is that when the idea (of selling us the land)
was presented to their Board of Trustees, they were all in favor and eager to assist our church planting efforts.
Right now, we are waiting on them to work through the property valuation process. When they complete it, the
Trustees will present the motion to the congregation for their final approval. I hope that by the time I submit my
next update to the Digest we’ll own the new property where Truth will build its home! Til then… If you or
your church can help us, please contact me at [email protected]. With your help, we are making a difference
in Castle Rock!
Tim Riggs (Mobile) Thanks so much for your ongoing prayers and support. Our people have really stepped up
since the Nance family left us to pastor. We have more people involved in the ministry of the church here than
ever before but we still need some help with the music and children's ministry of the church. Despite a departure
of a few families from our church God continues to build His church here as we had 6 people accept Christ in the
month of February. This group included 4 young people and 2 ladies. Please pray for these and for me. God bless.
Jim Martin (New York)—We thank our Father for His continued blessing on our church family and the ones
that He has sent our way. When we say family, Sylvia and I truly mean family. These people have become very
dear to our hearts… I know that they are in constant prayer for me and “have my back” as the saying goes.
2014 was a very challenging year for our church. We lost two very important people in our congregation, Bob
Smith and Mary Slater. Bob passed away in April 2014 on Easter Sunday; Mary passed away in June 2014.
In September 2014 our church had to undergo Christian discipline which resulted in a loss of several people. Through the struggles, our church tithe remained strong and we ended up the year at approximately $43,000
given by just our people which ended up $750 over our budgeted amount for the year—and the annual tithe up
$2,000 from the year before. During the latter part of the year my personal work schedule changed. Thinking it
was for the better due to not being on call all hours of the day and night, it only went to worst being at work 11-12
hour days. It has been a struggle trying to juggle personal work and church work. I think rather than using the
word struggle… weary would be the more accurate word to use. However, it was such an encouragement during
the struggles of 2014 to have our church people bond together even closer as a family and stand strong on their
personal convictions and beliefs. These people have been my Aaron and Hur. And then the blessings come... we
saw three new families at the end of the year join in with us in Christian fellowship. Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not;
for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Scott Bee—Tennessee—My name is Scott Bee and I am currently employed by North American Ministries and
the Tennessee State Mission Board as a joint project church planter to Oakland, TN. I am a native from the great
state of Alabama, born and raised in Muscle Shoals, and grew up under the ministry of the late Duane Taylor at
South Highland Free Will Baptist Church. I have been a Free Will Baptist all my life. I studied at Welch College
and it was there that I surrendered my life to the Lord, answered the call to preach, met my wife, and began
working for the Lord.
Prior to accepting the role of church planting I was pastoring in Decatur, Illinois. Little
did I know God was preparing me and my family for the work in Oakland where the
late Tim Osborn had begun planting Faith Church. Pastor Tim and Robyn worked so
fervently at planting Faith Church and it is our desire to see that the work continues.
Scott Bee Family
We covet your prayers and support as we lead this great group at Faith Church and
seek to reach the community in Oakland. To God be the glory. I would love the opportunity to come to your church and share our hearts about our work in Oakland. My
number is 901-356-8637 or you may email me at [email protected]. May God
richly bless you!
The Digest
Mike Corley (Russia) - Hello folks. Thanks for praying for Russian Ministries and for the ACTS 1:8 program.
The Spring session of the Chelyabinsk Bible Institute will be held in a few weeks. Dr. David Outlaw, a missionary
with International Missions, will be teaching. This is an opportunity that Free Will Baptists have to speak into the
lives of not only the students of the Bible Institute, but also into the lives that these men will touch as a result of
the education they receive. The Ural Mountain region of Russia, where Chelyabinsk is located, is a very cold
place, physically and spiritually. Winters routinely see temperatures of -40 degrees F. Unfortunately, it is difficult
to measure the spiritual temperature of a place, but these students often encounter people who have never heard of
Christ and sometimes people who are hostile to anything to do with religion. Through the Acts 1:8 program, we
bring hope and education that will last long after the last penny of support goes to that country. Thank you for being a part of that.
Cuba)-Here are reports from two different groups that recently visited the FWB
works in Cuba. On January 25th-31st I traveled with Dr. David Crowe, Jeff Jones,
Steve Berry, Dr. Danny Baer and his wife Debbie, Dr. Russ Moots and a couple
from Steve Berry's church to Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. While there at the seminary I
had a chance to preach and also spend time with our Cuban pastors and families. I
was amazed and convicted at their love for Christ in the midst of such poverty. I
was also challenged at the fact that they are so mission minded that their churches
are required to plant churches. It was truly a trip that changed my life! (supplied by
Tommy Franks, Senior Pastor, Hamilton FWB Church )
Franks with Cubans
On February 26 five of us, Mark Riggs, Mike Riggs, Ricky Carroll, Jeff Lunsford
and I boarded a plane in Miami and winged our way to Havana, Cuba for 8 days of mission and ministry. After
spending 8 days with our brothers to the south of us I am convinced now more than ever that our God can build
His church everywhere and anywhere, even in a Communist country. After 56 years of Communism the Cuban
FWB movement is alive and thriving. Each Sunday over 3,000 Cuban brethren worship together in over 300
churches, missions and houses of prayer. They have a strong seminary program that only needs increased financial support to flourish even more in this tropical paradise. It costs $50 per month for a student to attend the seminary but there are many eligible student who cannot come because they cannot
afford even this small amount. (The average monthly salary is around $25!) I
saw the most authentic Christianity that is closer to the NT model than anything
I have ever experienced. It was life changing for me. The Cubans are industrious, show great initiative, are highly literate, friendly and joyful in worship and
witness. They have impacted my life. (One of my ladies told me this morning
that I was different somehow.) I am already planning to visit again and have Cuban representatives to visit our church when they come to the States. If you get
an opportunity to go, my advice is, go! Go and be prepared for life change!
Alabamians with Cubans
ALABAMA YOUTH COMPETITION
The 2015 State Youth Competition will be held this year at the Florence First FWB Church, in Florence, AL, on
May 2. Emails will be sent with more information. Please be sure your mailed entry forms are received NO
LATER than April 18th to Chris Compton, 2701 Florence Blvd., Florence, AL 35630. For more information you
may contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
ALABAMA FREE WILL BAPTIST WOMEN ACTIVE FOR CHRIST
The Alabama Women Active For Christ will meet for their annual convention on April 24,25, 2015 at the First
Free Will Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama. The meeting Friday night starts at 6:30pm with a meal at the
church. Everyone is invited to attend, and especially officers, delegates, and committee chairman. Saturday morning registration begins at 8:00am with the meeting at 8:30am. There are numerous hotels in the area that you can
look at on-line. We hope that you will make your plans to be with us. Please bring all Provision Closet items to
the meeting. For more information, contact Carolyn Michael, 256-837-5209 or 256-653-0892.
The Digest
THREE OF GOD’s SERVANTS NOW IN HEAVEN
Ottis Ray Parmer—Rev. Ottis Ray Parmer age 78 of Guin, AL a life long servant of God,
went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, January 24, 2015 in the Northwest Medical
Center in Winfield, AL. Born in Hamilton, AL he is the Son of the late Charlie and Ressie
Lee Hall Parmer and the Husband of Virginia Faye Atkinson Parmer. A veteran of the US
Army and a member of the Antioch Free Will Baptist Church in Hamilton, AL. He had
lived in Guin most of his life was a Mason and was a retired Free Will Baptist Minister
Parmer
and had pastored several area churches. He wanted his legacy to be carried on through his
family, grandchildren and friends. He is survived by his Wife, Virginia Atkinson Parmer of Guin, AL 2
Daughters, Donnia (Keith) Gilland of Guin, AL and Tresia (John) Mize of Trussville, AL, a Son, Keith Parmer of Guin, AL, 8 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren, a Brother, Ralph Parmer of Florence, AL. He
was also preceded in death by a Twin Sister, Derothea Trimm and a Brother, Ellis Parmer. Services were
held Tuesday, January 27 from the Norwood Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the West Alabama Memorial Gardens. Bro. Bobby Duncan officiating.
Albert Lee Pickett—Albert Lee Pickett, Sr. “Bro. AL”, age 83 of Pea Ridge, Alabama
went home to be with the Lord on January 05, 2015.He was a pastor in the Pea Ridge
Community for 30 years and a devoted Mason for over 50 years. Albert served his country proudly in the US Army Airborne Division. He was preceded in death by his parents,
three sisters, and three brothers. His surviving relatives include his loving wife of 60
years Cherry Pickett; two daughters, Regina Pickett Garson and Karen Pickett El-Kady;
son, Lee Pickett; sister, Billie Elliott; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His
funeral services were held on Friday, January 09, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Church in
Pea Ridge. Rev. Sam Ross and Rev. Jayson Heath officiated his service.
Pickett
Randy Wright - Randy Wright age 54 of Guin, AL passed away Saturday, February 7, 2015 in the Fayette
Medical Center in Fayette, AL. Born August 13, 1960 in Amory, MS he is the Son of Henry Grady Wright
and the late Mary Mildred Schumpert Wright. He was pastor of the Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church
for the past 25 years. He was Chairman of the Home Mission Board, had served on the Trinity Youth Camp
Board, ALCAP Board, former Chairman of the Acts 1:8 Committee and served 11 years as
Chaplin of Hospice of Northwest Alabama. He loved music, was a trumpet player, and had
also been a DJ since he was 15 years old. He is survived by his Wife, Kathy Marie Wright
of Guin, AL, A Daughter, Rachel Wright Jones (Jacob) of Winfield, AL, A Son, Matthew
Wright of Guin, AL, A Granddaughter, Ada Rose Jones, Father, Henry Grady Wright of
Amory, MS, Sister In Law, Brenda Coggins of Amory, MS, Brother In Law, Kenny Isbell
of Guin, AL Nephew, Chad Jones and family and Nieces, Chasity Galloway and family,
Mandy Lindsey and Family and Leah Higginbotham and family. Services were held Monday, February 9, 2015 at 2:00 pm from the Guin First Baptist Church with burial in the Masonic Cemetery. Bro. Mickey Crane, Bro. Rick Cash, Bro. Danny Williams, Bro. David
Crowe and Bro. Jack Whitley officiating. Graveside was conducted by Bro. Jeff Jones.
Wright
ROLL CALL SUNDAY
This year Roll Call Sunday will be on April 5th. Roll Call Sunday gives us a continual gauge of where we are
and where we are going. It also helps to challenge us to stretch ourselves to have a big day in attendance .
A letter has been sent to each pastor with instructions. Every pastor will be asked to call in their attendance, number of visitors, and number of decisions to their moderator on April 5th. The moderators will then pass on this
information to the Executive Office. The results will then be totaled and made available through the Digest and
on the web page at www.alfwb.com. Alabama pastors have joined together to make this work. If everyone will
do just a little, this will be a simple and worthwhile effort. Thanks for your cooperation in Alabama’s 2015 Roll
Call Sunday.
The Digest
NEWS FROM THE HOME
James Dixon, one of our teen boys, has been accepted by FWB International Missions as an E-Team member.
E-Team is a three week missions program for high school students. James will have a week of training in
Nashville, TN, before departing for his assignment in Panama where he will work with local churches. You
can help him with the expenses of his trip by sending a donation to FWBCH, earmarked “Summer Missions.”
Participate in our Golf Tournament to be held on Saturday, April 18 th at Mt. View Golf Course in
Graysville, AL. The four-man scramble begins at 8:30 with a shot-gun start. Contact the Home at (205)
924-9751 or visit our website (www.fwbhome.org) for more information.
Mike Corley, Executive Director of the Home, submitted his resignation effective July 1, 2015. He has
served in this capacity since August, 2009. Mike and his wife Cathy will be moving to St. Croix, Virgin Islands where he will serve as the Business Administrator for the Free Will Baptist Christian School and
Church ministry. Please be in prayer for us during this time of transition.
The Board of Directors has been working with Br. Mike and the rest of the staff of the Home since Mike's resignation to formulate a transition plan. The Board is pleased to announce that Bro. Danny Williams will become the
Acting Director of the Home effective April 1. Bro. Mike will remain at the Home during a transition period until
his last day of service, on July 1, 2015.
"Mike has done an excellent job in leading the ministry of the Home," said Rodney Yerby, Chairman of the Board
of Directors. "We are sorry to see him leave, but we are praying for his new ministry. Just as God provided a
qualified man of integrity to lead the Home in 2009, He has provided another capable man to take over the leadership of the Home now. The Board is confident in and excited about the future of the Home under Bro. Danny's
leadership .”
Corinth Free Will Baptist Church, Midland City hosted their 4th annual mission conference this past February.
This conference is a direct result of seeing a greater need to partner with missionaries to reach not only the world,
but also in the very neighborhood which we live. At the conference, our speakers share what’s happening in their
ministries as well as Preach the Gospel each service. Corinth’s attendance averages 80 on Sunday. We aren’t a
large church by modern definition. Yet, we realize we have a responsibility and opportunity to make an eternal
difference. The only limitation that any church has would be its lack of vision! We began having these conferences to “Open Our Eyes” to the world around us! As a direct result, we have seen growth in all facets of the
church. Attendance, Giving, Spiritual Growth, Volunteering, & Service projects have all increased. We are a
rural church that has visitors on a regular basis. We’ve hosted one day services for ACTS 1:8 in the past and
hosted missionaries throughout the year. But, since Bro. Rick has represented ACTS 1:8 twice at this conference,
regular support for missions has increased. We’ve been able to add more missionaries to our church budget.
Overall, the biggest impact on our church has been a change of focus! We, as a church, look for opportunities to
serve our community as an outreach & a privilege. The church has traveled on mission trips to help the churches
in Buffalo & Houston. Seeing people make an eternal investment in the lives of others is exciting. These conferences have revitalized our focus for the better and hopefully for His Glory! I strongly encourage you to consider
having a mission conference at your church! (Submitted by Jason S Miller, Pastor of Corinth Free Will Baptist
Church, Midland City)
Joshua Detherage: The spring semester is now well underway, and our time in Mongolia is growing shorter. We
will return to the United States the end of June and will relocate to Kentucky in July where Joshua will begin
teaching in the fall. In the meantime, our goal is to finish well. Please uplift that we would be able to make a lasting impact in the lives of the students during this semester. We know that the time is going to pass quickly, but we
want to wisely use the time that we have. Also, please continue to uplift our financial situation. Because of increased giving, we are nearly out of the red! At the current rate, we should be completely in the black by the time
we return to the States in the summer. Thank you so much for your support, and we hope to see many of you once
we are back! Blessings to you all!
The Digest
The Digest THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
THE ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF FREE WILL BAPTISTS
P. O. BOX 14, WINFIELD, ALABAMA 35594 RICK CASH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
COLLEGE SCENE
Welch College: The 35-member Welch College Choir gave eight performances March 11-17 in a week-long tour
through Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Dr. James Stevens, choir director and chairman of the Welch Music Department, lead the College Choir in presenting their spring tour program, How Great Thou Art! Welch College
will sponsor Welcome Days April 16-18. High school sophomores, juniors and seniors and transfer students are
welcome to attend. Contact info; [email protected] or call 615-844-5222. Commencement exercises are slated
for May 8th.
Southeastern Free Will Baptist College: Spring break started off well with the Sounds of Victory beginning
their choir tour. It was a great tour with eight church services and one Christian school chapel. The choir had
services in Oklahoma, Tennessee and North Carolina. The month of April is busy with a Southeastern sponsored
senior class trip and Spring Conference. Our Spring Conference “Contend for the Faith” will be held April 1316, 2015. This year’s breakout sessions will cover subjects such as: The Pitfalls of Calvinism by Glen Johnson,
Missional Youth Ministry by Stephen Kimbrell, Shepherding the Music Ministry by Kevin Denton and The
Christian Woman’s Commitment by Joann Cox. This year’s speakers include President Jim Marcum, Dr. Danny
Baer, Myron Scott, Josh Baer, Glen Johnson and Rick Cash.
12th and FINAL South Alabama Campmeeting
The Sardis FWB church will be hosting their final Camp Meeting June 7-10, 2015. Speakers will include Dr. Joe
Arthur, Billy Bevan, Jr and Sr, Elzo Bevan, Dr. David Crowe, Mike Hutsell, Derek Stinnett, Jim McComas and
Mike Blanton. Singing will be provided by The Parsons, The Joyaires, Barry Rowland & Deliverance and Mike
Blanton & Evidence. For more infor call 334-695-1541 or e-mail [email protected]
Churches Needing a Pastor and Contact Person:
Appleton, Castleberry - Stan Ward
251-363-1024 Free Will Chapel, Sulligent - Edsel Gideon
Winfield FWB - Charles Lynn
205-487–6220 Beaverton FWB Church - Bill Sizemore
Shady Grove FWB, Adamsville–Earl Garrison 205-641-0737
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
April 13-16
Spring Conference
Southeastern FWB College
April 15
Day of Prayer and Fasting
April 16-18
Welcome Days at Welch College
April 18
Children’s Home Golf Tournament
April 24-25
AWAC Meeting, First FWB, Dothan
April 26
World Missions Offering
April 29- May 1 Mid-South Bible Conference
FWB Children's Home-Eldridge, AL
May 2
CE Competition—First FWB, Florence
May 8
Graduation @ Welch & SEFWB
College
May 15
Day of Prayer and Fasting
205-712-3083
205-698-7244