O * H * I * O AMBASSADOR. The Voice of Ohio Free Will Baptists Proclaiming The Words of Christ to a Lost World. If the Foundations be Destroyed...

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1 O * H * I * O AMBASSADOR State Meeting Preview Volume 49 Number 3 May-June 2009 The Voice of Ohio Free Will Baptists Proclaiming The Words of Christ to a Lost World If the Foundations be Destroyed... The Gahanna FWB will be hosting the annual Ohio State Association meeting on June 26-27, The theme for this year s session will be, If the Foundations Be Destroyed. Three FWB preachers, Dr. Freddy Dutton, Rev. Aaron Reed and Rev. James Forlines will preaching on this vital subject. Rev. Mark Price, fulfilling his second term as Moderator, will be opening our 71st session on Friday morning, June 26th. Rev. Mark Bailey, pastor of the Mansfield FWB Church in Mansfield, Ohio will be singing in the Friday morning session. Evangelist Dr. Freddy Dutton, will be bringing the message on the subject The Foundation For Creation. Brother Dutton has pastored several FWB Churches in Garland, Texas, Mansfield and Columbus Ohio. He has been a full time evangelist for the last six years. He is the Moderator of the Capital City Conference. He is a graduate of Andersonville College with a B.A., Master and Doctorate of Theology. He has been married to his wife Terry for 39 years and they have one son, Chris. The Friday afternoon devotion will be given by Bucyrus FWB Pastor, Rev. Eric Boggs. The Friy evening service will be presided by Assistant Moderator Rev. Brian Phillips. The Union FWB Church Choir from Wheelersburg, Ohio will be providing the special music in the evening service. Rev. Aaron Reed, pastor of the Sciotodale FWB Church is scheduled to preach on the subject, The Foundation For the Home. Brother Aaron was saved and baptized at the Columbus 1st FWB Church in 1991 and was ordained by the Franklin Conference in He served as Assistant and Youth Pastor at Westerville FWB Church. In 2001 he assumed the pastorate at Sciotodale FWB in Portsmouth where he currently ministers. Rev. Reed has served as Assistant Moderator and Moderator of the Pine Creek Conference. He currently represents the conference on the Ohio General Board. Brother Aaron has been happily married to Tonyia (Sammons) of Westerville for nearly 17 years and they are the proud parents of five children, Tia, Abbey, AJ, Victoria and Chloe. On Saturday morning, Rev. Tim McKnight, of the Preview of the 71st Ohio State Association Meeting Dr. Freddy Dutton Rev. Aaron Reed Freedom FWB Church from Plain City, Ohio will bring the devotion. The Canaan Singers from the Canaan FWB Church in Creston, Ohio, will be providing the special music. Rev. James Forlines, Director of the Free Will Baptist s International Mission Department will be preaching on the subject, The Foundation For Redemption. James Forlines has served as General Director for FWB International Missions since Prior to his appointment as General Director, James served as associate and youth pastor in Gastonia, NC, as pastor of First FWB in Chesterfield, IN, and as pastor of Allen Chapel FWB in Batesville, AR. He has also served four years on the Board of Foreign Missions, as well as serving the last two years on the Board of International Training Alliance. Brother Forlines was active in writing Sunday school materials for Randall House Publications and served five years as moderator of the Arkansas State Association of Free Will Baptists. James, the son of Professor and Mrs. Leroy Forlines of Nashville, TN, is a 1980 graduate of Free Will Baptist Bible College. He also has completed graduate courses from Anderson School of Theology in Anderson, IN. He is married to the former Anita Ganey of Hendersonville, NC. The Forlines have three children: Daniel, Rachel, and Rebekah. Brother David Chamberlin, music director of the Porter FWB Church will lead the music and Deena Armstrong from the Porter Church will be our pianist. Please mark your calenders and plan to attend our annual State Meeting and come prepared to be a blessing and to be blessed. See you in June! STATE MINISTRY OFFERING Ohio Free Will Baptist Churches are invited and encouraged to participate in our annual HUNDRED DOLLAR FRIDAY NIGHT OFFERING FOR OHIO STATE MINISTRIES We are asking that all of our church become involved in the once a year offering The offering is divided among our three Ohio State Departments: 50% goes to our State Mission Program 40% goes to our State Office 10% goes to our Ohio Youth Conference Rev. James Forlines These are OUR ministries and all of them are worthy of your support. Please consider sending in your offering by June 18th and mark it State Ministry Offering. If you are unable to send $100.00, any amount will be appreciated. Let s do our best to break our record. With the Lord s help, we can do it!

2 What To Do When You Don t Know What To Do Have you ever been in a situation where you didn t know what to do? A situation when you just didn t see a way out? A situation where Satan would taunt and harass you until you were at your wits end? A situation where God seemed far away? The great Pastor Philip Brooks found himself there one day. Although he was known to trust God on this occasion, one of his friends saw him pacing on the floor like a caged lion. What is the trouble Dr Brooks? asked the friend. The trouble is that I m in a hurry, but God isn t This is the type of problem Jehoshaphat and Judah found themselves in recorded in II Chronicles 20. It is in this story that we find out what to do when we don t know what to do. Jehoshaphat s Predicament His enemy stood at his doorstep, Moab and Ammon had invaded were just outside the city ready to attack. They had united to fight Israel. This is what happens to us today. Many times in life we find ourselves facing multiple enemies. If we would only have to fight one enemy at a time, it wouldn t be so bad. Unfortunately, it usually doesn t work that way. The bad news comes to Jehoshaphat and he realized that he didn t have the ability to stop them His heart filled with fear. What could he do? He was facing a certain defeat, with death and destruction for him and his people. What are his options? Surrender? Fight to the best of his ability? or Run? He decides to pray! Jehoshaphat s Prayer He gathered Judah together. all the cities of Judah...came to seek the Lord. In his prayer to the Lord, Jehoshaphat mentions that no enemy can withstand God. He further states that God was our God. Not only was He powerful--he was personal. I am glad that we serve the God who is most powerful yet He knows us personally! Jehoshaphat then laid out the problem before the Lord. Moab and Ammon were about to take the inheritance God had given Israel. Satan would love to steal our spiritual inheritance as well. He closes this prayer with a statement of trust in the Lord, our eyes are upon thee. All the families, young and old stood there waiting on the Lord. God s Answer God did not make them wait long. All of the sudden, the Prophet Jahaziel steps forward. and the Spirit of God came into the camp! God had a message for Jehoshaphat. He told them to not fear, this is God s battle not theirs! God then gives them instructions. There would be no need to fight. They needed to simply stand still and see the salvation of the Lord-just like Moses and the Children of Israel at the Red Sea! Jehoshaphat s Praise The next day they went out to face the enemy and Jehoshaphat encourages Judah to trust the Lord. He then gives some strange instructions. He sends singers out ahead of the army! Their instructions were to begin singing and praising the Lord. There are songs that will win battles like Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine, Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, It is Well With My Soul, Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus, There is a Fountain, My hope is Built, Because He Lives and Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus The Battle While they were singing and praising God defeated the enemy! When Jehoshaphat came to the battle the enemy was already defeated. The only thing to do is take the spoil. After three days they started home. They came home rejoicing with Kind Jehoshaphat leading the way. When the other kingdoms heard of this victory they feared! It was obvious that this was done by the Lord! Sometimes I think we forget the tremendous power in praise of God. We think we will win the battle by our strength or our abilities. Only through the Lord can we win any battle, let alone a difficult one like this. He wants us to depend upon Him and praise Him in the dark times when we can t see victory. Do you need to reevaluate your prayer and praise? That is what we should do when we don t know what to do! Edwin Hayes Executive Secretary Secretary s Schedule May 9 Pine Creek Conf Turkey Creek, Dave Sibole Pastor May 17 Hilock Fellowship AM Eddie Back, Pastor May 31 General Baptist, Indiana Paul Finney, Pastor June 7 Faith-Logan AM Tony Vanover, Pastor Henry Litteral, Pastor June 14 South Columbus SS & AM Tim Stevens, Pastor June 14 Marysville PM Paul Bogenrife, Pastor June 28 North Pastor Apprec. Bill Chadwick, Pastor July 5 Summit Station PM Henry Litteral, Pastor EDITOR Rev. Edwin Hayes 3700 South High Street Suite 159 Columbus, Ohio (614) ehayes@ambassadorbible.com STATE MODERATOR Rev. Mark Price* PO Box 4008 Sciotoville, Ohio (740) pfwbc@roadrunner.com ASSISTANT MODERATOR Rev. Brian Phillips 667 South Diamond Street Mansfield, Ohio (419) ROM828bp@aol.com CLERK Rev. Mike Stokes* 1011 West Lake Street New Carlisle, Ohio mcstokes114@aol.com ASSISTANT CLERK Bryon Justice* bjustice@faysharpe.com GENERAL BOARD Forest Dyer (Little Miami) 2009 Tim Crank (Lawrence) 2009 David Reese (Jackson) 2009 Ken Frisbee (Great Lakes) 2009 Jerry Sargent (Franklin) 2009 Billy Joe White (Cuyahoga-Lorain) 2009 Kenny Cordell* (Central Ohio) 2009 Jeremy Luthy (Tri State) 2009 Randy Rose (Northeastern) 2009 Freddy Dutton* (Capital City) 2009 Chris Russell (Northern Ohio) 2010 Warren Simpkins (Trinity) 2010 Jim Henderson (South Central) 2010 Dan King* (Porter) 2010 Aaron Reed (Pine Creek) 2010 Ed Barney (Unity) 2010 Tim Byers (State Line) 2010 Blaine Etterling (Cornerstone) 2010 James Webb* (North & Western) 2010 Robert Fulton (Southern Ohio) 2010 *Executive Committee BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alan Barnes 2015 Jim McComas 2014 Tom Dooley 2013 Peter Dunn 2012 Mitch Salyers 2011 Wayne Keith 2010 Bill Hayes 2009 Bethlehem Clyde Columbus First Eifort Faith-Logan Germany Hollow Known to the Ambassador Ohio State Office and Ambassador Magazine address: ehayes@ambassadorbible.com Web Site: OhioFWB.com Ambassador Church Supply address: pmkeener@ambassadorbible.com Without Pastor James Cosby Without Pastor Without Pastor Tony Vanover Without Pastor STATE CTS BOARD Mark Bailey 2015 Joshua Young 2014 Mark McCarty 2013 Jason Luthy 2012 Paul Etterling II 2011 Deanna Price 2010 Chris Mitchell 2009 NOMINATING COMMITTEE Paul Keener 2011 Bill Chadwick 2010 Bill Pitts 2009 NATIONAL GENERAL BOARD MEMBER Mike Stokes 2009 STATE MISSIONS BOARD Roger Daniel 2015 Paul Etterling 2014 Roy Hutchinson 2013 Jon Mountjoy 2012 Roland Luthy 2011 Garland Roberts 2010 Oziel Jeffries 2009 The AMBASSADOR is the official publication of the: OHIO STATE ASSOCIATION OF FREE WILL BAPTISTS, 3700 SOUTH HIGH STREET SUITE 159, COLUMBUS, OHIO The Ambassador is committed to promoting the cause of Jesus Christ and the Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists by presenting articles, announcements and pertinent news to inform our member churches and constituents. We reserve the right to edit or reject materials submitted for publication in the Ambassador. The views expressed are not necessarily the view of the Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists. The publication deadline is NOON as follows: January 1st, March 1st, May 1st, July 1st, September 1st and November 1st. All gifts given to the Ambassador should be sent to the above address.

3 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 3 FRANKLIN CONFERENCE MISSIONS CONFERENCE The Franklin Conference held its annual missions conference at the Hillview Church on March 13-14th. The mission guests this year were Creative Access Missionaries Mike and Cathy Corley. They helped begin a Bible Institute and Retreat Center in Russia. They currently are teaching English as a second language and using that as a vehicle for personal evangelism. They coordinate all the FWB work in their present country and in Russia. They are focusing on two of the least reached people groups in the 10/40 Window. The Franklin Mission Board presented the Corleys with an offering of $4, from the churches of the conference. Appointments for May 2009 Mission Board Member Gary Sargent presents the mission offering to the Corleys CUYAHOGA LORAIN YOUTH RALLY Chris Russell Evangelistic Ministries 100 Evening Drive Olive Hill, Ky (606) cmkh4russell@windstream.net Website: Date Church Location Time 5/10-5/14 Susannah Missionary Bapt. Fudges Creek RD Ona, WV 7 pm,(6 Sun) 5/17 Eastside FWB Campmeeting Thelma, KY 11:00 AM 5/17-5/20 Durbin Nazarene Durbin, KY 7 pm (6 Sun) 5/21 Tent Revival 1780 Rt. 380 Xenia, OH 7:00 PM 5/23 Tent Revival Rt. 380 Xenia, OH 7:00 PM 5/24 Plum Grove Baptist Plum Grove RD Greenup, KY 6:00 PM 5/26 TomahawkFWB Campmeeting Tomahawk, KY 7:00 PM 5/27-5/29 Rockfork Christian Holiness Rockfork RD. Morehead, KY 7:00 PM 5/30 Crawford Co. Campmeeting Hopley Ave. Bucyrus, OH 7:00 PM 5/31 Paradise FWB Paradise View RD Mansfield, OH 10:00 AM On April 18th we met at Unity FWBC in Galion, Ohio with 64 from four churches. Our theme was Law and Order. We started out with two games. The first was a scavenger hunt this is where a person has a list of items to find on someone and give them a ticket. The first one to give out all their tickets is the winner. The winner was Tony Raney. Also the one with the most tickets was also a winner. The winner was Tyler Baldinger. The second game is also a scavenger hunt this is for a team to find tickets in the church by clues given to the team leader who tells the clues to their team members. The first team to collect all their tickets wins. The team that won was lead by Jimmy Baldinger. Then we all went outside to have fellowship and food. Then we came back into the church for our message by Rev. Henry Parker who preached on The Bible tells us what we can do to get to Heaven. Before Brother Henry preached we had the youth choir sang. Then we had two ladies sing for us. The First was Ginger Baldinger who sang I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb. The second singer was Dottie Pugh who sang I Dare To Believe. Brother Henry preached from Matthew 10: Thanks to everyone. Our next Rally is October 17th at Rock Of Ages FWBC in Cleveland at 4:00 pm. See you there. Rev. David Bates Youth Director

4 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 4 SPRINGFIELD (LITTLE MIAMI) We come to you with joy unspeakable over the precious souls that have been added to our family. Jessica Davis was saved Sunday, February 1st. This is an open door of opportunity for our church; Jessica is the only one of her family to be saved. Please pray for her and her family. On March 31st Randy Miller gave his life to the Lord after many months of attending Sunday school then leaving before church, but he finally surrendered all. I am now reporting in place of Sister Pauline Horn. Pauline is suffering from back trouble and will have surgery the 27th of April. Please pray for her; she is greatly missed and we are thankful for her faithful service at church and as reporter for this magazine. Our pastor continues to preach the wonderful word and we all delight in his humble delivery. We had several men return from the Ohio Men's Retreat, "Drinking from their Saucer Because their Cup was Running Over" and spilling out on all who where around them. "How Great is our God". We have numerous prayer requests for health issues and also the economic crisis has touched our congregation, God has no boundaries so please remember us in your prayers. We are so blessed to have in our small group such dedicated people. I am thankful for each one...our teachers and officers and our dear pastor..."how Great is our God". Run the race as if there were no tomorrow. Charles Crider, Pastor Joan Cope, Reporter TRINITY FWB (FRANKLIN) We just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and all it signifies to each of us as Christians, God's children. What a great sacrifice God made of His Son to let Him die on the cross for our sin debt. How many of us could do this? Such a great love is hard to comprehend with our fleshly bodies and minds. All God asks of us is that each day we strive to be more like Jesus and to follow the Ten Commandments. If we strive to live a joyous life and do unto others as we would have them do unto us, this is a true blessing and there would be less strife and trouble everywhere for those who abide by this. We are thankful that winter is behind us and a beautiful spring is bursting forth. God blesses us in so many ways. Just look around at what we already have and be content. We are still looking for a piano player or organ player at our church. If anyone is interested in helping us out, please contact our Pastor Paul V. Collins at home church. Paul V. Collins, Pastor Patricia E. Dorsey, Reporter A Call for Documents Concerning Bessie Yeley Ohio natives Danny Baer and Neil Gilliland are attempting to gather as much material as possible regarding Missionary Bessie Yeley. In 1936, at the age of 40, Bessie entered Venezuela as a missionary. In subsequent years Bessie served not only in Venezuela but also in Cuba under Free Will Baptist Foreign Missions. She also served under the Home Mission Board in Arizona and Texas along the Mexican border, and later in Miami to Cuban refugees. Do you have any documents or stories you might like to share about Miss Yeley? Pictures, letters, minutes, articles and any other documents are more than welcome. You might also remember meeting Bessie or a story you have heard about her. Please feel free to share what you have. We are not sure we will be able to accumulate enough material for a full biography, Danny Baer writes. But, Neil and I would like to put as much material together as possible about our Aunt Bessie. Her story needs to be told and is of great importance to Ohio Free Will Baptists and our entire denomination. Materials can be scanned and ed to Danny or Neil. You can also mail copies to either at their respective ministries. Danny Baer, baerd@sfwbc.edu Academic Dean, Southeastern Free Will Baptist College Neil Gilliland, neil@fwbgo.com Director of Member Care, Free Will Baptist International Missions The attendance was up and the service was a blessing to all who present. Our hearts were torn to hear of the accident related tragedy of Deacon Jim Goble's granddaughter, Ms. Page. We continue pray for the Goble family and their loved ones. We had a revival May 2-3rd with Evangelist, Tim Case preaching. Please continue to pray for our church and the attendance. We are planning to install a new furnace this summer, and to do some construction and rebuilding of railings, steps, etc. So we are blessed to be able to do so. Joseph Pinkerton, Pastor Cecil Kidder, Reporter CLYDE (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) "And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily." Acts 16:5. The First FWB Church in Clyde has elected our new Pastor, James Cosby. He and his wife Christine have been a welcome addition to our church. with one another that follows strengthens our bond with one another as Christians. Prayers are being lifted up for our spring revival starting May 11th. Brian Phillips will preach from God's word each evening. Pray for these services that we would see souls saved during this revival. God is using adults in our church to encourage young people, what a blessing this is especially with the upcoming Vacation Bible School. We pray that our young people will enjoy coming and be challenged in the study of God's word. Continue to pray for us and we will pray for you. James Cosby, Pastor Ruth Rollins, Reporter OAK HILL (PINE CREEK) Praise God for His plan of salvation. God is so good. We ve seen six precious souls come to the Lord in the past two months. April 9th, we started an Easter revival with Brother Donnie Massie and Brother Josh Friend as evangelists. We heard some wonderful Spirit-filled preaching and singing. What started out as four nights of revival lasted nine nights and the Lord blessed every night. The church was really revived. Our special singers were for April 9th were Stoney and Shelly Johnson. Spoken For sang for Family and Friends night on April 10th. After the service we enjoyed pizza out in the fellowship hall. On April 11th, the Headed Home Singers sang. Brother Steven Blagg preached our Sunrise Service. We had 73 in attendance for Sunday School on Easter. The children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt. He thank Brothers Howard Hubbard, Scott Markel, Arthur Robinson and everyone who came to preach, sing and fellowship with us. We love each one. Until next time, remember us in prayer and may God bless. Ronnie Massie, Pastor Sandy Clark, Reporter DAILYVILLE (FRANKLIN) The Easter drama, The Life of Christ with 40 members involved was performed Saturday evening March 28th and Sunday morning the 29th. Many guests were in attendance. On Easter Sunday, April 12th, the church choir sang, In the Presence of JEHOVAH. Several youth from our church participated in the Ohio FWB Youth competition in Columbus. The number of our youth attending our Wednesday evening club are increasing as well as those attending Sunday services. God is blessing our church. Our church contributed miscellaneous items to organization sending these to military personnel in war zones. Peter Dunn, Pastor Jim Henry, Reporter UNION (PINE CREEK) Hello from Union! On March 19th we began a weekend Youth Revival with Matt Mayhew, James Howard and Zack Conkel preaching. Each evening concluded with altar services. Singing was by the Youth Choir from Minford Nazarene Church and the sons of Tucker and Joy Jones. On the evening of March 29th, Pastor Chris Oiler traveled to Columbus to preach at Southwest FWB. Our Youth Pastor, Zack Conkel, gave us that evening's message. On Good Friday evening the cantata "Amazing Grace" was presented by a combination choir from Bloom, Sciotodale and Union FWB churches. Preaching was by Pastor Randy Skaggs from the 2nd FWB Church in Ashland, KY. In the morning of April 19th, our missionary Staci Wells Keter, showed slides and told of her touching experiences with orphaned and abandoned babies at the African Gospel Baby Center in Kenya. In the evening service her husband, Wycliff, gave the evening message. He is a Youth Minister at the African Gospel Church in Kenya. We have had installed a security system in our church, fellowship building and parsonage because of break-ins at some of our sister churches. Guest preaching was also by, Jack Lore, in the morning of April 5th. We have had two saved and one baptized. Until next time "The lasting happiness of our children depends on the love we give them today!" Chris Oiler, Pastor LaVonda Leesburg, Reporter BEECH GROVE (FRANKLIN) Hello again from the Beech Grove Church. We are thanking God for the increase in attendance for our Sunday morning services. Our special Singers, The King Family, for the Easter Sunrise and church services lifted our hearts. We also had the Dalton Gang sing on the 18th of April for a Saturday night service. Pastor James Crosby and the Clyde FWB Congregation We have been blessed to see three people saved, two of which were baptized March 15th. Three new members have been added to our flock. God is good, all the time God is good. Our third Sunday potluck is drawing additional people to hear God's word and the fellowship

5 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 5 Sister Gearl Lee "Geri" Wyatt, 68, went home to be with the Lord on March 16th, after a long illness. Geri was a longtime member of Liberty FWB Church in Norton, where she was active in many ways. She loved spending time with her grandchildren as well as going to gospel singings. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, John D. Wyatt; sons John (Kathi) and Ron (Kathy) Wyatt; daughter Donna (Greg) Doane; extended family member Mark (Dawn) Wilson; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her funeral was held March 20th. Sister Melba Smith, age 87 a member of the Reynoldsburg Church passed away March 18th. She has attended (Welch Ave) Heritage & Friendly FWB. Her funeral was held March 20th. at the Reynoldsburg FWB Church. Rev. Raymond Riggs, former National Foreign Mission Director and father to International Missionary Steve Riggs passed away on Monday, April 13th. Do remember the Riggs family in prayer. Sister Stella Brown, a member of the Oak Hill Church went home to be with the Lord March 27th. She had been a member of Oak Hill for over 40 years. She always had a testimony for the Lord and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Brother Glenn McCarty, a member of the Forest Valley Church for 36 years, passed away on March 27th. Brother Glenn was the founder of the Sacred Aires singing group. He is survived by three sons and daughters in law, Gary and Cathy, Randy and Maria and John and Gwen; daughters and sons in law, Glenn and Emerson Bruce, Rita and Bob McClure, Kay and Bob Lanham and Teresa and Paul (Sonny) Mounts, 20 grandchildren; and 30 great grandchildren. His funeral was held at the Forest Valley Church on March 30th with Del Wallace and Mike Mounts officiating. REYNOLDSBURG (FRANKLIN) Greetings from Reynoldsburg. We had a Sunday School drive in April and the Lord really blessed with the attendance. It s always so good to see new people in Sunday School. The Greenes will be ministering to us on Friday, May 8th beginning at 7:00 PM. A love offering will be received. Billy Fields will be with us on June 14th in our 10:30 AM service. Then on June 28th in our 6:00 PM service, Missionary to Canada, Danny Elliott, will tell us about his work there. A husband and wife were recently baptized. What a joy to see people professing their faith by following the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Jerry Sargent, Pastor Kathleen Browning, Reporter CANAAN (CAPITAL CITY) As you read this article, we are wrapping up our annual Camp Meeting at Canaan. It has been a week full of Spirit-filled preaching and anointed singing. The altars have been filled each service with folks praying for salvation, rededication, and needs. What a blessing it has FAITH (SOUTH CENTRAL) Greetings from Logan Church. I missed the last deadline so will catch everyone up on what is happening in the beautiful Hocking Hills. We had a wonderful Easter beginning with a Sunrise service that was filled with wonderful preaching and singing. Followed by a great breakfast and more preaching and singing. What more could you ask for! We baptized one soul April 26th. We also have several people praying about becoming members. We will be opening the door for membership shortly. One of the ladies and her daughters have started a puppet ministry. Everyone is excited and expecting great results from it, not only the audience but the performers too. We took them to the nursing home last month and the program was well received. Our Mother Daughter banquet will be held on May 11th. Our theme is "Women From The Bible". We will be having several of these women telling their stories during the evening. V.B.S is scheduled for June 22-27th, entitled, "The Days of Creation". Pray for our workers that we can reach souls through this. We would like to praise God for Sister Ana Shepherd, she had cancer surgery last year and again a couple of weeks ago. I wish you could all know her, she has such faith and confidence in the Lord, and a never ending positive attitude. She is a blessing to us all. Pray for her and her husband and their two girls. Last but certainly not least after months of prayer and fasting, the Lord has answered our prayers and sent us a pastor. A wonderful man of God who is sure in the knowledge that this is where God wants him. We thank the Lord for Pastor Tony Vanover and his family. Pray for our van ministry, our visitation and our nursing home ministry. Pastor Tony Vanover and his wife Angie are the parents of three daughters, Ashley, Michelle and Mrs. Adam ( Heather) Daniels, and have one granddaughter, Rileigh. Anthony "Tony" Vanover, Pastor Jean Fox, Reporter Paul Etterling Sr. This year may be the year of years to test the determination of our churches in Ohio and of the church members of our great state. This statement may seem curious. Business downturns and job loses have hit Ohio. We are sure you have been impacted by higher food cost and almost everything else you need to buy. This results in lower finances in the local churches and the affect is passed on to the support of all agencies of your State Association. Last fall I issued a warning to the Ohio Missions Board that by the end of December 2008 we could expect a short fall of $6,000 to $7,000 for the Tim Byers Account. Of course the Lord was at work on the problem long before the above projection was made. Many great things took place that you can read about on the ohiofwb.com web site under Ohio Missions, or the previous Ambassador. Brother Tom Dooley is doing a great job developing the site. Thanks Brother Tom! We are looking at our budget for Projecting so far in the future can be like looking into a bucket of muddy water rather than a crystal ball. By the way, the crystal ball doesn t work well either. We are depending on your prayers as we work on assembling a budget that is achievable. With the Lord s leadership and your prayers this can be accomplished. The needs of your Missions are dependent on monthly income, the same as you are dependent on your monthly income. If your church doesn t support Ohio Missions, please consider putting Ohio Missions in you budget. Last year only 84 churches took part in supporting the Ohio Missions. This is just over half of the Ohio Association churches. Maybe you think your church is too small to be of any help. Please consider one offering per year for Ohio Missions and send it to Brother Edwin Hayes and he will see that the money is placed in the Mission account you request. What are the advantages of sending money to Ohio Missions? First you have the satisfaction of becoming part of the Ohio Missions effort in fulfilling the Great Commission found in Matthew 28: You will also have a part in souls being won to the Lord in Ashtabula, London, and Hamilton. If you have ever lead someone to Christ you know there is no greater experience than watching one person become a Child of God! The status of accounts at the end of March are; Ashtabula, Tim Byers -$ Hamilton, Keith Burt $10, London, Don Hix $3, Thanks for all you do for Ohio Missions. been to watch our teens pray with one another and draw closer to the Lord. We have also rejoiced in all the visitors who have joined us in worship from Northeastern Ohio and many other states. A lot of preparation was done during the last few months to get ready for Camp Meeting. People prayed and fasted to prepare their hearts and ask for God s spirit to be with us. Countless invitations to folks who don t normally attend church were given. What a blessing it has been to watch some of those dear folks come to the altar to have their needs met. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! James R. McComas, Pastor Lisa Justice, Reporter RITTMAN COMMUNITY (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Well it's been an amazing couple of months! The Lord has truly been working in our church. We've had many saved and many take membership. On March 29th, we held a special break our record attendance Sunday! Our previous record attendance was 212 and it was set quite a few years ago. We weren't sure where we would put all the people but everyone took this as a challenge and begin working as early as end of January inviting friends and family members. Ricky Atkinson joined us that morning with his wonderful ministry in song. We kept watching as the pews were filled to capacity and then it became standing room only. At last the count was given and we brought in 242 people that day! Wow! What a great God we serve. Anything is possible with God! We had our spring revival May 4-6th with Rev. Bruce Sparks. We had a wonderful time in the Lord. We are looking forward to our upcoming youth retreat in June. Several churches are joining us this year. This youth retreat has become such a great blessing to our church--young and old. Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there. There's nothing more precious than a Christian mother. We give praise to our Lord for all the blessings he has given us. Until next time... John W. Castle, Pastor Christa Marcum, Reporter

6 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 6 AVAILABLE FREE WILL BAPTIST SINGING GROUPS The following singers and singing groups are available to come and sing in your church for revivals or special services. Baldwin Family Bluegrass Singers, Rosedale, Call Chuck Baldwin (937) Chuck.Baldwin@cdmold.com Bobby Siders, Columbus, (Southern Gospel) (614) Born Again Gospel Singers Harry or Irene Litton or Cell Brad Meddock, Hillsboro, (937) Crystal River, Franklin Furnace, (740) David Giddens, Marysville, (937) jgiddens@urec.net Faith Gospel & Contemporary Christian Music, Sidney, Call Pam Moorman (937) ladypam@bright.net Faith in Action, Marion, Call Majorie Abrams at or Pleasant Hill FWB Church, (740) Attention:Marjorie Abrams or Deacon Bob Chaffin or songlady_99@yahoo.com George C. Darling, Chillicothe, (740) God's Ambassadors, Gahanna, Call Judy Spires (614) Gospel Ambassadors, Rittman, Call Greg Marcum (330) Headed Home-Singing For The Lord, Oak Hill, Call Jim Evans (740) or Robert Gamble (740) Mike Kisling, Hillsboro, (937) Nina Nash, Leesburg, (Southern Gospel Sound Tracks) (937) gnash2@cinci.rr.com Ounce of Hope, Delaware, (Southern Gospel) (740) Out of Season, Columbus, (Bluegrass) Call Jim Fraley (614) Rob Goodman, Newark, (740) Rowena and George Walker, Dayton, (937) Searching Lights, Galloway, (614) Stacy Edwards, Hilliard, (614) (614) stacy@stacyedwards.com Website: Steve Russell, Marengo, (740) steverussell@musician.net Terry Collins & Victory, Hillsboro, (937) The Hambys, Dublin, (Southern Gospel) (614) The Remy s, Mt Sterling, (740) Contact Candy Remy Valentine uniprintproducts@hughes.net The Spiritual Echoes, Circleville, Call Joyce May (740) or Delores Moore (614) Violet Maynard, Columbus, (614) violet@violetmaynard.com Undivided, Grove City, Call Mike or Sheri France (614) or Cari Phillips (614) Undivided96@aol.com Victory s Voice, Franklin Furnace, (740) Wayne Mays, Hilliard, (614) If you would like your group to be included, please send me your group name, what local FWB Church you are a member of, your address, and phone number. I will add you the list in the next issue of the Ambassador. SAMANTHA (FRANKLIN) Our revival meting with Billy Fields is over, but revival still goes on! We had four saved during the meeting, but there have been two saved since then. Thank God! We celebrated Easter with a Sunrise Service. The men cooked breakfast. NICE! Our women plan to go out for dinner for this Mother's Day. We will honor them at church also. The youth are raising money to go to the Creation Museum soon. Lisa Hammond will be singing for us May 24th at 6 p.m. Have a great spring! Wiley Perkins, Pastor Beverly Perkins, Reporter FAITH (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Greetings in the name of our Lord, from Faith FWB. We have had several guest ministers these past two months. Bro. Mike Legg preached March 1st, in the PM service. Our own Rev. Bill Alford preached March 8th in the PM and April 26th in the PM service. Rev. Dale Channel preached. March 25th. Bro. Mike Sollars preached April 12th Sunday evening. Our youth group went to Mansfield FWB Church on March 6th for a night of fellowship and fun. Our pastor, Rev. Lester McMahan preached at Unity s Revival on March 16th.. Our church held revival, March 29th through April 3rd. We had a great revival. God blessed in a mighty way and touched us with His anointing power from on high. There were many saved, along with others desiring a closer walk with God. On April 10-11th, we attended the Cuyahoga- Lorain Conference held at Unity FWB Church. Our church helped Unity FWB with the luncheon on Saturday, April 10th. We had a special singing with the Sword Family on April 19th, Sunday evening, followed by a baptism with eight people getting baptized. Our pastor, Rev. Lester McMahan preformed a special ceremony for Bro. Keith and Sis. Della Williams on Sunday evening, March 26th, for them to renew their wedding vows for their eleventh wedding anniversary. Afterward we had our Big Spoon Sunday Night Ice Cream Social, where we had a great time of fellowship. Please pray for our pastor Rev. Lester Columbus First Free Will Baptist Church, Located at 49 E. Third Ave. Columbus, Ohio McMahan and our church, that we may always be found doing God s will. God bless until we meet again. Lester McMahan, Pastor Debra Cantrell, Reporter NORTH (FRANKLIN) My, my how time passes by. It seems only yesterday that we did the last report. We thank the Lord for all His many blessings. We trust you had a wonderful Easter. We had a Good Friday Service which included a feetwashing service. On Easter we had our annual Sonrise Service. Several of us then went to Hometown Buffet for breakfast. We then returned for Sunday School followed with our worship service. We are now anticipating Pastor Appreciation Day, June 28th. Bro Edwin Hayes will be preaching and the Generation of Faith Singers will provide our special singing. We want to extend an invitation to you to come after your service is over. Bro Bill Chadwick will have completed 29 years as our pastor September 28th. I am looking forward to attending the National once again in Cincinnati. Who knows, I may see some of you there. If so, stop and say hay..or hi..or hello. Time certainly is fleeting. It has been one year since Bro Gene Justice went to be with the Lord. Sister Betty Justice has been having a lot of health issues this year. She was recently diagnosed with a ruptured vertebrae in her back. She is having severe pain. It s almost unbearable for her. Sister Hazel Norman has been experiencing a lot of problems with her breathing. The doctor tells her all the time she is a miracle since her lungs are completely gone. Sister Lavella Wilkes will celebrate her 95th birthday, May 25th. She is unable to attend church anymore, but, she still remains faithful to the Lord and the church. Please pray for us and we will pray for you. Wm.A.Chadwick, Pastor Joan Morris, Reporter HARRISON (PORTER) Greetings and salutations from Harrison Church here in Minford, Ohio. We have had a busy couple of months here in southern Ohio. We had been much in prayer over the past months for our Global Evangelism weekend. I am happy to report that it was a success. We wanted to recommit ourselves and our churches to and acknowledge the importance of reaching those around the world and in our communities with the word of God. God Seeking a pastor. If you are interested in this Bi-vocational opportunity please send your resume to: Pulpit Committee c/o Ron Gardner 196 N. Warren Ave. Columbus, Ohio blessed this commitment in the personage of two individuals who were saved and baptized the first two days of the conference. We rejoice in the fact that two more souls will be in heaven one day. We want to thank Bro. Mark Price, Bro. Neil Gilliland, Bro. Tom Jones, Josh and Angela Bryant, as well as all the missionaries and mission workers for their messages and reports. We would like to thank all of the missionaries who take the word to their part of the world and share it with others. Thank you to all the singers who participated and to all those workers who helped to make it a success. If you missed it and did not come; you truly missed a blessing from God. In upcoming events, we would ask that you begin praying not only for our VBS, but for all of the VBS programs that will be conducted. Pray that God will use these programs to speak to the hearts of the young and old alike. May each and every one be a blessing to God. May we see much seed planted and many souls saved. Daryl Grimes, Pastor Cecelia Lundy, Reporter CORNERSTONE March was a banner month for us here at Cornerstone. The Lord has truly blessed us. We had record attendance in the month of March and April. Three people came to the altar and gave their souls lives to the Jesus Christ. The Spiritual Echoes came and ministered to us in music on March 29th. Bring a relative, neighbor, or friend to church with you was held. We were blessed by the music of God s Ambassadors. A dinner was served in the fellowship hall after the service. Thanks goes out all who stuffed eggs and placeed them in the yard for the annual Easter egghunt. It is always a blessing to watch those children search for the eggs. Hot dogs and beans were served in the fellowship hall. It was the organizational skills of Angi Bowens that made this all work. This lady has remarkable talents when it comes to children s activities. She is truly a blessing to our church and we are fortunate to have her. On Sunday morning, April 29th, we were blessed by the music and ministry of Dan and Nancy Orr and the Sound Word Ministries. On Saturday May 2nd, we hosted our conference meeting. God bless you all and enjoy the sunshine. We still ask your prayers that our little church will continual to grow. Roger Tillis, Sr., Pastor Sherman Sawvel, Reporter

7 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 7 ANTIOCH (PINE CREEK) God is good. We are so excited! We have had eight souls come to Jesus so far this year. We are so thankful God has allowed us to become brothers and sisters in Christ. We had seven take membership this past month. I trust that everyone of you had a great Easter. On Easter Sunday a challenge was issued. If we had 100 or more in service that morning a few leaders would take a pie to the face. Well guess what? We had 129 people there. So Pastor Rick Henderson, Deacon Mark Reed, Sunday school teacher Stephen Lore all got Cool Whip pies!!!! We had so much fun. I'd like to say the kids enjoyed it the most but that's probably not true. We all had a great laugh. Before throwing the pies Brother Stephen reminded us that even though the pies helped to get people to come the real reason was so the lost might know who Jesus is by listening to God's words. We are busy getting ready for VBS. Remember us in prayer July 11-13th as we minister to the children. Gideon Mike Skaggs came to speak to us on April 19th. Wow what a great ministry!! Keep him in your prayers. He also has a jail ministry. He goes and visits every Tuesday to share Jesus with the inmates. I m so glad Jesus sent someone to help me be free from Satan s chains. Now I'm free yes free indeed!!!!! We have been knocking on doors this month. We passed out over 300 flyers.it didn't seem like we went to that many houses, but when you re working for Jesus, time flies by. We have a few high-schoolers getting ready to graduate. We pray that they will keep their hand in God's. We know His will is always perfect. Well that's all for now. May God continue to bless us and you. Until next time. Rick Henderson, Pastor Glenda Lore, Reporter McGUFFEY (NORTH & WESTERN) Hello from The McGuffey Church. We hope all is well with you. We have had a few visiting preachers over the past couple of months. We had a revival the first week of April with Freddy Dutton preaching. It was a good time, several came to the altar with different needs in their life. During the revival we were fortunate to have The Glory Way Quartet singing the opening night, and later in the week The Fishermen. Arnold Eldrige preached Sunday morning 4/12 from Matthew Chapter 6: The following Sunday morning Brandon Wireman preached from Ecclesiastes. Thanks to all. David Trusty, Pastor Grover Van Hoose, Reporter New Life FWB Church Hamilton Ohio Keith and Anna Burt We thank God for two teens that have been saved recently Brandon and CJ. During a Friday Night Youth Service after Brandon received the Lord he made the comment I feel so lite. Then CJ said he came to the service and he was unhappy. He said now I feel so happy. The Mission Board delivered a very nice used van to the church. It is 1998 Ford Club Wagon 15 passenger and has 71,000 miles and is in excellent condition. Already we some new prospects for riding the van this coming Sunday.We thanks God for the recent giving that has made this possible. We are still praying for Revival and are asking that you pray with us. Hamilton needs to hear from Heaven for the Lord direction to move forward in His timing and will. Thanks to all that support the Lord work with finances and prayers. Keith & Ann Burt BUCYRUS (NORTHERN OHIO) Greetings from Bucyrus FWB. Headlining all the events is the Crawford County Camp Meeting which is scheduled to take place at the Bucyrus FWB May 27-May 30th with all services beginning at 7 pm. Wednesday night Pastor Bobby Webb from Victory Chapel in Akron, preaching and the Copenhavers from Wooster, will be singing. Thursday night Pastor Brian Phillips from Cornerstone FWB the Southeastern FWB College Ensemble from Wendell, NC singing. Friday night Evangelist Jason Black from Huntington, WV preaching and New Vision from Butler, singing. On Saturday night Evangelist Chris Russell will be preaching and the Shelby Men's Quartet will be singing. If you have any questions about this wonderful event, please see the web site ( or Pastor Boggs at ericmboggs@yahoo.com On April 10th, the Bucyrus FWB Church hosted their seventh annual Preach-a-thon. Thirteen preachers from across the state of attended with six of the ministers being members of Enterprise Baptist Churches, and the other seven being members of FWB Churches. God is so good! This years first women s retreat was as a great success, an answered prayer,and such a blessing. Hosted by Sister Nancy Boggs and Sister Deb Gase with 40 women attending, The theme was Love! 1 John 4:8 says, He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. Our Youth On the Rock leader Brother Jr. Comacho and wife Beth has our youth busy sharing Gods word. The youth has a video ministry that has been booming for the Lord. Skits can be view on our web site above. May God bless all our churches and our country. Eric Boggs, Pastor Wanda Frankart, Reporter ISLAND ROAD (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Greetings to all our brothers and sisters in the Lord! Our church is doing great! We recently repaired the furnace so that while it is running, either heating or cooling, it is not so loud, so those sitting in the rear of the sanctuary will be able to hear just as well as those up near the altar. We have many on our prayer list needing healing or comfort or most importantly salvation! Please remember us when you pray. We will be having a singing on Saturday, June 13th at 7 p.m. The Skyline Boys will be blessing us with their amazing harmony. All are welcome to come out and join us for an evening of worship and fellowship! Ed Kennedy, Pastor Audrey Carey, Reporter TROY (LITTLE MIAMI) Hello from Troy FWB Here's wishing you renewed hope and a spring in your step to press onward for Christ. We all have a lot of work to do. We had our Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas play, candlelight service, gave gifts to our shutins, and to Hannah Lewis, a missionary teacher on an Indian reservation. We are also sending a little to a mission in Mexico. We enjoyed the Redeemed Singers and the Master Sounds in service a while back. Our revival was April 10-15th with Bro. Don Hix. We enjoyed special singers each evening. Bro. Horton had a desire for the church to start a Compassion Ministry offering food and essentials. We now have that up and running. An egghunt for the kids was held after church on Easter Sunday. The kids were eager to get that started. The women of the church are now collecting lap robes to send to the senior citizens of Laurel Oaks in VA. and are saving to send a monetary gift to the Children's Home in Tennessee. Future dates to remember are: Mother's Day Supper on May 9th and Friends and Family Day on May 17th. Please help us pray as Pastor Mark prays "that our church will be a lighthouse in Troy. Come visit- the welcome mat is always out. Mark Snyder, Pastor Maryann Preston, Reporter LIBERTY (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Greetings to our sister churches from Liberty. God has been really blessing here as we have seen several saved and many rededicating their lives to Jesus. Our Master s Men along with the teenage boys of our church have started a program where they are mowing and doing some home repairs for our senior citizens and sick. We had a baptism at the home of Bro. and Sister Perry. We saw six baptized after giving their lives to Jesus. Congratulations to Brothers Paul, Brandon,Josh and Nate and Sisters Amber and Joanne on their baptism. Our youth are working hard to raise money for their yearly camp. We have seen several new faces coming to church and are looking forward to seeing even more. Congratulations to Bro. Chris and Sis.Ashley Evans on the birth of their daughter, and Bro. Chad and Sis Amanda Booth on the birth of their son. May God bless you. Cecil Farmer II, Pastor Debbie Sollars, Reporter CHARITY-MINFORD Spring greetings from Charity! So much has been going on since our last report! We have been so blessed with anointed preaching! In the past four months, we have been touched by messages from Bro. Brian Davis, Bro. Andy Day, and Bro. Jared McKinney. Bro. Jerry Moore ministered to us in song and also shared information on the Gideon ministry. We were blessed to have special singing by Narrow Way and had the Fisherman Quartet on May 3rd. We are so thankful for each of these members of the family of God and their dedication to Him! Praise the Lord, we have seen eight souls saved and two rededicated in the past four months as well!! We were able to present a very powerful play "One Day Too Late" on April 18-19th and the response from the young people in attendance was amazing! We are just so thankful to be a part of the moving of the Lord. As we praise Him for all He has done for us, we look forward to all the great services coming up. May 11th-15th we will be joining with area churches for the annual Spring Jubilee at the Scioto County Fairgrounds in Lucasville, Ohio. It is amazing to see what the Lord does every year! We are also planning for this year's VBS from June 1-5th and expecting great fun and growth in the Lord. Until next time, we pray that the Lord continue to bless you as He has so richly blessed us. We are so very thankful for all He has done and all He will do. Gary R. Dheel, Pastor Debi Lykins, Reporter PETREA We first of all, want to give God the praise for the loving watch care he gives to each and everyone of us as we work to see souls saved. We have been blessed at Petrea by seeing souls at the altar. Some have come to be saved, others to rededicate their lives. In this world people are finding that the only real thing is God's love. A wonderful buffet dinner was held at Ponderosa for Easter. We had a nice attendance and the fellowship was enjoyed by everyone. Pastor Dick Cozad has a burden for the lost souls and would like to see everyone become a a Christian. It is very hard to see people who need the Lord, but hesitate to accept. We can only pray for one another and trust God to bring the results. Mother's Day will be here in a few weeks, so take the time to tell your Mother that you love her, if she has gone on to Heaven, thank the Lord for His loving care. Father's Day reminds me of my Father's love. Please let your Father know you love him. We only have one chance to live this life, so make it worthwhile for the Lord, spread a little Sonshine. May God bless and keep you till next time. Richard Cozad, Pastor Jacqueline Wyatt, Reporter PARADISE (NORTHERN OHIO) We have been having some great services. In the past two months we have seen three people accept God into their lives. We are having lost people in the Sunday morning services every week. We have seen some raise their hands for prayer and some has even walked the asile and shook the preachers hand. We had a baptism May 3rd. We had two people being baptized that day, and maybe more. In March we had Family and Friends Day. We set a new church attendance record that morning of 183 the old record was 110. Easter morning the children did a skit during Sunday School. They did a great job. The church is growing and we are starting to run out of space. We were thinking about building a fellowship hall, but now we need a new church. We ask that you pray God will be in the mist of any decision to build. We have service on the last Saturday night of each month. On May 30th through June 3rd we will host the "Kevin Morris Memorial Camp Meeting". We will have different singers and preachers each night. Until next time may God continue to bless you and your famil y. Randy Nichols, Pastor Charley Hinkle Jr., Reporter

8 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 8 FELLOWSHIP (JACKSON) When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. Galatians 4:4 Hello from everyone at Fellowship FWBC and God bless. On March 22nd we had the Welsh Family Singers with us singing and praising the Lord, we had a wonderful time in the Lord. April 12th we had our Sunrise Service with Pastor Don Kincaide preaching, then we had our feetwashing service which was a very humbling experience. On the 18th we had a Cancer Benefit carwash and bake sale for Sister Diane Gilliand and her Brother Russell Carter who need everyones prayers. Jesus will take care of His own. On the 24th we had conference at Black Oak Church. God be with everyone, until next time. Dave Reese, Pastor Betty Belcher, Reporter COLUMBUS FIRST (FRANKLIN) Greetings to all of our sister churches. It is with much sadness that we report that our Pastor of nearly 10 years, Rev. Alan Barnes has resigned as pastor. We will miss his leadership and his friendship. He has agreed to stay on until we find a pastor. We have ministers from our own church helping out also, Rev. James Thacker, Rev. James England and Rev. Talo Te'o. Rev. James Blake from the Williams Road Church has been in to preach for us also. We appreciate these men and their ministries and their willingness to help out. We had two of our young people compete in the State Youth Competition. We are proud to report that Maddy Castle will be representing our state at the National Association in 4th grade Sword Drill and BJ Castle will be representing us in 2nd grade Bible Memorization. We appreciate their efforts and also the efforts of their coach Laura Gardner. On Saturday May 2nd we had our Mother Daughter Banquet, Daughters of the King. We had great attendance. We thank Marilyn Weidner and Shirley Giles for their efforts in coordinating this banquet. Continue to remember us in your prayers that God will send us a pastor soon and that we will continue to work in the place that He has planted us. Ruth Ann Castle, Reporter PURITAN (SOUTH CENTAL) We at Puritan are worshipping God and living by faith. Bro. Lee preached a sermon in March on faith. Doctrinal faith, serving faith, justifying faith and indwelling faith. Our Wednesday night Bible study has been in 1st, 2nd and 3rd John. We had communion and feetwashing the first Sunday night in April. The McArthur FWB Church hosted the Good Friday services. There were seven preachers preaching the last seven phrased Jesus said. It was a very good service! We had a good attendance for Easter Sunday. Leslie Allen preached and sang for us on a Sunday morning. The VBS theme for this year is "Crocodile Dock". The kids are practicing the songs. Bro Jim Henderson, pastor at McArthur Chuch needs our prayers and Sis Carolyn Soirel and Bro Roger Eberts both have serious physically problems, pray for them, too. Pray for Puritan Church that we will have a revival! Lee Aldridge, Pastor Carrie Powell, Reporter FREEDOM (CORNERSTONE) Hello from Plain City. We have a lot to praise our Lord for here at Freedom FWB.Our attendance is still on the rise. Three more souls have given their lives our to our Lord and Savior The following ministers are available to fill the pulpit for pastors who have to be away from their church. Many are interested in conducting revivals as well. Bill Alford, Rudy Dr, Strongsville, Oh (440) Anthony Tony W. Blackburn Mechanicsburg, Oh (740) Patrick Blevins, Basil Rd, Baltimore, Oh (740) Mike Boggs, 4411 McDowell Rd, Grove City, Oh (614) Ron Brown, 5478 Riber Rd. Hillsboro, Oh (937) Phil Chapman, Cleveland, Oh (440) Andrew J. Cordell, Mechanicsburg, Oh (937) Roger Crusie, 335 ½ N. 4th St., Greenfield, Oh (937) Luther Dingess, Route 1, Box 294, Fort Gay, WV (304) Freddy Dutton, 1700 Hale Ct, Columbus, Oh (614) Clyde Eldridge, 415 Patterson St., Fairborn, Oh (937) James England, 5138 N. High St, # 119, Cols. Oh (614) Larry French, 76 Skyline Dr., Ashville, Oh (740) Ben Gibson, 1126 Cheyenne Springfield, Oh (937) Packy Gibson, 7029 Fields Ln., Hillsboro, Oh (937) Randy Hall, Lake Front Dr, Hillsboro, Oh (937) Edwin Hayes, 3700 S High St #159, Columbus, Oh (614) Carl Jenkins, 2809 Searsdale Ave. Cleveland, Oh (216) William Jones, 9767 E US 36, Woodstock, Oh (937) Dan Knight, 946 Third Street, Logan, Ohio (740) Paul Keener, 703 Andrew Ave., Westerville, Oh (614) Travis McKenzie, 1339 Lewis Rd. Mansfield, Oh (419) Tom Murphy, 229 Victorian Dr, Commercial Pt, Oh (614) Jeremy D. Ownby, 806 S. Waverly St. Columbus, Oh (740) Rob Ratcliff, 6568 TWP. Rd. 79 Mt. Gilead, Oh (419) Chris Russell, 100 Evening Drive, Olive Hill, KY (606) Mike Sollars, 1403 Wayne Street, Barberton, Oh (330) Tom Spradlin, Portsmouth, Oh (FWB Family Ministries-Rep) (740) Terry Southers, 3017 Voeller Circle, Grove City, Oh (614) Alex Stevens, 2002 East Main Street, Greenup, KY (606) Dwight Stump, 5074 Willow Dale, Springfield, Oh (937) Marvin Swayne, 6786 Heathemoor, Hillsboro, Oh (937) Talo Teo, 828 Federal Ave., Zanesville, Oh (740) Bill Turner, 150 Willard Ave., Carlisle, Oh (513) Tim Updike, SR 93, Wellston, Oh (740) Anthony Vanover, 1960 Barron Blvd, Grove City, Oh (614) Ken Walker, 926 Fairview, Wheelersburg, Oh (740) Alan Wright, 8008 Harrisburglondon Rd, Orient, Oh (614) Josh Young, 855 State Route 323, South Solan, Oh (740) Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday was a beautiful day and we had 117 in attendance. Many came back that night for our communion and feetwashing service. We would like to congratulate our youth leaders Tony and Marie Drakulic on the birth of their third child, Addison Marie. She was born March 9th. Baby Addy joins sibling brothers Austin and Tyler. We would like to thank Marie Drakulic also for agreeing to be coordinator of this years VBS It will be held in August. So be in prayer for that. April 4th four of our young people competed at the Ohio Youth Conference. All four will be going on to the National in July. Keep them in prayer, they have been working hard with their coaches. Thanks to all the coaches and supporters who have been working with them. All their hard work is paying off. These youth are competiting are in the area of Power Point -Maleia McKnight, in of Bible Memorization - Madison Eastman- (7th grade level), Ashley Sammons (4th grade level) and Aaron McKnight (3rd grade level). Be in prayer for these young Christians. There was a night of worship and music on April 16th for 17 people from our church as they were able to attend the Mercy Me concert at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus. It was a great night for all. Keep our church in prayer and have a great summer and may God bless. Michael Sammons, Pastor Patty Holycoss, Reporter LEWIS CENTER (FRANKLIN) Last month our churches celebrated Easter. The Easter play on good Friday was wonderful. The play touched many hearts. The church was full for the Easter morning service and the children enjoyed an Easter egghunt afterwards. What an awesome time to celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of our Saviour. Because He lives, we can live also. It is time to honor our mothers again this month on May 10th. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 Our annual Sunday School Picnic will be at Alum Creek Park, near the dam, on May 17th. We will be going to the park after the morning worship. Sunday school will be canceled that morning. As always everyone is invited to bring a dish and come join us. On Father's Day, we will have a cook-out after the morning worship to honor our fathers. The evening service will be canceled so that everyone may spend the day with their families. Vacation Bible School will run from June 22-26, from 6:30-8:30. Pray that God will help us reach the parents and children who don't attend church. Our VBS program will be on the last evening at 7:00. God bless and have a safe summer. Please remember to put the Lord first in your life. Tony Walker, Pastor Jean Holmes, Reporter SOUTH CHARLESTON (LITTLE MIAMI) A warm hello to our brothers and sister in our churches. God is real and He has filled our souls with the blessings of life. We want to thank Him for everything He does for us. Our church was blessed on Sunday, April 5th to have the Dayton Ambassadors sing for us in the morning service. It was special. Sunday evening service for communion and feetwashing. The Lord did bless in a great way. We praise Him for His many blessing and we want to always keep Him on our minds. You know time is passing so fast now, August will soon be here. We would like to invite you to our annual homecoming, Sunday August 23rd. The Homegates Singers of Dayton will provide the singing for us. That day we expect all to have a good day and enjoy the blessings of the Lord and His good food. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2. Forest Dyer, Pastor Garnett Adams, Reporter SOUTH COLUMBUS (TRINITY) Greetings in the name of the Lord! We are seeing all God's beauty in this spring season and hope you are enjoying his rebirth of the flowers and trees. The birds seem to be singing so sweetly and His wonderful creation is simply amazing! We had a fantastic fellowship month in April and are rejoicing that during Easter celebration a few souls were saved. We continue to praise God for His mercy and grace! There will be no 6:00 p.m. Sunday service on Mother's Day, May 10th. May 11th, the M.A.C. meeting will be held at our church. If you have any questions, contact our office at Kelly Perry will be singing at our Sunday 6:00 p.m. service on May 17th. There will be no 6:00 p.m. Sunday service on May 24th due to the Memorial holiday. For the month of June we will be having the following. Our Sunday School Picnic will be on Saturday, June 13th, and will be held at our church. If you are interested, please call us at Come join in a day of good food and fun games for all ages. Bring family and friends! Sunday, June 14th at 11:00 a.m. service, Edwin Hayes will be preaching and at our 6:00 p.m. Chris Pierce will be preaching. No 6:00 p.m. Sunday service on June 21st due to Father's Day. We encourage you to come to our Sunday School classes starting at 10:00 a.m. for all ages. Come receive His blessings in learning about God's word. Tim Stevens, Pastor Robbin Blackburn, Reporter

9 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 9 PORTER (PORTER) On April 19th, Porter Church took advantage of the rare opportunity to honor Rev. Forrest (Tary) Chamberlin for his dedicated service to God and His people. For a total of 53 years, Brother Tary has served as pastor or associate pastor to a group of people who truly love him. Health conditions and advancing years now prevent his being as active as he would prefer, but he is still a vital part of Porter. It was our pleasure to bestow upon him the title of Pastor Emeritus, thus making him our pastor for as long as our Lord permits him to remain here. Brother Neil Gilliland presented an emotional tribute in which he stressed the four defining characteristics of Brother Tary s ministry: integrity, convictions, grace and vision. All who know him would agree with that assessment. All seven of Brother Tary and Sister Evelyn s children were in attendance so the church was full of Chamberlins. To cap off the service, the entire family filled the choir area and sang their traditional, I Want to Stroll over Heaven with You. Earlier their five sons sang two songs, one of which was Brother Tary s favorite, Casting Crowns at His Feet. It was a truly memorable day. Rev. Mike Mounts preached our spring revival and his inspired messages were a blessing. Rev. Aaron Reed delivered a wonderfully uplifting Easter sunrise message. Several of his own congregation graciously accompanied him to this very early gathering. Our teens all fared well at the Ohio state competition and will be representing us at the FWB national convention this summer in Cincinnati. We are very pleased to report that young Brooklyn Oliver gave her heart to Jesus in one of our youth services. In fact, she was so eager to do so, she didn t even wait for service to begin. This is a direct result of dedicated youth leaders, whom we appreciate very much. Mark Price, Pastor Janet Williams, Reporter ANTIOCH COMMUNITY (CENTRAL OHIO) Reflecting on the past few months has brought such sweet memories of our church services to my mind. On Easter Sunday, Brother Aaron Quinn taught a very spirit-filled Sunday school lesson titled, "Rise Up". As appropriately titled, it reflected the resurrection of our Lord. Just as Jesus rose from controversy and the grave, we as Christians must rise up in the face of adversity. We face so many challenges and persecutions today, but with our Lord's guiding hand and strength, we can have the courage to rise up to what stands against us. At the beginning of our Easter service, two teen girls, Katelyn Crabtree and Kelsey Thompson, sang a beautiful song to a beautiful congregation. The Lord blessed Brother Jim to preach His word on John 3:14 - "the greatest words ever spoken". This verse is the gospel - the good news that we can continue to share today. Jesus died for a lost world, is a lifted Savior, and gives us lasting salvation. Our doors open at 9:30 AM every Sunday morning for Sunday School, and worship and a church service follows. Please join us. Jim Blankenship, Pastor Dianna Eiring, Reporter GOOD HOPE (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Blessings from Good Hope church.we hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful spring weather. We can see the blessings of God on our church. Our attendance has been good and we have had five new members added. Our children have doubled in jr. church, they are practicing their singing for Mother s Day. It is great to see the children up front singing. They are part of the church today. In March we had Family Day. We broke the old record. We will be having a dinner in May in appreciation of our Deacon Bro. James Thompson. We had our communion and feetwashing the Wednesday night before Easter. It is an always a special service. The last Sunday in June we will be going to the Mill Hollow Park for our church picnic. We have singing, preaching and lots of food and games that are enjoyed by all. Pray for the sick of the church that God will bless them to be back in church soon. Paul Peterson, Pastor Mary A Diamond, Reporter UNITY-GALION (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Hello everyone! The last couple months have been a little busy for us. This year we had a Good Friday service at our church. We had 18 in attendance that day. With Easter over, we should all stop and think daily of what Jesus has done for us, not just during the holidays. On Wednesday April 15th we went to Mansfield FWB to hear the Ledbetters sing. They were great to listen to. We had an eight year old girl, Jade, go to the altar and give her life to God. We had the youth rally at our church on April 18th. The theme was "Law and Order". We had 70 people there. Bro. Henry Parker brought the message. We had special singing from Ginger Baldinger and Dottie Pugh. We had giveaways for everyone. We also had three saved and another three who rededicated their lives to God. Thank you to all who helped with putting everything together for the youth rally, and thank you to the churches who came out. Dave Bates, Pastor April Hamilton, Reporter LONG RUN (PORTER) Greetings from the Long Run. Spring has finally arrived and the Lord's handy work is blooming all over. In March we had two people join the church, Rachael and Keith Alley. They have been a blessing to our church. Sister Catherine Laidley is feeling better and has been able to come back to church and even drive herself' Praise the Lord for His healing powers. We had a young Christian man, Caleb Wright, to sing for us. Please keep him in your prayers. He loves singing for the Lord. We had our Pre-Easter service on April 8th and our pastor brought a wonderful message about missionaries. It is amazing what our missionaries do so we need to keep them in our prayers daily because we can't all be missionaries but we can pray for the ones that are. We had an Easter egghunt on April 11th for the young people. They found lots of eggs, played games, ate pizza, hot dogs and everyone had lots of fun. At the end of the each month we have a dinner to celebrate everyone s a birthday. It is a great time to enjoy fellowship with our brothers, sisters and their families. Life is so busy for everybody and we need to take time to just talk about the blessings of the Lord. Please remember two sisters in our church, Dearie Godfry and Delsie King, Their family lost two brothers in the past month. We also want to thank all the ministers that have come to preach for us when our pastor has 54 Ewing St. PO Box 161 Chillicothe, OH or fax: to work. Remember God is good all the time and all the time God is good! John C. King, Pastor Mary King, Reporter NEW CARLISLE (LITTLE MIAMI) All things work together for good to them that love God. (Romans 8:28) Hello from New Carlisle. Thank the good Lord that spring is here. We have been real busy. The sisters planned an old fashioned country breakfast in March and April. These fundraisers were very successful. We are now closer to new carpet and getting the pews covered. The end of March we had a blessed night with Firm Foundation Gospel Singers. One of the group is a young 22 year-old preacher Brother Michael Philips who is so inspiring. We had feetwashing and communion in April. We also had a five day revival which was a wonderful week of blessing, fellowship, and worship. We had one soul saved and two rededicated during this time. Brother Randy Nichols preached. We had gospel singers almost every night: Randy Nichol s Family, The Cole Family Gospel Singers, The Searching Lights, and The Three Guys. We had a wonderful night of worship by the Blanken Family. What a blessing. A ten year old preacher, and then his father also preached, and then the whole family sang. We also had an Easter egghunt for the Sunday school children. The children were also taken to Chuck-E-Cheese after Sunday morning service. Please continue to pray for our church to grow and prosper. Steve Wagoner, Pastor Joann Turner, Editor FELLOWSHIP TABERNACLE (LITTLE MIAMI) On February 28th our church group went to Bro Don and Sister Carol Keeton's home in Chillicothe for a home prayer meeting. He is very sick and cannot go to church.. We had testimonies, singing and preaching. They really enjoyed the services very much. Pray for Bro and Sis Keeton and their family. God sure is blessing Fellowship Tabernacle in His special way. We have spiritual and revival services. We have very good attendance on Sunday mornings. We see new visitors come. We saw people get saved and baptized. We thank God for all His blessings. God is sure blessing our nursing home ministry. We thank God for Bro Joe and Sister Connie Mcpherson. They are doing a great work. On March 7th we attended the Little Miami Conference. Our church won the Sunday School progress banner for increase Sunday School attendance. March 15th we had a soup bean and corn bread dinner. We had good attendance and great food and fellowship. Thanks to everyone for their support for the building fund. April 4th we had all night lock-in for the youth. Everyone enjoyed themselves very much. On April 11th we had a Easter egghunt and cookout. Attendance was good and everyone had a good time April 12th, Easter morning we had Sunrise Service. God surely blessed the service. After the service everyone went to Frisch's for breakfast. Everyone came back for Sunday School and morning worship service. On May 11th-25th we are having two weeks of singing and preaching nightly at 7 PM. Please bring a lawn chair. Come and pray God will bless our tent revival and see souls saved. Everyone is welcome. Jimmy Stepp, Pastor `Noonie Lewis, Reporter

10 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 10 Ohio State Association Program June 26-27, 2009 Friday Morning June, 26th 9:00 AM Prayer Committee Meets 9:30 AM Assoc called into official session Introduction of Moderator, Rev. Mark Price 9:35 AM Welcome to Gahanna FWB Church By Rev. Curtis Booth, Pastor 9:40 AM Moderator s Message 9:55 AM Report of the General Board Seating of the Delegates 10:05 AM Appointment of Committees *Resolution *Obituary *Appreciation Welcome Visiting Brethren and Corresponding Messengers from Other Bodies 10:10 AM Report of the State Mission Board 10:35 AM Report of the State CTS Board 10:50 AM Report of the OWAC 11:00 AM Worship in Giving Ministry in Songs: Mansfield Quartet Mansfield FWB Church, Mansfield, Ohio 11:15 AM Message: Dr.. Freddy Dutton State-wide Evangelist The Foundation For Creation 12:00 PM Adjourn for Lunch Friday Afternoon June 26th 1:15 PM Devotion: Eric Boggs 1:30 PM Report of the Board of Directors 1:35 PM Report of the Executive Secretary 1:50 PM Report of the Ambassador Bkste.. 2:05 PM Miscellaneous Business 2008 National Convention Report Appointment of Delegates to National Association of FWB 2:20 PM Report of the FWB Bible College 2.25 PM Report of Randall House 2:40 PM Report of the Natl Executive Dept. 2:45 PM Report of International Missions 2:50 PM Report of National Home Missions Gahanna FWB Church 3868 Stygler Road Gahanna, Ohio :55 PM Report of the FWB Foundation 3:00 PM Report of the Board of Retirement 3:05 PM Miscellaneous Reports 4:00 PM Adjourn Friday Evening June 26th 6:30 PM Prayer Committee Meets 7:00 PM Presiding: Brian Phillips 7:15 PM Worship in Giving 7:25 PM Ministry in Songs: Union Choir Union FWB Church, Wheelersburg, Ohio 7:40 PM Message: Rev. Aaron Reed, Pastor of the Sciotodale FWB Church, Portsmouth, OH. The Foundation For the Home Adjourn 9:00 PM OYC Awards Presentation Saturday Morning June, 27th 9:00 AM Prayer Committee Meets 9:30 AM Devotion: Tim McKnight 9:45 AM Miscellaneous Reports 10:15 AM Report from the Committees *Resolution *Obituary *Appreciation *Registration 10:35 AM Reading the State Letter 10:40 AM Report from the Nominating Committee Election of Officers Appointment of Prayer & Registration Committee Chairmen 11:00 AM Worship in Giving Ministry in Songs: Canaan Singers Canaan FWB Church, Creston, Ohio 11:15 AM Message: Rev. James Forlines Director of International Missions The Foundation for Redemption 12:00 PM Adjourn State Meeting Hotel Holiday Inn Express Hotel, 460 Waterbury Ct. Gahanna, Ohio (614/ ) This hotel is at Exit 37 (Hamilton Road) off of I-270. This is one exit south of State Route 62 and two exits south of Morse Road. They do offer a continental breakfast. They have given us a discounted rate of $89.00 plus tax if you tell them you are with the Ohio FWB Group. I would like to ask you to call the Ohio State Office at 1/ if you will plan to use this hotel so we can increase the number of rooms blocked if needed. You can go ahead and book your room/rooms at the hotel. They are going to hold these rooms for us until May 22nd. If we have not filled them, then they will be released to the general public. Sign up for the fourteenth Ohio Golf Tourney Saturday, June 27th, 2:00 PM Cost $30.00 if payment is postmarked by June 15th $35.00 if payment is postmarked after June 15th Includes *18 holes of Golf with Cart *Trophies *Prizes Format: 4 man scramble--best Ball There will be individual contests for Longest Drive and Closest to the Hole. The tourney will be held at Willow Run Golf Course at the corner of State Routes 161 and 310, east of Columbus. To get to the course from the State Meeting, turn right on to Stylger Road and go one mile to Morse Road. Take Morse Road for several miles to State Route 310 and turn left. Go north on State Route 310 North until you come to the course on the left. Ohio Golf Tourney Registration Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Church Amount Paid Please mail to: Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists, 3700 South High Street Suite 159, Columbus, Ohio Registration is due by June 15th Directions to Gahanna Church From the North: Take I-71 South to I-270 East toward Westerville. Take I-270 East to the Morse Road Exit. Turn left on Morse Road to Stygler Road and turn right. Go a little more than one mile. The church will be on the left. From the East: Take I-70 East to I-270 North. Take I- 270 North to the State Route 62 Exit. Take State Route 62 East to Stygler Road and turn left. (It will be the first light you come to). Go about one and one third mile. The church will be on the right. From the South: Take State Route 23 to I-270 East. Take I-270 East to the State Route 62 Exit. Take State Route 62 East to Stygler Road and turn left. (It will be the first light you come to). Go about one and one third mile. The church will be on the right. From the West: Take I-70 East into Columbus. When I- 70 and I-71 split, take I-71 North to I-670 East toward the Columbus Airport. Take I-670 East to State Route 62. Take State Route 62 East to Stygler Road and turn left. (It will be the first light you come to). Go about one and one third mile. The church will be on the right. LOCAL CHURCH DELEGATE S CREDENTIALS THIS CERTIFIES THAT is a duly authorized delegate to the Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists from of, District Association City State Pastor Clerk or Secretary *** If you know of anyone in your church who has passed away since our last State Meeting, please give that person s name (and picture if possible) to the Ohio State Office by June 15th Important: This form properly signed and accompanied by a $2.00 registration fee entitles a local church delegate to register for voting privileges.

11 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 11 Our Free Will Baptist Heritage Free Will Baptist History from a Buckeye Perspective "Our Rio Grande College Road Trip!" In our last few articles we have been discussing the Free Will Baptist History of Rio Grande College in Southern Ohio, as well as the original Bob Evans Rev. Jim McComas Farm near the College there in Rio Grande. Recently new light was shed on this subject for me, as I made the 3 1/2 hour journey to Rio Grande for a "Free Will Baptist History Investigation". Dr. David Crowe from our National Home Missions Department was in revival in southern Ohio several weeks ago. As we discussed that the hotel David was staying at was less than an hour from Rio Grande, we decided that I would drive down, be with him in revival, and we would make the trip to the college during the day. As we journeyed into the small town of Rio Grande, we noticed immediately a sign on the stretch of Highway we were driving on designating it the Nehemiah and Permelia Atwood Memorial Highway. What pride it gave me realizing that Nehemiah Atwood was still honored in this community over one hundred years after his death for his burden to educate Free Will Baptist young people for the cause of Christ. I had received a blessing already, and we had just arrived! We journeyed first to the original Bob Evans Farm and Restaurant where Ray McKinness, Director of Operations for Bob Evans Farms, met us for lunch. What a blessing good folks like Ray are when you are investigating history! I had called Ray in advance of our trip, and he was more than happy to help us. He came to lunch with several interesting articles on the Atwoods and the original farm, and we were able to share some things that he was not aware of. Ray was a graduate and former employee of Rio Grande College, so after giving us a tour of the Bob Evans Farm and Museum, he took us up to the college. Ray introduced us to Annette Ward, Director of Alumni Relations at Rio Grande College. Annette was a delightful host, dropping everything she was doing to take us around the campus and answer our questions. She then granted us total access to the College Archives, which turned out to be a GOLD MINE of information in our search for new information. What an enjoyable and enlightening day David and I had on the campus of the Former Free Will Baptist Institute of Higher Learning at Rio Grande. We would like to say a great big "THANK YOU" to Ray and Annette, who went above and beyond the call of duty in helping us in our research. It is greatly appreciated! FREDDY DUTTON MINISTRIES Holding Forth The Word of Life 1700 Hale Court Columbus, Ohio / or 614/ Reverenddutton@aol.com The Lord has really blessed this ministry the past two months. It has been a tremendous blessing to see so many coming forward during the altar services. We have been in 30 meetings and saw over 100 decisions during the altar services. Many of these were first time decisions. I've had some awesome revivals and felt the Holy Spirit so evident during the services. The revival spirit was so special during the revivals at Williams Road FWB Church with Pastor Larry Sparks; the Pine Prairie FWB Church in Huntsville, TX; the Fellowship Revival we enjoyed with Pastor John Meade and Pastor Mike Blanton, and the revival at the McGuffey FWB Church with Pastor David Trusty. God truly met with us in these services! Many of you have heard by now that I was hospitalized on April 16th and had surgery to remove the knee replacement that was done last August. This came as somewhat of a surprise with me going to surgery thinking that this would be a simple outpatient procedure. I was released from the hospital on April 19th with the knee gone. I will now be on crutches for a while, taking antibiotics and preparing for another total knee replacement by mid summer. The knee replacement had developed an infection called pyogenic arthritis which means the knee was septic. So, I am administering an antibiotic drip twice a day to prepare this area for the total knee replacement. Terry is continuing to heal for the MRSA and the open wound she has been dealing with for the past six months. She still has a visit daily from the nurse to pack this wound and this will continue at least through the month of May; however, she is showing much improvement. We thank the Lord for His healing touch! With all of these medical issues going on between the both of us, it would seem as though discouragement would be all around. I must tell you that just the opposite is happening with all of these trials. We are more encouraged now that ever because we know that the Lord is with us and He is allowing this for a reason. We both feel that this has been an attack from Satan, but we will not be stopped. The devil knows that he has a short time to hinder and stop all that he can for the cause of Christ. We remain strong in the Lord and will overcome. I am still preaching and I am not going to stop. Last evening, I preached at the Summit Station FWB Church with Pastor Henry Litteral. We had a tremendous service and the Holy Spirit was present in the service. I WILL CONTINUE GOING TO MY SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS AND TAKING NEW APPOINTMENTS! I wil look forward to being with you for services! Please pray for us as we work and serve the Lord in our ministry of full-time evangelism and soul winning. With all these medical issues, we both keep saying everyday that "God will make this trial a blessing!" Thank you for all you do for us and for sharing this ministry with us! For Revivals, Conferences, Homecoming and other special services, please contact me at the above address. Stay tuned for the next issue of the Ambassador for the SHOCKING NEW DISCOV- ERIES that I uncovered in our time at Rio Grande. Everyone knows that Rio Grande has not been a Free Will Baptist College since the merger with the American Baptist Association in OR...Is it still - to this day - technically a Free Will Baptist College? "Rio Grande College - The Untold Story" - in the next issue. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for these articles, please contact: Jim McComas P.O. Box 202 Creston, Ohio PastorJimMcComas@aol.com *ATTENTION* CHURCHES & PASTORS I am compiling a list of addresses of pastors and churches in the Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists. This will allow me to get vital news to you immediately. Please send your address to me at ehayes@ambassadorbible.com

12 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 12 Rev. Charlie Crider, pastor of the Springfield FWB Church went to the hospital with heart problems. He has been released and is now home recovering. Wellington FWB Pastor Billy Joe White is in the process of undergoing treatment for cancer. He was admitted to the hospital with blood clots. He is now home recovering. Brother Bob Henry from the Community West Jefferson Church has been in Riverside Hospital in Columbus. He is improving and they have taken him off the ventilator. Brother Henry was the longtime Conference Clerk for the Central Ohio Conference until he gave it up last year. Rev. Bill Jones from the Woodstock Church had heart problems and four stents placed. Later he was life flighted back to Doctor s West Hospital in Columbus and had to have open heart bypass surgery.. Please pray for him. Bob Legg Jr, son of First Dayton Pastor Robert Legg. was in the hospital recovering from reconstructive surgery. He had excess bone chipped from his left elbow and a sleeve inserted to allow motion. The elbow has been frozen for 23 years. Twice last year he was in intensive care with multiple clots in his lungs. He contracted a severe staph infection in the replaced elbow and has been in the hospital for treatment. He had surgery three times they had to repeat the total elbow replacement. He is having a difficult time. Rev. Bob Legg Sr., pastor of the First Dayton FWB had surgery April 22nd. The growths on his thyroid are pushing on both sides of his esophagus, pressing on his vocal chords, causing a lot of pain. Please keep Brother Bob in your prayers. Rev. Elmer Huff, a member of the Westerville Church and one of our faithful men of God, underwent tests at St. Ann's Hospital. He has been told that his heart is working at only a 35% capacity. He has been classified as high risk for stroke. He is now at home recovering from the procedure. Please keep both Brother Elmer and his wife Thelma in your prayers. Rev. Robert Fisher, former pastor of the Christian Fellowship Church had surgery on his left knee and will be off work for quite some time. Remember him and his family. Sister Brenda Peak, wife of former Lebanon Pastor Gene Peak had cataract surgery April 15th in Florida. Evangelist Freddy Dutton had a knee replacement surgery several months ago. He has had a very difficult time recovering as his knee never healed properly. On April 16th they had to completely take the replaced knee out. He will have another surgery to put his knee back together. He is now home recovering. I would encourage you all to pray for Brother Freddy and Terry. Sister Terry is also recovering from surgery that she had last year. This has been a very difficult time for both of them. Free Will Baptist International Missions is pleased to announce a redesigned, interactive, and customizable website. The refreshed site experienced a soft launch April 17, The new design is fresh, clean, and exciting said Deputy Director of Stateside Development Mark McPeak. We want our website to work for all segments of our denomination and deliver the tools individuals and churches need to be involved and informed. An uncluttered front page, as well as new graphics and a fresh color scheme, immediately alerts visitors to the changes. One of the most exciting features to me, stated Kiley Hawkins, the Mission s development manager, is the new MyIM settings. Each user can customize the material fed to his home page by setting up a MyIM account and choosing the information in which he is most interested and missionaries he wants to follow. Preferences and demographic information can be changed and updated at any time. Online giving and ordering is simplified for MyIM users. Missionaries have more tools to add content to their pages. Streaming video, interactive features, and the personalized settings for each user (MyIM) take international missions communication to the next level. Weekly prayer updates, the latest news from missionaries, and creative ways to be involved are at visitors fingertips. Mission history can be read and written on the interactive FWBIM Timeline. Videos about recent mission initiatives, events, and celebrations can be streamed or downloaded. In addition, the site contains basic information about the organization, with links and contact information to help users stay connected to missionary personnel at home and abroad. Website Redesigned, Interactive I urge everyone to visit fwbgo.com and set up a MyIM account, browse missionary pages, watch a video, and send us feedback, encouraged Deborah St. Lawrence, communications manager. International Mission Department s redesigned, interactive, and customizable website. McArthur Pastor Jim Henderson has been in the Adenda Hospital in Chillicothe with blood clots. Do remember Brother Jim in prayer. WESTERVILLE (FRANKLIN) The Easter season has been a blessed on here at Westerville. We observed communion and feetwashing on Good Friday and had a wonderful resurrection Sunday on Easter We have been enjoying a great series on creation from Dr. Ken Hamm on Wednesday evenings. Our annual Mother/Daughter Banquet will be held May 16th. Pastor Paul Etterling is beginning a sermon series on How To Destroy a Great Family on Sunday May 17th. Paul Etterling, Pastor Edwin Hayes, Reporter St. Lawrence Named IM Communications Manager Free Will Baptist International Missions has named Deborah St. Lawrence as communications manager. Deborah has been with International Missions for almost 11 years and has served most recently in the position of editor in the communications department. Deborah s efforts have won her the respect of everyone at International Missions, says Mark McPeak, deputy director of stateside operations. Not only does she work hard, but Deborah consistently delivers excellence. McPeak adds, Her span of oversight has continually increased and she has responded with professionalism and competence. The communications department has been without a director for more than a year. In that time St. Lawrence has gradually assumed more and more responsibility and oversight. IM s General Director James Forlines notes, People continue to lavish compliments on the quality of our communications and media. This is in large part a reflection of Deborah s work and leadership. Forlines continues, We are all proud of her and look forward to even greater things in the future. Deborah s responsibilities will include managing communications department personnel as well as relationships with free-lance and agency partners. The communications department tells the story of International Missions through print, video, web, and event-based communications and media. M. J. LOWE S INCOME TAX SERVICE 3213 SOUTH HIGH STREET COLUMBUS OHIO BOOKKEEPING ACCOUNTING NOTARY PUBLIC JIM & JEAN LOWE Phone OWNERS FAX MJLOWE24@YAHOO.COM

13 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 13 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9 LOCKBOUNRE (TRINITY) Greetings from Lockbourne FWB. Since our last report, we are happy to say that the Lord is still saving all who call upon His name. Our prayer circle was effective and the Lord drew many hearts to Himself. We were blessed to see twelve precious souls saved, four rededications and seven baptisms. Our play was a wonderful experience, although Satan tried to hinder us Friday evening about an hour before the performance. The electric went out in the neighborhood and the church was full. We persevered, worked and prayed and even though the play started fortyfive minutes late, the victory was ours as five people were saved that evening. We had a full house Saturday and Sunday while men and women saw a demonstration of the Great Judgment Day and what will happen to those who do not know Christ as their Savior. We are thankful to the Lord for saving souls during the play and to all who sacrificed their time to help with this play. Our ladies auxiliary sponsored a beautiful banquet to honor mothers, daughters and all the special women in our lives. A precious lady rededicated her life to the Lord that day. Thanks to Helen Nickels and all who helped plan this wonderful event. The ladies are busy and will be sponsoring an auction on June 6th at the church so please join us for the fun, food and a bargain or two. We d like to recognize Jeb and Christy Cain and those who help with our youth. They are working very hard preparing for camp and also reaching out to others through their support of a child in Honduras and feeding the homeless in our city. Please pray continue to pray for us as we labor together in the Lord. Leon Stevens, Pastor Janelle Sagraves, Reporter WAKEFIELD (PORTER) Greetings to our fellow Christians. We pray you are enjoying the beautiful spring; the lush greens and lovely colors only the Lord can provide. Our pastor's wife had quite a fall and was on crutches for a time, but is better now. She was still faithful to come out to church though, even though she had to sit with her leg propped up on seat. We had our communion and feet washing April 8th, and Sunrise service Easter Sunday morning. That is always such a time of blessing, to celebrate the early morning resurrection of our Lord! We had a good crowd at regular service, with several lost and backsliders there. They need prayers that they will all come to the Lord. Our deacon Bill Chapman's dad passed away April 22nd after a brief illness, but thank God he indicated that he had made things right with the Lord. Bro. Jr. Wiley preached for us April 22nd and we enjoyed him. We have several things coming up; our annual spring garage sale (to help with missions, other benevolent works, etc.) quarterly conference at Wakefield May 16th and VBS coming up. Sister Junnie Evans is going to have shoulder surgery. Remember her in prayer. May God give us strength to do what needs to be done. Without Him we could do nothing. We sure need to remember Philippians 4:13. Lowell King, Pastor Barb Conley, Reporter SHELBY FIRST (NORTHERN OHIO) Hello once again! Just a quick note from the flock at Shelby. Spring is a wonderful time to bring forth new life, and we have been blessed to see several people make confession and start a new life in Christ over the last two months. Cathy Crawford Newsletter Ohio Missionary to France We are looking forward to their upcoming baptisms and pray that God will richly bless their lives. On Easter Sunday, we gathered early in the morning for our annual sunrise service. As always, the birds were up well before dawn, singing about a risen Savior as we worshipped together and sang our own praises. Brother Larry Hill preached a beautiful sermon for us, and we met at our fellowship hall afterwards for breakfast before our regular Sunday service. It was a special day and a true reminder of the new life we ve all been given, thanks to the precious life that was given at Calvary. We praise Him with our whole hearts! Herman Copley, Pastor Heather Brown, Reporte There are ten Turkish Muslim families living in the housing development just behind my house. The other ten or so families are French. I have met people from six of the Turkish families. One of those is my neighbor whose yard joins mine. I was so excited when she invited me for tea recently. When I arrived at her house, she started asking me questions as to why I am here and a little bit about what I believe. In the course of the conversation she said that she tried not to think about dying. She believes according to the Muslim religion that she will go to heaven, but that she will have to suffer for her sins first. She doesn't know that "THERE IS A REME- DY AND HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST". Today I had lunch with the Korpe family. They received some bad news: Their request for political asylum has been denied by the French government. They may soon receive a letter from the government office in Nantes telling them to leave France. If they receive such a letter, they must get in touch with their lawyer immediately who will try to make an appeal. And so the uncertainty continues for this family. But what is worse, is their eternal uncertainty. Last week I offered to do a Bible study with Ayse and her husband, Moulah. She seemed to be interested, but changed her mind after talking with her husband According to their older daughter they saw the language as a barrier. However, with the Bible in Turkish and the Jesus film, I think we could have managed. The fact is that they are not yet ready to take that step. That's very sad. They are so close to the truth and yet so far away. Please pray for them and for the other Muslim families living behind my house. Please pray for me, too, that they will be able to see Jesus in me. This past weekend as I was getting ready to pull out of my driveway, I suddenly decided to stop. I got out of my car, walked over to a little path and introduced myself to the neighbor who was cutting his hedges. Later, I met his girlfriend. They asked me why I was here, and so I explained. The next day I had the privilege of having tea with them. They will be coming to my house for a meal this week. They are French and need the Lord in their lives. Finally, please pray for Avril, a Scottish lady, who owns a tea shop here in Châteaubriant. I usually go there once a week in order to try to talk with her about the Lord. I went to her shop last Friday only to find out that she had fallen and broken her shoulder. Certainly she needs the Lord, but right now she really needs a healing touch. She is left handed and broke her left shoulder. She runs the shop alone and has very little income. She can't afford to be out of the shop. Please pray for a speedy recovery. Thanks so much for praying. In Christ, Cathy Crawford PINE CREEK (PINE CREEK) Hello once again from Pine Creek. We trust everyone is enjoying the spring season. Spring is a special time when God brings everything to life again. What a wonderful time to witness God's beautiful workmanship!! Pine Creek has been busy these last two months and are looking forward to see what God brings to us this spring. On March 1st, we had Brother Roy Bennett with us. We appreciate Brother Roy and are grateful for the work he is doing for the Lord. It was great worshiping again with Brother Roy and Sister Ruth. Brother Buddy Medford preached our Easter morning service. We had a great crowd, many of which were unsaved. We all heard a great message. Please remember those unsaved in prayer. Brother Chuck Wiltshire preached for us on April 26th in our evening service. We are greatful for men like Brother Wiltshire who have a desire to see souls saved. May 3rd, we had one of our very own members, Brother Lloyd Ison, speak to us on behalf of the Gideons. We love and appreciate brother Lloyd very much. On May 13th, we will have Brother Rick Arthurs bring us God's Word. May 17-20th at 7 p.m. each evening, we will be having revival with brother Roger Lavender preaching the Word of God and we will have special singing as well. Please come join us in worshipping God in word and song. May 27th, we will have Brother Jimmy Dummitt preach for us. We look forward to hearing brother Dummitt preach what the Lord has for him to preach. Until next issue, keep praying and looking up; for His coming draws nigh. Ron Henthorn, Pastor Sandy Morrison, Reporter MADISON (PORTER) God has blessed us with a wonderful spring season, the trees are budding, the Dogwood trees are awesome this year. In March we held a tremendous revival. Brother Chris Russell preached and we had wonderful singers in our services every night. It was a uplifting time, renewing our faith, and praising our Heavenly Father. We had Sunrise service, then breakfast together and an outstanding Easter Service. Praise God. We are so blessed with the youth of our church. They are so awesome! Primary, Juniors and Seniors are going to the Quiz Bowl Olympics! We are proud of each and every one of the kids and the youth leaders who do such a great job. Birthdays and Anniversaries for March and April are: Katherine Martin, Rick and Robin Simon, Emily Evans, Shawn and Rachel Willis, Haley Miller. Pray for our troops in harms way, our missionaries, the leaders of our country and most of all for each and every one of each other. Rodney Evans, Pastor Sharon Smith, Reporter

14 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 14 FOREST VALLEY (FRANKLIN) Greetings from Forest Valley! Our brother in Christ, Glen McCarty, met our Lord on March 27th. Glen was 84 years old and had been a member of Forest Valley for 36 years. He was also the original founder and lead singer for the Sacred Aires Quartet. Glen was a very important part of Forest Valley and will be missed by all. We ask for your prayers for the McCarty family, as well as the Burns and Young family. Hannah Young, 18 year old girlfriend of Adam Burns, died in a car accident on April 11. Adam Burns, a senior member of our CTS group, survived the accident along with Hannah s mother and brother. Hannah was a very special young lady who had touched the lives of many at Forest Valley and will be missed by all. We would like to thank Rev. Steve Wallace for preaching at our first Son Rise service on Easter Sunday. Rev. Wallace delivered an inspirational message to a good crowd of early risers. Our CTS Group wowed us again at the state competition with three dramas, two puppetries, several art projects, one Bible memorization, and our youth choir being advanced to the national competition. They never cease to amaze us and we are very proud of their accomplishments. God continues to bless us with one more saved and baptized. On Sunday, May 17, we will be welcoming the Worthington Brothers who will be performing in our evening service. John 11:25..whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Del Wallace, Pastor Helen Webb, Reporter SYMMES VALLEY (LAWRENCE) Once again the Symmes Valley FWB Church would like to greet each of you in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this very unstable world that we live in, it is so comforting to have the assurance of a never changing God. The Lord is still blessing us with new converts. We have seen 16 saved since our last report and the church is continuing to grow. We do not live by feelings, but when the sweet Holy Spirit touches our hearts, there is nothing that can compare to Him. Our pastor, Bro. Jesse Sizemore, has been using and encouraging the young preachers in our conference. We have had the following preach for us, J.C. Murnahan, Scott Markel, Josh Friend and Brandon Depriest, plus the other ministers in our church. Brother Carl Sizemore, ninety-one year old father of our pastor Jesse, left this old earth and is now enjoying all the glories of heaven. What a hope we have to know that when we leave here heaven awaits us. The funeral service was a celebration of Carl's life as a minister of the gospel, a very loving father and a wonderful example to all those he left behind. He will truly be missed on this side of heaven. We have been blessed by many of Carl's children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He has touched all our lives in so many ways. Easter Sunday was so special, with three services that day and even a breakfast in-between services. Our attendance was one hundred eighteen and God truly met with us. May God bless and keep you as only he can! Jesse Sizemore, Pastor Susie Webb, Reporter MOUNT CALVARY (LAWRENCE) Hello from Mt Calvary FWB. The Lord has been blessing here at out little church. Since our last report we have had three young men announce their calling to preach the Word. Brothers Scott Markel, Stephen Blagg and Josh Friend, "God is So Good". Be in prayer KEENERfamily Ohio Missionaries to France ANNOUNCING A BABY CHURCH! We re celebrating the birth of a new baby. Not another Keener baby, a baby church silly! For about a year and a half we have been working with a small group that is slowing giving birth to a new church. The many months of prayer, Bible studies, and relationship building have been the pregnancy leading up to the birth. We d like to introduce you to this new church that you have been praying for too. Christine came from a Catholic upbringing but began attending our Nantes church a few years ago. She would often bring her children, Gwendoline, Timothée, and Maeva to Wednesday night Bible study. In 2006 she was baptized. She is a true Student of the Word and always discovering something new! When we began talking about planting a church on her side of town, she became interested and volunteered to help. In 2007 her oldest daughter Gwendoline asked to be baptized too. We began the believer s baptism studies right away. She is in high school and is a Faithful Follower of Christ. Reaching her husband Philippe would not be so easy. He began attending the Nantes church from time to time, but he strongly resisted their participation in our home Bible studies and other meetings. We remember praying on our couch one night with Christine that the Lord would work to open his heart. A few weeks later, Tim called Philippe to ask him to be certain to come to church the next day to hear a visiting evangelist. After the message, Philippe said something had just clicked and he decided he would follow Christ. He is our Passionate Prayer Warrior! Sandrine was also a faithful member of our Nantes church who liked the idea and challenge of starting a church on her side of town. She was saved as a student in Barcelona and had a strong desire to grow more in Christ. She was the first ready to get working for the Lord in our area and she is our Courageous Witness for these men. We have had two births. Brother Brandon and Linzy Depriest welcomed a wonderful new son. Also Brother Ryan and Tara Dolin also welcomed a new son. We have more good news to share. We have taken in several new members. We have seen people saved from the pits of hell (That's what it's all about ). Be much in prayer for our pastors father Brother Fred Blagg with his battle with cancer One thing for sure when the battle is over Brother Fred will be the winner. To everyone always remember "Help is on the way. Ronnie Blagg, Pastor Paula Friend, Reporter for the Gospel. We met her husband Vincent in their home for dinner. He was gracious to allow us to share our faith and ministry with him. He agreed to meet with Tim for evenings of discovering the faith. A year later he has read through the New Testament and most of the old. Vincent is our Ardent Seeker; he never ceases to amaze us with his insightful questions and observations! Their two daughters Maëlle and Louise are near the age of our Ethan and Ezekiel and when we have church it is a just a big mess! But these children are growing and so is our little church. The big news for our whole group has been the return of Matt & Cristina Price, our coworkers and teammates. They are expecting and will be adding two more little ones to our church in autumn. They are our simply our Precious Partners in ministry. You won t see in our picture another young couple: another Vincent, the son of one of our preachers from Nantes and his fiancée Ellyna. Ellyna has come to the Lord in the last several months and we will be helping prepare this young couple for their marriage in October. The months ahead will hold the baptisms of Philippe, Ellyna, and the marriage of Vincent and Ellyna. It will hold more Bible studies, worship services and other activities. But what else will it hold? Who might be touched by the life of this little church and it s one sole message that Jesus is Lord? When you pray, thank the Lord for these faithful ones individually and be reminded that our God is a great and faithful God. Who knows what wonders He can do through us when we are obedient and faithful to him! With much love, Tim, Di, Eli, Ethan, Ezekiel, and Noah Couëron, France tkeener@fwbgo.com CLEVELAND (CUYAHOGA LORAIN) For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: Psalms 78: 5-6 Over the past months the LORD has laid upon our hearts the importance of teaching our children about God. Therefore, we have begun an eight week class during our Sunday School hour, Raising up Spiritual Champions. The classes began April 19th and will run through June 7th. Please keep us in your prayers that the LORD will allow us to reach the young as He has commanded us to do. On June 20th at 7 p.m., Kevin Spencer will be joining us for a fun-filled evening of great gospel music and fellowship. Please, come join us in worshipping our LORD. Mother s Day and Father s Day are approaching us on May 10th, and June 21st. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the mothers and fathers a wonderful day, and may God bless each and every one of you. Robert L. Prichard, Pastor Kimberly R. Young, Reporter BEATTY FWB (LITTLE MIAMI) Hello. It's springtime and summer is almost upon us and I personally love the warmer weather. Springtime seems to bring on the rainy and damp weather, but April showers bring May flowers, or they tell us. Sunday, March 8th we dismissed our evening service to take in a song service with one of our sister churches, Forest Valley. The Fortune Family from Dalton, Ga. were wonderful. We enjoyed them a lot. April 4th we had our communion and feet washing service. This service was rather special to one of youth, Chelyn Rose Thomas. This was her first time participating in communion and feet washing. I would like to see more young people getting involved. There is no other service I know of that can bless a Christian than this one. What a privilege to wash one anothers feet. Bless the Lord, if that doesn t shake up the soul there's something wrong. As you can tell, this is one of my favorite services. April 19th Roy Hutchinson preached our morning service and to talk about his work. I would like to wish all you mothers out there a happy Mother's Day from us here at Beatty FWB Church. Bye for now your friends from Beatty FWB Church. John S. Wallace, Pastor Marsha Downs, Reporter WELLINGTON (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Hello Ambassador readers from Wellington. We hope you had a happy Easter. Jesus Christ is the risen Savior! In March our church had two people baptized, Hunter Prunty and Sammy Keathley. Brother Keathly joined the church on the 15th. We have been the privileged recipients of the Word of God through preaching. Guest ministers included Craig Myers, Jeremy Gannon, Roger Rice and Willy Bias. Their themes have included truth, prayer, mediation, study of the word of God and faith. On April 22nd, Jacob Wolley was saved! Easter began with a sunrise service with Brother Roger Rice preaching, Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. After worship, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast provided by the sisters of the church. The ladies made Easter candy with the sales benefiting the church. Pastor Billy Joe White powerfully preached the truth to a full house in the morning service. Glory and praise to our Lord were given through word and song. After service the children had an Easter egg hunt. Do join us in praying for our Pastor Billy Joe White and his wife Linda as well as others who are ill. For those who are negatively affected by the economic crisis that faces our nation, our prayers are with you. We have collected 554 items to benefit the local food pantry which serves those in need. As the Lord warms us through the wonderful wonders of spring, may your faith grow and love bloom. Peace and love. Billy Joe White, Pastor Margaret Dewitt, Reporter

15 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 15 BRISTOLVILLE (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Greetings from the church in the country. My how time has slipped upon us and spring is finally here. Isn't God great in that He has brought us through a rough winter and finally all of the trees are in bud. God has truly showed us mercy and love in that we can see a new beginning of life in God's creation. I would like to thank every one who has prayed for our pastor while He had the flu. He was sick over a month and he is finally getting better. The church wants to thank Rev. Kenneth Edenfield for filling for our pastor on Easter Sunday. He did a terrific job and everyone seemed to enjoy him and his wife. Bro Edenfield was a former pastor of the church. We also want to thank Rev. Dale Smith and his wife, Tammy for the good service they brought to our church. We would like to welcome back Rev. and Mrs George Whitt. They were in Florida for approximately three months. The women's auxiliary is planning a three day rummage sale May 22-24th. They also will have desserts and old-fashioned hot dogs. We would like for everyone to remember our pastor's Brother Jerry Jewell who lives in LeGrange, N.C. He is one of the associate preachers at the Emmaus Baptist Church in Dudley, N.C. We would also like for everyone to pray for Sister Dorthy Ward as she lost her husband of 59 years. May God grant her new grace like she has never experienced. Also pray for the sick and afflicted of the church May all of the mothers have a glorious Mother's Day. May God richly bless you all until we meet again by The Ambassador or by the rapture. Jim Jewell Sr, pastor Juanita Jewell Reporter NORTH WOODBURY (TRINITY) Genesis 3:8-9 are the key verses that Rev. Clyde VanHoose quoted on night four of our recent revival. It really struck home with those in attendance. He went on to say that Christians today need to come out of hiding and stand up for what is right. Too many times we don t say something or do something when we see someone wandering out in sin. Bro. Clyde went on to explain how it is our duty as Christians to witness to people that are lost! Unfortunately, many of us do not do this and let the chance to witness slip by. Rev. Dorsill Messick was the other minister that preached for us during the revival. He preached a message on how we entertain angels unaware. He related this to having Christians in his life that were there for him when he most needed them. We never know when we could be that help sent by God to a person in need! We had a wonderful revival and enjoyed many very uplifting messages! We had special singing each night from Gospel Cadence, Ray Hamlin s Group, our church singers and REVIVAL MAY Sunday 10:30 AM Nightly 7 PM Speakers: Milton Worthington Melvin Worthington Faith Fellowship Church Urbana, Ohio For more information, call 937/ HOLY GROUND FREE WILL BAPTIST YOUTH FOR CHRIST CAMP 33 BEAUTIFUL ACRES LOCATED IN HILLSBORO, OHIO. WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR RENTAL AND LEASE AGREEMENTS. FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING THE CAMP PLEASE CALL Chestnut Ridge. Each night praise was lifted up in song! During the month of April, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we baptized two young first time converts! We would like to welcome Stephanie Tiller and Carley Ash into our church family. Our youth is looking forward to summer vacation and church camp in July! The youth, under the direction of Michelle Smith, continues to help Assistant Pastor Rob Ratcliff in the nursing home ministry. Always remember our little church in your prayers! Jimmy Thompson, Pastor Bev Thompson, Reporter CHILLICOTHE FIRST (SOUTH CENTRAL) Greetings from Chillicothe First. We want to thank Bro. Edwin Hayes for visiting with us on March 29th. He taught the adult class on the subject "Why I am a Free Will Baptist" and delivered the message for the AM worship service. April 5th, we celebrated Palm Sunday. On April 9th we observed the Lord's Supper with communion and feet washing service. April 12th, which was Easter Sunday, we gathered with two neighboring churches for Sunrise service at 7 am. Everyone was invited to join for breakfast following the service. At 10 am our church was filled to capacity with 166 worshipers! I can't remember the last time when chairs were carried from downstairs up to the sanctuary! Our youth performed a play and did "stick" ministry and our "little folk" performed in the bell choir, they are all such a joy and very inspiring. They are working hard and trying to earn money to go to the National and they have been serving delicious meals! We have members who have faced tests and surgeries. Some are recuperating in nursing homes and others at home but please keep them and the church in your prayers. Brother Mitch has more and more weight added to his shoulders every week as we growing in number. God is good and praise His name! Until our next report remember; "Feed your faith and starve your worries" and "Anger is one letter away from danger". Mitchell Salyers, Pastor Charlotte Elliot, Reporter LARRY GLENN TIM HAMILTON STEVE NICKELS THE SPRING AND SUMMER OF 2009 HAVE DATES STILL AVAILABLE. WE ANTICIPATE THE DATES WILL FILL UP FAST. (A MINISTRY OF NORTHRIDGE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH) GERMANY HOLLOW (PINE CREEK) Greetings from Germany Hollow. Spring is in full bloom and summer is just around the corner. God has put so much beauty in the world for us to enjoy! Take time to literally stop and smell the roses and then give Him the thanks and glory for them. Please pray for us as we seek a pastor. We are praying for God s choice and His will for our church. We have had several wonderful preachers bringing us the Word of God. Thanks goes out to Brothers Alex Stevens, Jimmy Dummit, Ken Walker, Ryan Hagen, Bud Mefford, Ron Parker, Steve Luster, and others that I am sure I have forgotten. Brother Rusty Larter brought us a particularly good service near Easter. He brought in a crown of thorns, three nails, and a cat of nine tails. This really got the attention of many of our younger members as well as the rest of us. Our deacons have also filled the pulpit with teachings and messages as well. Brother Doug Crall brought his first message to the church. Don & Dottie Hix Ohio Home Missionaries to London, Ohio The Lord is still providing our needs. Grant Layden Farrell was born to Carlos and Towanna Farrell. He weighed 8lb 12 oz. Our youth has gone a few times and had services with our shut-ins. Pray for those of our congregation who are hospitalized at this time. We were saddened to hear of the loss of Brother Howard Hill this week who although he didn t go to our church, we have had opportunity to know through our church and the surrounding community. Our prayers do go out to Larry and Ida Baker and the rest of the Hill family during this time of grief. Happy Mother s Day to all you wonderful God fearing Christian mothers out there! Until the next time, may God bless and keep us all until that appointed day! We are praying for a pastor. Debi Percell Wagner, Reporter CANAAN LAND (CAPITAL CITY) We celebrated Friend and Family Day with a record attendance of 580. We saw 15 saved that morning and God blessed tremendously through the entire worship service. The Parsons Family from Indiana ministered to us through songs of praise and inspiration. We started a Fellowship Revival that evening and enjoyed messages from area preachers and singers. The Women Active for Christ sponsored a yard sale/bake sale and raised over $4,000 for the building program. (This $ figure will be doubled because of the matching gift anonymously given through the Columbus Foundation.) It was three days fellowship, food and fun. It was a labor of love. We were able to witness to many unchurched people who came through our doors. Bro. Terry Southers is starting a door to door visitation program here at Canaan Land. We pray for God's guidance as the people reach out to those people in Grove City who need prayer and to be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Shawn is taking a group of 15 young adults and teens on a mission trip to Jamaica July 4-11th. Please remember them in prayer as they reach out to these people. Mike Blanton, Pastor Barbara Chaffin, Reporter Hello to everyone from the Redeemer Mission in London, Ohio. God has abundantly blessed us in the last two months. We have been praying that God would save someone at Redeemer and on March 29th, after our morning service, that prayer was answered. A lady that lives just down the road from the church gave her heart to the Lord. What a great time it has been for the church, but what a greater time for her! All of you that have supported the work at Redeemer had a part in that person being saved. Without your prayers and funds, we could not do the work we are doing. The Tuesday before Easter we sent a four page insert out in the local paper that went to five thousand homes. We were disappointed that we did not see results from this at Easter, but last Sunday we had a couple that came that had read the insert. And we are looking for others to come in the future. On Easter Sunday evening, Brother Grant Cordell, pastor of the Urbana FWB Church, preached a good message for us. Matthew Patton and his mother Malinda were able to come and provide special music for that service. Some of the people from the Urbana church and the Woodstock church joined with us in this service. We were also recently blessed with special singing by Brother John McCarty and his family on a Sunday evening. We do ask that you continue to pray for us and support us financially as we go into the summer months. Our plans include Vacation Bible School and continuing our emphasis on soul winning. We re looking forward to seeing many of you at the State meeting in June. Yours in His service, Don and Dottie Hix

16 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 16 FWBBC Students Elect Officers The following five students at Free Will Baptist Bible College were elected to serve as student body officers: Kurston Ward, junior English major from Van Buren, Arkansas, was elected president. The vice president is junior 3606 West End Ave. Nashville, Tn / FWBBC FAX-(615) Thomas Holloway, a Pastoral Ministry major from Albany, Georgia. Katie Duttine, a freshman History major from Sod, West Virginia, will serve as secretary-treasurer. I m so glad I came, said Sara Tucker from New Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Nauvoo, Alabama. This was my first visit to FWBBC. I had a blast! The 58 young women and 48 young men who visited the campus attended classes and chapel, interacted with current FWBBC students, enjoyed a Thursday night March Madness event, and participated in Friday evening s Spring Fest. Student recruiter Joel Forlines said, The FWBBC students were very welcoming and hospitable to our visitors. We realize how important it is to make a positive impression on prospective students. It was also a fun time. (L-R):Matt Munsey, Katie Duttine, Thomas Holloway, Kurston Ward and Zach Maloney Freshman Zach Maloney, a Pastoral Ministry major from Morehead, Kentucky, was elected chaplain and will provide spiritual leadership for the student body. Junior Missions major Matt Munsey from Newport, Tennessee, will serve as worship leader. FWBBC President Edits Book on Worship Perspectives on Christian Worship, a new book on worship edited by Free Will Baptist Bible College president Matt Pinson, is now available from the B&H Publishing Group. Sale price for the 360-page volume is $ The well-written chapters present in counterpoint form five basic common beliefs on Christian worship that have developed over the course of church history, with a view toward determining which is most faithful to Scripture. The chapters are written by a prominent person within each tradition, and each writer has the opportunity to respond to each differing view. President Pinson said, Evangelicals, including Free Will Baptists, need to develop a theology of worship that s thoroughly scriptural and rooted in our tradition. We haven t done that yet, and I hope this book will help us move toward formulating a worship theology. Perspectives on Christian Worship allows readers to see the various views on worship that emerge from five traditions. The chapters present a clear analysis on where the traditions agree as well as points of divergence and conflict. Pinson said, I want to get us thinking theologically about worship. I fear we as Free Will Baptists on all sides of the worship debate sometimes verge on basing our worship practice on current trends rather than theology, being naive about the way culture is transforming our life together as Christians. Free Will Baptists who are steeped in their own theological presuppositions will immediately pick up on the problems with some of the views in this book. I hope the book can help us put together a rich theology of worship that emerges from sound theology, not just trendiness. This marks the second volume written in counterpoint style that Dr. Pinson has edited. His first effort, Four Views on Eternal Security, was published in 2002 by Zondervan. Other books published by Pinson include A Free Will Baptist Handbook (1998) and The Washing of the Saints Feet (2006), both printed by Randall House. 150 Attend FWBBC Welcome Days One hundred six prospective students from 12 states and 48 churches attended Spring 2009 Welcome Days March at Free Will Baptist Bible College, according to Jeff Caudill, director of enrollment services. With parents and sponsors, the campus visitors numbered more than 150 for the three-day event. The group included 20 high school seniors, 35 juniors, 43 sophomores, and four freshmen, as well as four recent graduates and other individuals. Nine of the graduates and seniors are current FWBBC applicants. The college will sponsor three Senior Days during the academic year (November 5-7, 2009; January and February 11-13, 2010), as well as two Welcome Days (November 19-21, 2009; April 1-3, 2010) and an FWBBC Day (October 24, 2009). FWBBC Students Minister in New York City and Japan Twenty-nine FWB Bible College students and staff stepped out of their comfort zones during spring break to embrace urban and international outreach, according to Jeff Caudill, director of enrollment services. Team NYC (New York City), a group of 18, flew to the Big Apple on March 14 for an eight-day encounter. Team Japan, a group of 11, boarded a plane March 11 for 14 days in the Land of the Rising Sun. Team NYC leader Rachel Dennis (FWBBC enrollment counselor) said that ministering in New York City was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. It only took a short ride from JFK Airport to realize we were not in Kansas anymore. Then we stopped watching the people and buildings from a distance, and we got involved. FWBBC students dressed in bright red smocks were posted at major intersections where they distributed salvation bracelets and prayed with the broken, the confused, and the desperate. Many stopped for prayer, asking students to pray that they would find jobs, that God would protect their children from the streets, that they could overcome addictions. More than 20 people came to know Christ, while hundreds heard a clear presentation of the gospel. Heath Hubbard, Team Japan leader and FWBBC director of recruitment, said his group spent eight days in Hokkaido and three days in Tokyo, plunging into a success-driven culture with a high suicide rate. We stayed in homes where people did not believe the Christian message, some who had never heard the name of Christ. It was a Salt and Light encounter as we practiced English with Japanese at the international center and watched a nation of 127 million people hurtling by in spiritual darkness. Rachel Dennis (NYC Team leader) echoed the sentiments of both teams when she said, God taught us to have compassion, to empathize with a culture so different from our own. He taught us to look past our own problems and to love one another in spite of our differences. SOUTHWEST (CAPITAL CITY) We send greetings in the name of our Lord. God is truly blessing us, as we have seen several saved and baptized, with eight new members added to our church. Singing, preaching, and rejoicing is so exciting and powerful. March 6th began our activities with our ladies retreat in the fellowship hall. The tropical theme was An Evening of Prayer-a-Dise!. We closed the month with a Fellowship Revival with Southwest and Canaan Land. God richly blessed, with the altars being used every service. Sunday, April 5th, was our communion and feetwashing service with about 150 in attendance. The following Saturday was our Easter egg hunt for the children. Everyone enjoyed this event. Nearly 150 came out early Sunday morning for our Sunrise Service. It was such a blessing to celebrate our Lord s victory over death, hell and the grave. After the service, the Masters Men prepared breakfast. Our Easter service at 11 am was exciting, with the church filled to capacity. The month of May will be special, as we honor our mothers with a dinner on Saturday, May 9th, followed by our Mother s Day service on Sunday morning. The Ladies Fellowship will be sponsoring a team for Race for The Cure on the 16th. We will have special singing by Tammy Jones Robinette on Sunday, May 31st, at 6 pm. On Saturday, June 20th, we will honor our dads with a dinner and during our Father s Day service. Please pray for us as we continue on the move for Christ. John Meade, Pastor Brea Turner, Reporter

17 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 17 WOODSTOCK (CENTRAL OHIO) Psalm 67:3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. We thank everyone who attended our nine day "March for Jesus Revival". We were truly blessed every night with the messages spoken and the songs of praise, but most of all by the presence of our Lord. The newly formed women s group began the year by holding a White Elephant Sale to raise money. We thank Pastor Russell who auctioned off many items for us. Part of the money raised was donated to the "Sycamore House" in Champaign County to help in the needs of unwed mothers and their babies. They also held a baby shower in honor of "The Hope Crisis Center". Many gifts were given for this wonderful cause. The Easter Service was a beautiful day. We joined the Urbana Church for their Sunrise service that was followed by breakfast. The Easter Service in Woodstock was followed by an Easter egg hunt for the children. Our prayers are with Bill Jones who is now recovering from open heart surgery. Pauline Pack was also in the hospital but is now home. The Youth Service was held in April with special singing by our youth and the message was given by guest speaker 15 year-old Chuck Duncan. There was also five young people baptized recently. We thank God for the work He is doing in our youth. Russell Street, Pastor Esther A. Orahood, Reporter LEBANON (LITTLE MIAMI) "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 We were blessed on March 14th, in our bimonthly singing, to have Denise Falls sing, read scripture, and give her testimony. Pastor Andy and son Evan joined her with music and singing. They did a great job. April 5th, all who desired to do so followed the example Jesus set for us, as we had communion and feet washing. It's always a blessing as we follow Jesus' teachings. In the afternoon, April 5th, we were saddened to hear our dear sister in the Lord, Marcella McKinney had departed this life. She had battled cancer for some time. Please pray for Brother Don and their family. Easter Sunday, we were blessed with a good attendance. Pastor Andy preached a wonderful message and one was saved, Madison Lakes. After church, the children hunted and found lots of eggs. A bridal shower for Jackie Daniels and Ryan Hamilton was given on April 14th. They were married on April 25th by Pastor Andy Maynard. The wedding and reception was beautiful. They are now on their honeymoon. Pray for them as they make a home together; that God will always be a part of their life and whatever comes along, He'll always be there to help them. Three dear members need prayer as they are battling cancer. Sister Barb Sharpe, Bro. Bernie Sheppard, and Bro. Henry Butcher. Lebanon FWB will be the host church for the conference in June. We hope to see many from our sister churches then. Also, June 28th is our annual homecoming; we would love to see you then too. Andy Maynard, Pastor Doris Chapman, Reporter NEWARK (FRANKLIN) Greetings from the Newark FWB Church. We have been seeing great things happening at our church. We are just about to finish up our new News from Dana & Betty Booth National Home Missionaries to Rochester, NY Greetings from upstate New York : Well the sun is shining and spring is here. We have had a cold snowy winter, but so has a lot of other folks, I guess it is the effect of the Global warming they blame every thing else on that. The holidays were exciting for us our children and adults sponsored a Christmas play that was very well done, with new people in attendance. Recently we had a Valentine s dinner where Bro. Jim Martin our associate pastor prepared a meal of steak or chicken on the grill while the weather was snowy and cold he braved the weather and worked all day to prepare it. There were 55 present and at least seventeen first time visitors at the dinner many of which were unsaved. It was truly a great time of fun and fellowship for everyone. A skit was written by Brother Dave Smith a preacher that has joined us that featured His family, Nathan Atwood Rachael Martin and many of the other workers it was extremely well done a version of the Newly-wed game was hosted by Rachael and Nathan. We are certainly blessed to have a number of committed workers in our church that have a desire to reach people. We have done remodeling to our building we now have the front entrance done, and much of the work on the foyer completed. We are thankful for the building God has provided us and we are determined to have it neat, clean and presentable We have painted many of Sunday school rooms, fellowship hall, remodeled bathrooms, carpeted many areas, paved parking lot, and decorate other areas. Our attendance has held pretty steady during winter we have been praying for the Lord to open doors and we are seeing that happen. We have seen altar services and a new hunger for revival, many first time visitors some are returning also group homes in the area are beginning to bring some of their residents and staff to our services. We are thankful for Brother Ken Haight and His help with our radio broadcast, website and now recording our services. Ken is the station engineer of the radio station where we have had a broadcast now for over a year. Please pray for us and the unsaved families we are in contact with. I am dependant on your intercessory prayers for our work here. I also wish to say thank you for standing with us financially, and I do understand the pressures individuals and churches are facing and I also realize that we are not the only missionaries that are being supported by many of you. I suppose the only safe place today to put your money is to send it ahead by giving to the Lord Your Partners in Ministry Dana and Betty Booth Teen/Youth room that we have added on. We have been seeing our youth group grow and God has blessed us with some really great carpenters in our church to add on this new room and do most of the work to finish it. This will give us a much bigger room for teaching our young people about God. After all our youth are church of tomorrow. Psalm 71:17 says "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works." Keep our youth directors Brother Josh and Sister Candy Bryant in your prayers. We had a wonderful Easter Sunday Sunrise service, with Brother Edwin Hayes preaching in both services and special singing by our own Sister Holly Hughes and Brother Rob Goodman. Between services, we had a morning breakfast at the church with fellowship; God has blessed us with some wonderful cooks as well. May 2nd, we had our Mother/Daughter banquet. Our guest speaker was Kathy Johnson and special singer was Sister Holly Hughes. Dinner was made by the men in the church and service was provided by them also. We want to say Happy Mother s and Father s Day to all our mothers and fathers out there. Until next time, may God bless and watch over you. Matthew Bryant Pastor Dreama Hughes Reporter MANSFIELD (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN Greetings! Friend Day was April 5th, and we were excited to have the New Vision Singers with us. The Ledbetters from Wichita, KS ministered through testimony and song on April 15th. A young lady from our sister church, Unity FWB (Galion), invited Jesus into her heart that evening. Praise God! Mary Anne, one of our dear ladies from the Special Class, recently asked Jesus into her heart. We are grateful and honored that God has allowed us to continue this ministry to the mentally handicapped for over 25 years. The weekly nursing home service at Oak Grove Manor is growing and a new monthly service has been started at Mifflin Care Center. Truly the residents are more of an encouragement to us than we are to them. Sister June Tenney went home to be with Jesus on April 2nd after her battle with cancer. Her suffering has ended. Please pray for her husband, Milt, and family. Fund-raising efforts for our Hendrickson Building Flooring Project are underway. For each $25 donation, a square on the chart is filled in to bring us closer to our $8,000 goal. In May, our guys are looking forward to the Men s Prayer Breakfast, devotion, and golf outing on the 9th; and on the 24th we are having our annual Picnic in the Parking Lot following the a.m. service. Our tweeners are anxiously awaiting Junior Camp at Heartland Retreat Center coming June 25th-27th. Preparations have begun for VBS to be held the week of July 12th. Our game show-based theme, Winning for Jesus promises faith building, fellowship and fun for all ages. Lisa Moore, Reporter Mark Bailey, Pastor ROSEDALE (TRINITY) God is truly showering his blessings on us here at Rosedale. We have had several saved and also some rededicating their lives back to God and we are so thankful for them. Prayer is so powerful and it is evident in our services that people are praying in faith believing for their lost loved ones, we have seen several family members come back to God and they are filling the pews praising God and showing a willingness to serve him, thanks to prayer and the powerful messages our pastor has been preaching. We are looking forward to our homecoming on May 17th, we will have Rev. Russell Street preaching and special singing by Heavenbound. We are looking forward to this and hope you can come an be a part of this special service. May 18-23rd, our revival starts with some great preaching and singing by the following: Monday and Tuesday, Rev. Jim McComas preaching, The Baldwin Family singing on Monday night and Sammy Stanbaugh singing on Tuesday night; Wednesday, Rev. Russell Street preaching and The Woodstock Trio singing; Thursday night, Rev. Lucian Baker preaching and singing; Friday and Saturday night, Rev. Mike Blanton preaching with Sister Stacy Edwards singing on Friday night and Mike Blanton and Evidence singing on Saturday night. Services start at 7:00 pm each night so come join us. Our youth are doing fund raisers to help raise money for their summer trip to Camp Caleb. They have held a car wash and bake sale and will be doing other things to work towards raising funds for this exciting adventure, they always come back very excited and ready to start working towards next year. Our VBS director, Sister Kim Baldwin has been getting everything and everyone in gear for another great week packed with exciting things for the youth. Remember our church when you pray and keep our pastor and family in your prayers. Clay Baldwin, Pastor Bev Fraley, Reporter

18 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 18 Coming Events Coming Events For Ohio Free Will Baptists For Ohio Free Will Baptists June 25 June 26 June July June 13 May 16 May 16 July 11 May 9 May 9 May 16 July 11 June 6 July 11 LIGHTHOUSE (TRI-STATE) We enjoyed a successful skatingand pizza party in March and afterward a Youth Camp Presentation by Brother Chad Mills. We also had a Spirit filled communion and feetwashing service at the end of the month. Our Good Friday service was delivered by Brother Keith Burt. It was appropriately titled Why the Cross? The Sunrise and regular morning services on Easter Sunday were filled with the Spirit of the Lord. We designated Easter Sunday as Fill a Pew Sunday and had a wonderful turnout. Steve and Devona Watson, our youth leaders, did a wonderful job with the Easter egghunt again this year. Bobby Courtney, Pastor Renee Klein, Reporter FIRST SPRINGFIELD (FRANKLIN) Let Your Love Light Shine in As you may know, we still celebrate Rally Day. On Easter Sunday, the Lord s house was blessed with 162 in attendance. That beats our last year Easter Sunday total of 150. Way to rally! Just to keep you up on our youth, the following will all be heading to National: Alexis Mowell- Vocal Solo; Katie Dekle - Vocal Solo; Bethany Howard- TruthQuest; Hannah McCarty- TruthQuest; Kyle Bayes- TruthQuest; Curtis McCarty-TruthQuest Hannah McCarty- State-Wide Ohio Women s Active for Christ State Meeting at Gahanna FWB Ohio Youth Conference State Meeting at Gahanna FWB Ohio State Association State Meeting at Gahanna FWB, Curtis Booth, Pastor National Association of Free Will Baptists meeting in Cincinnati Central Ohio Franklin Conference meeting at Newark FWB, 9:30 AM, Matt Bryant, Pastor Northern Ohio Southern Ohio 3-Dimensional Art; Curtis McCarty- Poetry; Kyle Bayes-PowerPoint. We are still collecting Campbell s soup labels, with the hope of breaking last years record, so please help us out with those if your church isn t collecting. Some of our church family are dealing with serious health issues and we just ask that you continue to remember them in prayer. We also want to remember our missionaries while they are away from their families in remote and troubled countries. He is still in the miracle business and His grace is sufficient. The Journeymen Quartet will be with us on Mother s Day, May 10th at our 10:30 am worship service singing His praises and offering testimonies. Lastly, you know where I am going now, it s coming up on picnic time! Get those old recipes out and come join us. The first picnic is May 31st and you know you want to join for the great food and warm fellowship. We ll be waitin at the door for you. Mark Rucker, Pastor Pamela McCarty, Reporter WOODLAWN (SOUTH CENTRAL) Hello, from Washington Court House. Since our last report we have enjoyed blessings from the Lord. In April we had a baptism, two new members Great Lakes Conference Northern Ohio Conference Cuyahoga-Lorain Conference South Central Conference meeting at McArthur, Jim Henderson, Pastor Pine Creek Conference Porter Conference meeting at Wakefield, Lowell King, Pastor Southern Ohio Conference Western Ohio Little Miami Conference meeting at Lebanon, 9:30 AM Andy Maynard, Pastor Tri-State Conference added, and World Mission Sunday. It is always a blessing to see the Lord add to the church and to witness a baptism. One of the highlights of the year is WMD Sunday. This year we enjoyed good fellowship as we work together to count the coins that were collected. It is always a blessing to help churches around the world. We thank the Lord for His many blessings and the opportunity to serve Him. May the Lord bless you! Bert Alsept, Pastor and Reporter ZALESKI Psalm 118:1 "O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; because His mercy endureth forever." Aren't you glad that Jesus loves us and has mercy on us? We are truly thankful for Jesus bringing our seniors thru this long winter. We love all of them and have missed them when they aren't there. They are the prayer warriors of the church. We want to thank the Lord for His blessings He has bestowed upon our church. We have had "The Glen Goins Singers at one of our church services. They were truly a blessing to us. Remember all of our special singers within the church. They uplift our hearts each time they sing. We have had several people in the church that has had surgery or will be having surgery. Please remember them and also our church in your prayers. Our Pastor Ferrell Rood and his wife, Nancy, are always a big help to everyone at church. They continuously keep us and our needs in their prayers. We need to always uplift our pastors and their wives in prayer as they are all so burdened with so many things. We have been busy getting ready for VBS, and praying for our young people. Satan enjoys ensnaring them whenever he can. We have been by our nursing home ministries, on the first Sunday of the month. Stephanie Holstine and Tosa Cook represented our church May 2nd at Family Fun Day at the McArthur Park. We would like to wish you a happy Mother's Day and happy Father's Day. Do something special for them, if you can. Remember our nation, the military and their families. Tell someone you love them and really mean it. Ferrell Rood, Pastor Linda McKibben, Reporter GAHANNA (CORNERSTONE) Greetings in the name of the Lord. We have been blessed to witness the surrender of eight new souls that answered the call of the Holy Spirit. We pray they will be a witness to their family and friends and lead others to the Lord. We also welcome with open arms 20 new members to God s Church. We praise the Lord for all He is doing at Gahanna. We were honored to have Marylou Davis provide us with special singing, March 15th. God s Ambassadors were with us in our Sunday evening service April 19th. They touched our hearts with their songs of praise. The Cornerstone Conference held its semiannual meeting at Gahanna Church April 25th, followed by a special service with fellowship, singing and preaching. Lunch was served after the service by the ladies auxiliary. Please pray for our nation! Curtis Booth, Pastor Bonnie Justice, Reporter CORNERSTONE (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) "The Incredible Journey" also known as "Homeward Bound" was a wonderful story about two dogs and a cat who made a journey of a lifetime to get back home. The past 12 weeks could be described as an incredible journey for Cornerstone FWB (previously named Wyandotte). Since moving to our new building we have been blessed to see four baptized, five take membership, thirteen saved and our attendance bloom from 200 to over 300 every Sunday morning! We give ALL PRAISE TO THE LORD!! We are also very thankful for the many pastors and friends who helped us celebrate our Grand Opening during our Dedication Service. Bro. Jim McComas preached a great message and our dear friends, The Representatives sang to a packed house! The week of April 13th, Bro. Sonny Thomas from Glendale Springs, NC preached a week of revival for us. We had spirited worship services, much altar movement and great preaching! Thank God He still revives His own! We look forward to our annual Free Will Baptist Youth Camp this summer July 13-17th. Bro. Jonathan Blankenship will be preaching this exciting week. If you're looking for a great camp for your kids and teens call either Chris Mitchell (614) or Brian Phillips (419) Hope to see many of you at our state meeting in June! Brian Phillips, Pastor & Part-time Reporter

19 TOGHETHER WAY RECEIPTS March-April, 2009 DONOR CO-OP AMBASS ST MISSIONS ST OFFICE OYC SPEC MIN NATL MIN TOTALS Gift Income AMBASSADOR $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ 2, ANTIOCH $ - $ $ $ $ - $ - $ $ BETHESDA CHAPEL $ $ $ $ $ - $ $ $ BUCYRUS $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ $ CAMPBELL CHAPEL $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ CANAAN $ $ $ - $ $ - $ $ $ 1, CANAAN LAND $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 3, $ $ 3, CAREY $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ CLEVELAND $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ 1, $ 1, COALTON $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ COMMUNITY W JEFF $ - $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ $ CORNERSTONE $ - $ $ $ $ - $ $ $ CORNERSTONE CONF $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ CORNERSTONE-MANSF $ - $ $ $ $ - $ $ $ CROSS POINTE $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ CUYAHOGA-LORAIN CONF $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ DAILYVILLE $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ 2, $ 3, FAIRVIEW $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ FAITH-LOGAN $ - $ $ $ $ - $ $ $ FELLOWSHIP $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ FIRST AUSTINTOWN $ $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ $ 1, FIRST CHILLICOTHE $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1, FIRST SPRINGFIELD $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ FOREST VALLEY $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1, FRANKLIN CONFERENCE $ - $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ FREEDOM-PLAIN CITY $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1, GARDEN CITY $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ GOOD HOPE $ - $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ $ HARRISON $ - $ $ $ $ - $ $ 2, $ 2, HERITAGE $ - $ $ 1, $ $ $ - $ 4, $ 7, HILLVIEW $ 1, $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1, JACKSON CONFERENCE $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ LEBANON $ - $ $ $ $ - $ - $ $ LEWIS CENTER $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ LIGHTHOUSE $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ LITTLE MIAMI CONFERENCE $ - $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ LOCKBOURNE $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ LONG RUN $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ MANSFIELD $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ MCARTHUR $ - $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ $ MOUNT CALVARY $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ NEVILLE $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ NEW HOPE-CHILLICOTHE $ $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ 1, NORTH $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ $ $ 1, NORTH & WESTERN CONF $ $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ OHIO WOMAN'S AUXILIARY $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ OLD KYGER $ $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ PETREA $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ PINE CREEK $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ PINE CREEK CONFERENCE $ - $ $ $ $ - $ - $ $ PINE GROVE $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ PORTER $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ 2, $ 3, POWELLSVILLE $ - $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ $ PURITAN $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ REDEEMER $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ REYNOLDSBURG $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1, $ 1, RITTMAN COMMUNITY $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ ROSEDALE $ 4, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 4, RUTLAND $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ SAMANTHA $ 1, $ - $ $ - $ - $ $ $ 2, SCIOTODALE $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ $ $ 1, SOUTH COLUMBUS $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ SPRINGFIELD $ 1, $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ 1, $ 3, SUMMIT STATION $ - $ $ - $ $ - $ $ $ SWAUGER VALLEY $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ TICK RIDGE $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ TRINITY-WILGUS $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ TROY $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ TURKEY CREEK $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ UNION $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ UNITY $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ 1, $ 2, URBANA $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ $ WAKEFIELD $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ WELLSTON $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ WESTERVILLE $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1, $ 2, WESTSIDE $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ WILLIAMS ROAD $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ WOODLAND CHAPEL $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1, WOODLAWN $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ WOODSTOCK $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1, STATE MINISTRY OFFERING $ - $ - $ $ $ $ - $ - $ OTHER GIFTS $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ $ $ TOTAL FROM GIFTS $ 24, $ 2, $ 10, $ 2, $ $ 4, $ 31, $ 76, Other Income INTEREST $ - $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ NATIONAL ASSOC $ - $ - $ - $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ 1, SERVICES $ - $ - $ - $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ 1, STATE FEES $ - $ - $ - $ 1, $ - $ - $ - $ 1, OHIO BIBLE INSTITUTE $ - $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ ADVERTISERS $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ MISC INCOME $ - $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ TOTAL OTHER INCOME $ - $ $ - $ 4, $ - $ - $ - $ 4, TOTAL INCOME $ 24, $ 2, $ 10, $ 7, $ $ 4, $ 31, $ 81, SWAUGER VALLEY (PINE CREEK) Hello from Swauger Valley. The best news from our church is that we have had five saved in the last two months and three baptized. Our Men's Prayer Breakfast was held on March l4th and had an attendance of l05 with 24 churches were represented. The men had a wonderful time in the Lord. On March 27th, we had an all night prayer meeting for our lost. Our revival was held from April 6-8th with Paul Hagen preaching and then continued for two more days with P.J. Fitch preaching. We had a great time in the Lord. Our Easter services were wonderful. This is a beautiful time of the year when we remember that because He lives, we live too. The last Quiz Bowl before the Olympics was held on April l3th. Our kids did very well. They placed first in quizzing for Seniors and Juniors and first in sword drills for Juniors and Primary and the Seniors placed second. They go to the Olympics on May 9th. We are very proud of our kids spending their time in God's Word when they could be doing other things. Our Mother - Daughter banquet will be held on May 9th at 6:30 pm. We always look forward to spending time with the other ladies in our church and from outside areas. The younger ladies in our church have started having a lunch for the 55 and older crowd about every 6 weeks. Our next one will be on May 29th at l2:30 pm. Anyone that would like to come would be more than welcome. Our Vacation Bible School will be held June 8-12th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We are privileged to see Bible prophecy unfolding before our eyes. We can see that it won't be long before we see Jesus coming on the clouds to call us home. Mike Simpson, Pastor Brenda Potters, Reporter Be Thankful for faithful Mothers and Fathers MARYSVILLE (CENTRAL OHIO) Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Psalms 150:6 We have enjoyed the visiting preachers, R.J. Akers, Tyler Lyon, Andrew Cordell, Tony Blackburn, and Aaron Dillion. They all did a great job of preaching God s word. The Parsons ministered to us in song March 15th. We were blessed to have the youth from Woodstock FWB in our youth service April 19th and Tony Blackburn preached. We had food and fellowship afterward. The youth will be having a yard sale and carwash May 29th and 30th. All proceeds will go to VBS. The ladies auxiliary will be having a bake sale during the yard sale. Our upcoming revival is scheduled June 10-14th. Services will start at 7 pm. On Wednesday, Lucian Baker will be preaching with Bobby Siders singing. Thursday and Saturday Mike Blanton will preach and Mike Blanton and Evidence will sing. On Friday, Lucian Baker will preach with the Parsons singing. On Sunday morning at 11 am Brian Moore will preach with Brian and Terri Moore singing. In the 6 pm service Sunday., Edwin Hayes will be preaching and Undivided will be singing. We are praying for many souls to be saved. Please come and worship with us. We have started making plans for VBS July 13-17th. Our kick off will be July 12th. Paul Bogenrife, Pastor Helen Murray, Reporter Remember to pray for the Ohio State Meeting June 25-26th and the National Association Meeting July 19-22nd

20 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE National Convention Update Ohio Free Will Baptists are scheduled to host the National Association of Free Will Baptists July 19-22, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. We need to raise $30, for the arena. We are asking all our conferences to raise $ per church. We have a little over one year to raise the funds. Please check with your conference to see if all your churches have responded. If not, maybe some of the larger churches could help those who cannot pay the full $ I have been asked to be the Impact Cincinnati chairman for the 2009 convention. At the 2006 convention a new concept for FWB was introduced, then called Impact Birmingham. The concept is that we just don t want to meet in a city, do our business, spend our money and go home, but to assist local FWB churches in doing things such as evangelism, service projects, small construction/remodeling projects ect. This way we leave a spiritual impact and not just a financial impact on our target area. What we need are volunteers that would be willing to come on July 18, 2009 for 4 to 6 hours to participate at various host churches (all within 60 minutes of Cincinnati) helping in the areas mentioned above. I will be coordinating teams to go to each host church. The majority of Impact will probably focus on evangelism. To help me better coordinate please contact me as soon as possible: Roland Luthy Home phone: Church phone: Cell phone: luthyjd@fuse.net Since the last edition of the Ambassador, South Columbus FWB from the Trinity Conf., Harrison FWB from the Porter Conference and Trinity from the Franklin Conf, each sent $200.00, Woodlawn from the South Central Conf. sent in $67.00, First Dayton sent $ and Fairborn from the Little Miami Conf. sent in $ and the Little Miami Conf. sent $ This account now totals $ We are over 90% of our goal! Let s make sure that we all do our part to be the best hosts possible for the 2009 National Association. Please send your offerings to: Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists, 3700 S. High St. Ste 159, Columbus, OH Ohio Women Active for Christ State Meeting This is an exciting year for all of us in Ohio with the National coming to Cincinnati in July. But before that happens, our own state meeting will be in June. On June 25th, our day will start with registration beginning at 8:30 am at the Gahanna FWB Church. Our meeting begins at 9:30 AM and our theme is Daughter s of the King. We would love for all the ladies to make a special effort and plan on attending our meeting. Under the leadership of Francis Etterling, we have been working hard to plan for our state meeting and also planning for the National. If you have nominations for officers for OWAC, please contact Geri Baker at Our speaker this year will be Mrs. Danita High, who is our new Executive Secretary- Treasurer for WNAC. We are sure you would enjoy hearing about the exciting year she has had since being elected at our National last year. For our National, we are asking each ladies group to bring a few bags of wrapped hard candy to the state meeting. We will use this in the state booth at the National. Also don t forget we have tables available for gifts for the Provision Closet and the Children s Home. Gift cards from Wal-mart are always welcomed. In just two short months, thousands of Free Will Baptists will flood Cincinnati, Ohio the city by the river for the 73rd annual convention of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Convention organizers expect a great turnout. This year Free Will Baptists will have the opportunity to choose from over 1,200 rooms in five hotels located within comfortable walking distance of the Duke Energy Convention Center. This is a significantly larger number of rooms than last year, so hotel reservations for the convention should be more readily available for attendees. We still have need of ushers for the meeting. If you are planning to attend the National, please contact the Ohio State Office at 1/ At the end of the day on Thursday, we will be having a Cook-out at the Hillview FWB Church on Main St. beginning at 6:00 pm. There is no charge for this, but we will be accepting donations. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!! This is a family fellowship for ALL. Children too! We will have the group, For His Glory to sing for us and this year we may have a couple other groups also. Please plan on coming that evening. To prepare for this, we need a count of those attending from your church. Please contact Lisa Hickle at (614) With the National being in Ohio, our ladies will be hosting the banquet on Tuesday, July 21st. We need ladies for this. The cost of the banquet is $25.00 and tickets are available through WNAC. Please contact Francis Etterling if your ladies can help with this. Also contact Frances if you have any OWAC pictures to share. If your church doesn t belong to the WNAC and currently have an active auxiliary group, we invite you to come and see what we are all about. We are always trying to increase our attendance. We look forward to a record attendance this year at our state meeting. Please come and help us make that possible. Thursday, June 26th at 6:00 pm Hillview FWB Church 9005 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068