w i t h t h e p r o m o t i o n a l d i r e c t o r

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1 The West Virginia Messenger S p r i n g V ol u m e 1 3 N u m b e r 1 W e s t V i r g i n i a S t a t e A s s o c i a t i on of F r e e W i l l B a p ti s t s This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24

2 I N P E R S P E C T I V E w i t h t h e p r o m o t i o n a l d i r e c t o r As winter ends and spring ushers in her long awaited sunshine and beautiful flowers, I am excited about the greatest event to ever grace this world, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His resurrection gives us the privilege of sharing in His victory over death, hell and the grave. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:11, But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. How precious is the thought that we too will raise with a new body to live eternally in heaven with Christ. It is also a time to look forward to the Bible, Music, and Arts Competition to be held at the Central Free Will Baptist (Huntington) on April 13, Brother John W. Preece encourages all churches to register and participate. Last year s competition was held at McCorkle Free Will Baptist (Sod) and was a great blessing. The West Virginia State Association will convene at Parsley Free Will Baptist (Lenore) on June 7-8. The theme for this year s meeting is, Homes Becoming Spiritual Fortresses. Rev. Mike Smith and the Parsley Bottom Church are also making plans for the youth to have a wonderful experience this year. I thank the Lord for the fellowship I ve had visiting our conferences throughout the state. The hospitality and support I ve received encourages me to believe that our state association is ready for a state revival. We have plans to promote this revival which will be revealed at our state association. If approved, we will inform you concerning the details immediately following. Please continue to pray for me that I will be faithful in His work and that I may have safe travel in my endeavor to attend all of our conferences. My hope is that I may be a blessing to each of you as we work together for the building up of His church and kingdom. Rev. Carl Lilly State Promotional Director Burial Places of FWB Ministers Dr. Alton Loveless is publishing a handbook on the burial places of Free Will Baptist Ministers. In this collection, Dr. Loveless is including West Virginia ministers. Do you know of a West Virginia Free Will Baptist minister who helped frame our denomination? If so, please contact Dr. Loveless by Alton.loveless@prodigy.net. You may also visit his website at: www. fwbpublications.com. Dr. Loveless has been a minister, pastor, and administrative denominational officer during his 55 years of ministry. He has preached, traveled, and been used as a Christian Education consultant in 48 states, 38 foreign countries, for 69 different denominations. He is a freelance writer and writes for assorted publications printed both nationally and internationally.

3 M I S S I O N M I N D E D w i t h S i s t e r A l i ce S m i t h On this Valentine s Day (February 14), my dear mother has been in Heaven for five months. Your continued prayers, cards, calls, and s are a source of comfort for me. I m also thankful for my dear friends in Africa who continue to pray for me. Recently a Muslim friend called to offer words of encouragement. Amazing, isn t it? Please help me pray for Baba s salvation. Thank you and God bless you. I would like to share the following information with you: 4. The good Lord willing, I ll be returning to Côte d Ivoire for about two weeks, around mid- April. This will enable the Ivorian Church to tell me good-bye and show their appreciation for my years of service in their land. Please pray for me. I m already feeling the difficulty of going, then having to leave them again. I pray you had a blessed Easter. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I Peter 1:3 Love and prayers, Sister Alice Smith 1. The Postlewaites left for Bulgaria on February 17. Please pray for their young family and the work they will be doing. 2. Free Will Baptist International Missions has announced that the World Missions Offering is scheduled for April 28th. We are praying that 900 churches or more will participate this year. Please let them know that you will be among those churches who will help our missionaries be able to minister effectively in the fields to which God has called them to serve. 3. The Mission has, once again, called for a 40 day Fasting and Prayer for the WMO, which began on March 20 and extends through April 28. This was done last year and God graciously heard and answered our prayers. He moved on the hearts of His children and they responded with an offering of more than one million dollars! Our missionaries who had been kept stateside due to inadequate finances were able to return to their fields. Praise the Lord! May He lead us to do even more this year!

4 W V S TAT E W I D E news a round the sta te Pierpoint Church Cruises to Warmer Temps Pierpoint Free Will Baptist Church (Wyoming County) escaped the frigid cold and snow by enjoying the Southern Gospel Music Cruise to the Bahamas in February. Church members reported that Pastor Butch & Kathy Acord and several church members & attendees enjoyed a 6-day cruise which departed from Jacksonville, FL on February, 11. Dinner with the Captain (pictured), listening to several gospel groups, and relaxation were the highlights of the trip. The church expresses their appreciation for Pastor Butch and hopes he and Kathy enjoyed this mini-vacation. Nolan Church Hosts Fall Youth Revival In a joint effort, Nolan Free Will Baptist (Mingo County) hosted a youth revival last fall with John Preece and the Christian Education Board. Local youth groups participated each night while James Baisden and John Wellman were the guest speakers. Those participating were 5 & 6 Holden Free Will Baptist (Logan County), Laurel Creek Free Will Baptist (Fayette County), West Williamson Free Will Baptist (Mingo County), and Nolan Christian Academy. Debbie White from Nolan Christian Academy said The speakers did a wonderful job bringing the message from God s Word each night and the children were a true blessing. The past 3 years have been a time of extensive renovation for the Bradley Free Will Baptist Church (Raleigh County). Lula Thompson, church clerk and the only remaining charter member said God has greatly blessed Bradley Free Will Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Pastor Wayne Peters, our church has been remodeled, with the exception of the youth sanctuary. Our parking lots have been repaved and striped for additional parking. The Sanctuary has been newly decorated with carpet and reupholstered pews and choir seats; the hallways have been tiled; class rooms, church offices, and rest rooms have all been renovated. We give God the praise for the free will offerings and labors of our members. According to church officials, plans are underway to upgrade the church audio/visual system and renovate the youth sanctuary. Bradley Free Will Baptist Church was organized June 10, 1955, by Rev. Robert (Bob) Doan. THE MESSENGER SPRING 2013

5 War Ridge Counts Its Blessings War Ridge Free Will Baptist Church (Monroe County) counts its blessings as it acquired a house next door to the church building. In recent months, the house underwent major upgrades to make it usable as a fellowship hall. The building received a new roof, windows, handicap access, and miscellaneous repairs. According to church members, the remodeling was completed just in time for the church Christmas dinner. With 31 in attendance, Christmas carols and dinner helped celebrate the completion of the project. One church member noted that the new sign in front of the church says count your blessings and the church is doing just that. Local Conference News The Kanawha County Conference of Free Will Baptists has changed its starting time for the Saturday session to 9:00 AM effective immediately. The time change allows for more time of fellowship and worship. The Kanawha County Conference announces that Emmons Free Will Baptist Church has withdrawn its membership in the Kanawha County Conference, the WV State Association, and the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Beckley: May 3 & 4 Brotherhood: April 13 Christian Fellowship: Apr. 27 Eastern Panhandle: May 11 Elk River: May 18 Fayette: April 27 Freedom: May 18 Greenbrier County: April 13 Greenbrier Nicholas: April 27 Guyan Valley: May 18 Huff Creek: May 18 Kanawha: May 17 & 18 Liberty: April 26 & 27 Logan: May 4 Mingo #1: May 11 Trinity: May 3 & 4 Tug River: May 11 Unity: April 27 Upper Ohio Valley: April 27 Wayne: May 11 Wyoming: May 3 & 4 upcoming conference dates

6 A V ision For Missions Lear ning to live a life of ser vice For many students, summer break means fun, free time, and mindless moments away from school. However, for Walter Hernandez, summer break takes on a different meaning. Last June, Walter attended a college-sponsored mission trip to Brazil which, in his words, has been a life-changing experience. He attributes his passion for missions to his friends in West Virginia. West Virginia churches and the mission board s support have been a huge encouragement to me said Walter. I can t express how thankful I am to my West Virginia brothers and sisters. I know they are praying for me as I continue my course of study. While in Brazil, Walter combined his love of God and love of soccer to teach Brazilians about the Gospel of Christ. Walter recounts that this interaction would not have been possible without West Virginia. God has pointed my path and He is guiding my life to fulfill the plan He has for me. Walter is a sophomore at Welch College in Nashville, TN where he is a Theological Studies major with an emphasis in missions. Missions: A W holesome Investment By Jeff Bennett In 21st Century America, the word missions seems to be a relative term. To some, missions means humanitarian aid. To others, missions mean preaching the gospel. Yet to a small child in a third world country, missions is a matter of life and death. However you look at it, it s imperative for us to support solid mission work. When you pledge your support to Free Will Baptist International Missions, you are not only supporting a cause, but you are saving a life. On my first overseas trip to Ghana (West Africa), a young man was tragically struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. He lost his life. Unfortunately, his family was not Christian and, therefore, the young man would not have a proper burial. I soon learned the importance of being part of a local church family. In developing countries, a Christian community not only ministers to the spirit, but also to the whole person. The church acts as a web that binds everyone together. People are taught, burdens are shared, and families grow. In many rural areas, people have not been taught personal hygiene or basic food handling techniques. An American missionary living in Burkina Faso (north of Ghana) stated that fields of tomatoes rot each year due to lack of knowledge in canning. If only our missionaries had the resources to expand their borders and reach those who are wanting to learn. Please join me in supporting worldwide mission work. The sun never sets on Free Will Baptist mission work let s keep it that way! THE MESSENGER SPRING 2013

7 News from New Life Greetings from Glenville, West Virginia! We have been very busy currently, we are preparing for our March for Missions revival. We also ask that you continue to pray for the ministry. In the coming months, we hope to complete some renovations to our building. We recently met with the WV Home Missions Board who said they will help us put siding on the church building. As humans, we often find ourselves complaining about the weather, but God knows exactly what we need. We are anxiously awaiting the first signs of spring warmer temperatures. Once the ground is warmer, we will begin plowing the garden. Please pray our great granddaughter, Cassie May Jordan. She was recently diagnosed with retinoblastoma which is a hereditary form of eye cancer. Nearly 20 years ago, her father Shaun, lost his sight when he was in kindergarten. Cassie will have to undergo chemotherapy treatments, but her doctor feels she has a 98% success rate. Kenneth and Shirley Cooper are Joint Project/Associate Missionaries with Free Will Baptist Home Missions and the State of West Virginia. They serve as the church planters for New Life Free Will Baptist Church in Glenville, WV.

8 2013 WV Bible, Music, & Arts W h e n : S a t u r d a y, A p r i l 1 3, W h e r e : C e n t r a l F W B C h u r c h, H u n t i n g t o n S i g n - i n b e g i n s a t 8 : 0 0 a. m. C o m p e t i t i o n s b e g i n p r o m p t l y a t 9 : 0 0 a. m. A l i g h t b r e a k f a s t a n d l u n c h w i l l b e p r o v i d e d. E n t r y f o r m s a r e a v a i l a b l e o n o u r s t a t e w e b s i t e, f r o m R a n d a l l H o u s e, o r i n t h e c o m p e t i t i o n b o o k l e t. P l e a s e m a i l y o u r r e g i s t r a t i o n f o r m ( s ) t o L i n d a H u t c h i n s o n a t : H o l l a n d B r a n c h R d, B a r b o u r s v i l l e, W V ( p l e a s e n o t e L i n d a s n e w a d d r e s s ). F o r q u e s t i o n s, e m a i l t h e C h r i s t i a n E d u c a t i o n B o a r d a t m a i w v f w b. o r g National Youth Conference - Tampa W h e n : J u l y , W h e r e : Ta m p a, F L Messenger Submissions T h e We s t Vi r g i n i a F r e e Will B a p t i s t f a m i l y l o v e s r e a d i n g s p e c i a l n e w s & e v e n t s f r o m y o u r l o c a l c h u r c h a n d c o n f e r e n c e. P l e a s e e m a i l y o u r a r t i c l e s t o t h e. m e s s e n g e w v f w b. o r g. A r t i c l e d e a d l i n e f o r t h e s u m m e r e d i t i o n i s F r i d a y, M a y 3, B y s u b m i t t i n g m a t e r i a l t o T h e M e s s e n g e r, y o u a g r e e a l l s u b m i s s i o n s a r e p r o p e r t y o f T h e M e s s e n g e r, a n d y o u a g r e e T h e M e s s e n g e r h a s b e e n g r a n t e d t h e n o n - e x c l u s i v e r i g h t t o e d i t, u s e, a n d r e p r o d u c e a n y s u b m i s s i o n. THE MESSENGER SPRING 2013

9 This past year I ve had the honor of serving on the Christian Education Board and traveling to our conferences with Promotional Director Carl Lilly. I plan to visit more conferences throughout the coming months. The Christian Education Board thanks you for your kindness and support and asks for your prayers for the 2013 West Virginia Bible, Music, & Arts competition at Central Free Will Baptist (Huntington) on Saturday, April 13. Many of our churches feel they are not adequately prepared to participate in the state youth competition. However, the Christian Education Board uses the annual competition to prepare our youth for the world we live in today. Proverbs 29:18 says Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. The Christian Education Board is committed to providing the tools necessary to help broaden the knowledge of our children in Christian education. This is done through programs, activities, and the annual competition. If we fail to have a vision for Christian education, then our children will perish. Being a father of two girls, I understand the concerns for the future of our children. This is why I am promoting the Bible, Music & Arts competition. The Christian Education Board also encourages you to consider our Free Will Baptist institutions: Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College (Moore, OK); Free Will Baptist Bible College renamed Welch College (Nashville, TN); and Southeastern Free Will Baptist College (Wendell, NC). Having been a student at Southeastern, I fully realize the expense of an education from a private institution, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 states But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. We encourage you to check out these institutions and consider visiting them on their welcome days. Jeremiah 33:3 tells us to Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. We, as a board, ask that you join us in praying for our youth that we might see great things from them. They are not our hope for the future, but our hope for today. If they are to have a future, we must start now to build a stronger foundation in them. - Thomas Dyer Thomas Dyer serves on the West Virginia Christian Education Board.

10 I N T E R N AT I O N A L M I S S I O N S n e w s a r o u n d t h e wo r l d Goal Set for 2013 WMO (World Missions Offering) January 17, 2013 Antioch, TN Mark Price, serving as the national World Missions Offering chairman, recently announced a goal of having 900 Free Will Baptist churches participating in the World Missions Offering (WMO) in was a monumental year for International Missions, Price acknowledged. The Lord blessed us with the most generous WMO in the history of the effort. We asked Him for 650 churches to partner with us to get our missionaries back to ministry on their respective fields of service. The Lord moved on Free Will Baptist people, and they responded obediently and generously. The 650 churches we asked for became 731, some of which were overseas churches. Director of Advancement Mark McPeak added, Last year we were surprised by the way God moved on the hearts of people. We shouldn t have been, but we were. So, for 2013, we are excited and trusting that His people will respond again. The goal of having 900 churches sign up is a faith goal. But we trust a God who honors our faith and we believe He wants all Free Will Baptist people involved in taking His gospel to the ends of the earth. Please pray with us that, through our obedience, He will amaze us again! Mark Price Ohio pastor, FWBIM board member, and volunteer WMO chairman has enlisted his fellow board members, state leaders, and others committed to getting the gospel to the ends of the earth to head up efforts in their home states. State coordinators are distributing packets with a DVD containing four new WMO videos as well as all past WMO and coin bank videos, information about resources, a poster, and other helpful materials prepared for each stateside church. Churches can sign up by registering on the Mission s website ( ing wmo@fwbgo.com, or calling the Mission office ( ). Honestly, after the December 2011 IM board meeting, I felt that unless the Lord of the Harvest blessed in a miraculous manner within a year we would be decommissioning missionaries, bringing them home for good, Price admits. Instead, General Director Clint Morgan announced missionaries held stateside could return to the people groups to whom they were called to minister. Now, we are prayerfully asking Him for 900 churches to partner with us, so our missionaries can stay where He has led them and more new missionaries can be sent. We prayerfully anticipate His blessing on the 2013 WMO, asking our Free Will Baptist friends to partner with us in prayer and obedient giving. THE MESSENGER SPRING 2013

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12 The Messenger c/o Jeff Bennett 100 West Elm Street Ashland City, TN PRESORT STD US Postage PAID Permit 229 Huntington W V Published Quar terly by the West Virginia State Association of Free Will Baptists 100 West Elm Street Ashland City, TN Rev. Carl Lilly, Promotional Direc tor Home: Cell: clilly21@ zoominternet. net Facebook.com/w vfwb Jeff Bennett, Editor and Publisher Cell: ( 304) jeffb98@ gmail. com the. messenger@ w vfwb. org Cover Photo: Jarro d Skeggs - Cano e at lakeside on a fo ggy spring morning