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September www.mifwb.com 2017

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

God Calls Two Soldiers Home from the Battlefield

Rev Billy E. Brown, Belleville, MI

Age 86, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2017 surrounded by his family following an extended illness. He was born November 18, 1930 in Prestonsburg, KY, the son of Samuel Carl and Wanda (Blevins) Brown. Bro. Brown served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On December 25, 1952, he married Faye Shepherd in West Prestonsburg, and she survives. Bro. Brown was a journeyman welder, working at Evans Products in Plymouth, Massey Ferguson of Detroit and Ford Motor Company, Rawsonville plant. He was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church, Ypsilanti and then was an assistant pastor at Trinity Free Will Baptist Church. He started the Belleville Free Will Baptist Church. Bro. Brown became a full-time pastor at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Detroit. He was an avid bowler and golfer. In addition to his loving wife of 65 years, survivors include: two sons, Billy Keith (Cindy) of Belleville and Dr. Gregory Allen Brown of Flushing, MI; four grandchildren, Scott Brown, Andrea (Tommie) Hughes, Katie Brown and Shannon Brown; and two great grandchildren, Hudson and Harper Hughes. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Helen Sanders and Georgia Settle. The funeral service was Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at the First Free Will Baptist Church, 1244 Holmes Road, Ypsilanti, officiated by Rev. Walker Harris, and Rev. Charles Johnson.

Rev. Thomas McCullough, Clinton Township, MI

Thomas Ross McCullough, born at 11 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 1950 to Calvin and Grace McCullough, and former missionary to France, entered his heavenly home around 7:00 a.m., August 11, 2017, after a long, hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. The 66-year-old achieved victory Friday morning.

Tom grew up in Royal Oak and graduated from Kimball High School in 1969. He attended Oakland University for 2 years playing golf and hockey for the University. Through the influence of Pastor Raymond Riggs, Assistant Pastor Bill Robinson, and Youth Pastor Leroy Welch, Tom accepted the Lord on January 25, 1970. His life now took a new direction and Tom attended Free Will Baptist Bible College (1971-74) in Nashville studying Bible and Pastoral Training, where his senior year he served as Student Body President.

He worked at Central school and Church with Patty Underhill whom he married in March 1977. In 1979 Tom and Patty were approved for missionary service. They spent the 1980s in language school and serving on the mission field in France. In 1988-89 while on deputation he completed his thesis and earned a MA at CIU. Then they returned to France to serve at the church in St. Nazaire.

Appointed as missionaries in May 1979, Tom and his wife, Patty departed for France in August 1980. After language school, they began their work in Rennes, France, with Joe and Barbara Haas. When the Haas family returned to the States for furlough (stateside assignment), the McCulloughs continued in Rennes. While there, the McCulloughs began a student ministry at the University of Rennes.

Later they moved to St. Nazaire to sustain that work while Jerry and Barbara Banks were on stateside assignment. The couple continued in St. Nazaire, working with Jerry and Barbara Gibbs and Patsy Vanhook.

The McCulloughs returned to the States in 1991 when Patty was diagnosed with cancer. Pattys battle with cancer led the couple to resign in 1995. Though embattled with recurring cancer and MS, Tom and Patty yearned to be involved in missions. Tom taught missions at Welch College, impacting the lives of hundreds of students.

Ian Ross was born February 14, 1994 and joined the McCullough Family June 20, 1994.

In October, 2002, Patty, Ian and Tom returned to Michigan to begin his pastoral career at Central. In his selfless love for the growth of the church and the building of the Kingdom of God, Tom encouraged the congregation at Central to hire a younger man of God. He helped to transition the leadership role of Pastor to Jacob Riggs and in 2015 retired from Central. In March, 2015, he joined Riverside Fellowship Church in Clinton Township as assistant Pastor to Steve Thrasher, II.

It was on Friday, August 11, 2017 that Tom went home to be the Lord that he loved and served so faithfully.

Tom is survived by his mother, Grace, sisters Peggy Rickard (Dave), Beth Thompson and Debbie McClure, brother-in-law Bruce Underhill (Julane), 3 nieces and 2 nephews, 1 great niece and 4 great nephews.

In his never-ending commitment to the Great Commission, Go into all the world and preach the Gospel. . ., Tom has set up The Tom and Patty McCullough scholarship fund for mission students at Welch College (formerly known as FWBBC). To honor his final request a contribution to the Foundation, instead of flowers, would be greatly appreciated. Checks should be made payable to The Foundation, with a note in the memo section McCullough Fund. The address is Free Will Baptist Foundation, P.O. Box 5002, Antioch, TN 37013.

Thank you for all your love, wonderful memories shared, and prayers.

Ministries Around the World

Dear Michigan friends,

Its hard to believe that September is just around the corner. Besides returning to our regular church activities like Bible studies and youth meetings, here are some of the things that we have planned:

We will be receiving several guests from our home office in Nashville from September 9-15. We look forward to having Clint & Lynette Morgan and Curt Holland here to spend time with them and show them the ministry here in Spain.

..Alejandro is going to have a small operation on one of his toes to remove a mole. It will also involve a skin graft from another toe, which means a longer recovery time.

Many of the teens from our church will spend the weekend of September 15-17 at a local camp for a youth retreat.

We will have our Fall Field Team meetings where we discuss budgets and make plans for the coming year.

Our children will be attending the Re-Boot Conference in Madrid, an event that focuses on teaching teens how to defend their faith and share the Gospel with those around them.

The Alpedrete Church will begin plans for our Christmas musical in a local cultural center.

Thanks for your prayers and support. We truly thank God upon every remembrance of you!

Tim and Kristi Johnson

Although the fresh corn in our yard and beautiful rose were great to see when we arrived in Bondoukou Thursday night, the best thing about coming home was hearing the stories of lives being touched by personal witness and the Word of God. While we were gone, one of the men we mentor to practice Disciple Making Movement (DMM) activities started a Bible study at the market for a people group from another country. The Word is causing them to re-think many things in their lives. In another setting, K. led a man from another religious worldview to Christ. He had the seeds of the Gospel planted in his life years ago that he thankfully could not forget! When K. shared the truth again, he was ready to become a follower of Jesus.

In yet a third study, a new believer is growing steadily in her faith. Recently the passage shared was Isaiah 59:1-2, Behold, the LORDs hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear; But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. This was new information to her, that sin could prevent the Lord from responding to her prayers. Her application was that she is committed to daily examine her life to stamp out sin. She wants nothing to cause a separation from her Savior.

Starting Monday, the General Assembly of Free Will Baptists convenes here in Bondoukou. Offering hospitality will be our greatest way to serve during the week. We look forward to meeting with brothers and sisters in the Lord whom we have not seen in a long time, being encouraged through the Scriptures, and learning from reports given.

Prayer and Praise:

Pray for Spirit-filled preaching during the week-long General Assembly. Ask for wise decisions during the business, and for unity as FWB Ivorians choose a new president to shepherd their denomination for the upcoming five-year term. The previous president (i.e. moderator in the U.S.) served the maximum two consecutive terms allowed.

Ask for success in following up with pastors and national leaders regarding the Million Village Challenge coming up on September 5-7 in Abidjan. There are logistical problems to overcome, and many organizational details to accomplish among just a few workers.

Pray for the people exposed to the Truth in numerous Bible studies. Ask for the conviction of the Holy Spirit for those who do not know Jesus, and for continuing spiritual growth and multiplication of studies among those who are already in the Kingdom.

Your partners in the Gospel,

Verlin and Debbie

Opportunities at Tecumseh Free Will Baptist Church

Sept 10: 4 One Quartet in Concert at 5:00 p.m.Sept 11 - Sept 15: Tent Revival with Rev Wayne Runyon at 7:00 p.m. nightlySept 24: Pastor Gene Hurleys 10th Anniversary Celebration starting at 11:00 a.m. with dinner to follow! Rev James Caudill preaching!

Michigan General Board Meeting

The next Michigan General Board meeting is scheduled for September 12th at Fox Lake Farm, 9822 Big Lake Road, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346, at 6:00 p.m. A resignation and a replacement is to be considered at this meeting, so it is very important that each member be in attendance. Golfers will meet mid-morning at the Hickory Hollow Golf Course, also on Big Lake Road, before the meeting. Dinner will be served.

Who is on the General Board? Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution reads. The General Board shall consist of the Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Legal Counsel, chairmen of the standing board (Mission Board, Youth Board, Christian Education Board and the Masters Men Board) and the moderator of each district association.

Please notify the Promotional Secretary (email: gnorris4166#gmail.com, or phone at 586-994-8442, or mail at 4166 Maplewood Meadows Avenue, Grand Blanc, MI 48439) of your intention to attend so adequate arrangements may be made for dinner. Also, please let him know if you are interested in playing golf, so tee times may be set.

Book Discussion Group to Meet

Rev. Jacob Riggs, Chairman of the Michigan Missions Board is inviting interested pastors to meet every third Thursday from 11-1pm (beginning September 21) at Panera Bread, 25875 Novi Rd., Novi MI 48377 to discuss the book Revitalize (author: Andrew M. Davis). This book was given to pastors at the Michigan State Association. Pastors not receiving one may purchase a copy from Amazon.com. Subsequent meetings will be October 19 and November 16.

We will be discussing two chapters at each meeting, so come to the September meeting having read chapters 1-2.

Youth Conference Goes Vertical

Vertical Three Conference | Louisville, KY | July 16-19, 2017

The 2017 Vertical Three Conference (VIII) returned to Louisville, Kentucky, and hit a home run for all attendees. Over 3,400 registered participants experienced an incredible week of CTS Ministry Expo events, seminars, service opportunities, and worship services sponsored by Randall House through its Vertical Three department. Highlighting the boldness our hope in Christ brings, the VIII Conference aided attendees in exploring feelings of inferiority, strategies for sharing

faith, and the work of Gods Spirit in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Batting lead-off for the teen service speakers, Michael Smith, pastor of Heritage FWB Church in Ashland, Kentucky, delivered a powerful message on the confident hope all believers possess in Christ. His message revealed how hope in Christ does not put us to shame, but shapes our lives as we serve God.

Brandon Roysden, director of the conference, followed on Sunday evening, encouraging students from around the country to find and prioritize their why for the goal of reaching people for Christ and giving God supreme glory. On Monday evening, Sam McVay, director of mobilization for International Missions, challenged students to be bold for the gospel, allowing its absolute truth to reorient their attitudes and actions. Zane Black, senior high minister at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, hit clean-up for the teen service speakers and did not disappoint. His passionate message targeted how boldness through Christ compels believers to live out their faith in the ever-shifting culture. He motivated students to spend time in prayer and to put their faith into action by reaching out and meeting the needs of others.

The conference also gave the youngest Free Will Baptists the chance to worship through age-specific services. Katie Greenwood led 106 preschoolers in fun crafts, exciting games, and truth-filled Bible lessons each night. Johnny Miller guided 276 first to third graders in Kids Worship, with great music and exciting teaching featuring the theme Off To Seek the Savior.

Over in 456 Worship, Steve Greenwood engaged with 307 energetic kids and discussed characters from the Bible who lived a bold life for God. Pastor Steve positioned those in 456 Worship to see how they too can live boldly for God just like Moses, Esther, and Jesus.

Kids Corner returned this year and was a huge hit. It provided children with an opportunity to expend a little energy during the conference and meet other FWB children. Johnny Miller and his staff managed these fun activities for children on Monday through Wednesday. Children additionally had an opportunity to sing with the first-ever all-ages choir during the Wednesday night missions service.

Under the leadership of Jane Parker, Reach That Guy re-launched this year in Louisville as Serve the City, with many eager participants. This service-oriented ministry provided conference attendees with an opportunity to give of their time and effort to help meet the needs of the host city. Through 23 different service opportunities, 170 conference attendees gave over 2,000 hours of service to the city of Louisville. Participants thoroughly enjoyed their service projects, particularly sorting books and organizing clothing to help meet the needs of the homeless in Louisville.

In addition, 32 pints of blood were received from attendees during the annual convention blood drive. Overall, Serve the City proved a wonderful opportunity for church groups to give back through service while attending the National Association. If you are interested in participating next year, please contact Jane Parker: janeparker.1stfreewillbaptist@gmail.com.

Attendees also gave back during the Tuesday evening Buck-A-Week offering. The year proved to be record setting, as over $11,600 was collected to benefit Rufo and Maria Gomez, North American missionaries in Kentucky, and David and Myriam Reeves, missionaries to France. Coin banks and online giving options are available (www.verticalthree.com) for those deeply concerned about FWB Missions. The 2018 Buck-A-Week offering will help support Josh and Ashley Bennett, missionaries to Tifton, Georgia, and Anthony and Lea Edgmon, missionaries to Alpedrete, Spain.

The GPS (Global Purpose Seekers) Experience guided 280 participants through missionary booths to meet and interact with Free Will Baptist missionaries. This experience allows visitors to hear missionaries share Gods call to take the gospel to unreached peoples. The hope is the experience will give students a fully-orbed global missions experience, where they not only learn about Gods desire for the nations, but also see what Free Will Baptists are doing to follow Him in spreading the hope-filled message of the gospel.

ENGAGE Leadership Network seminar series continues to be a vital addition to the conference. More than 80 breakout sessions explored topics regarding the reliability of Scripture, developing and deploying student-leaders, practical ways to share the gospel, and how to appropriately engage the culturesomething for all participants. Seminar speakers, including those representing International Missions, North American Ministries, Women Nationally Active for Christ (WNAC), and Welch College shared informative and practical truth during the conference. The Engage Leadership Network also offered a childrens ministry and student ministry panel, discussing pressing questions, topics, and solutions for those serving in each respective ministry.

The 2017 Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference continued its long tradition of guiding Free Will Baptist young people to understand their unique personalities and leadership strengths through 10 days of focused spiritual training. This training takes center-stage at VIII as student-leaders serve in a variety of ways, ensuring the conference runs smoothly.

This year, the conference had its largest number of student-leaders ever with 144 students attending from 20 states and three foreign countries. The conference was the first held on the new Welch College campus in Gallatin, Tennessee. With Allen Pointer and staff at the helm, Truth & Peace training culminated in an intense five days of setup, teardown, growth, and selfless service at the VIII Conference. This student-leadership conference is available to any FWB high-school student (grades 9-12) and applications can be found online at www.VerticaThree.com.

The Youth Evangelistic Team (YET) traveled over 1,900 miles, conducting eight services in four states, and working on numerous service projects. Team leaders Jeremy and Beth Thomas did an outstanding job directing the program and mentoring students. Jeremy also assisted the group in leading worship (pictured above) for the VIII Conference, partnering with Mike Lewis to prepare, practice, and execute each nights service. The 2018 YET Team will go out West for the 2018 summer tour.

If you were unable to attend the Vertical Three Conference in Louisville, please make plans now to attend the 50-year celebration of VIII in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 22-25. Next year, the conference will explore the theme Unseen from Hebrews 11:1, as Vertical Three helps students stand in a culture often hostile to their Christian faith. For updates throughout the year, visit www.VerticaThree.com.

Vertical Three Snapshot

Registration: 3,457; Truth & Peace: 144 participants; Competitive Entries: 953; Serve the City: 170 volunteers; Over 2,000 hours, 23 projects; Buck-A-Week Offering: $11,600; Youth Worker of the Year - Allen Hood (OK);

Youth of the Year - Whitney Moody (MS); Youth Group of the Year - Ina Impact (IL); Jim Lauthern Legacy Award - Jerrod Vickers

2018 YET TeamMason McClintock (GA), Anna Pinson (TN), Meredith Baer (NC), Layla England (KY), Nate Mattingly (KY), Krista Lindsay (AL), Abby Myers (MI), Kyle Wallace (TN), Noah Ward (AR), Collin Long (MO), Samuel Rodriguez (FL), Helen Shtefan (FL), Elisa Seabolt (AR)

Download VIII photos: www.nafwb.yerbyphotography.com

2017 Convention at a Glance

Registration: NAFWB attendees 3,800; Vertical Three 3,457; Total Attendees 4,603

Elected in 2017

Board of Home Missions 2023: Bob Lewis (TN), Josh Baer (NC), David Sexton (VA)

Board of Retirement 2023: Danny Baer (NC), James Beasley (SC), Jack Daniel (GA)

Free Will Baptist Foundation: 2021 Scott Coghill (NC), 2023 - Bobby Edwards (TN), Melissa Harralson

Commission for Theological Integrity 2022: Kevin Hester (TN)

Historical Commission 2022: Willie Martin (GA)

Music Commission 2022: Doug Little (TN)

Media Commission 2022: Marc Neppl (VA)

General Board: Daniel Edwards (IN), David Inman (IA), Josh Bush (KS), Ashley Kidd (KY), Bud Bivens (MX), Jimmy Lawson (MI), Wayne Hale (MID-ATL), Larry Reynolds (MS), Stan Bunch (MO), Mark Shores (NM)

Executive Committee 2017: Stan Bunch (MO), Wayne Hale (MID-ATL) Daniel Edwards (IN)

General Officers: Moderator - Tim York (TN), Assistant Moderator - William Smith (GA), Clerk - Randy Bryant, (FL), Assistant Clerk - Ernie Lewis (IL)

Downloadconventionphotos:www.nafwb.yerbyphotography.com

Available Speakers

Rev. Don Viers (734)476-3357; donviers@gmail.com

Rev. Mike Bader (734)934-3597; mbader79@yahoo.com

Rev. Louis Tolbert (734)461-6435 or (734)845-7843

Rev. Gary Ward (734)217-6030 or (734)331-2491

Bro. Robert Esler (Lay Speaker from Rouge FWB Church in Wyandotte)

Bro. Brian Newton (Ordained deacon at First FWB Church of Pontiac) - (248)425-6887; brianbigfig@gmail.com

Welch College Campus Dedication& 75th Anniversary Celebration

Friday, September 29, 2017 | 10:00 AM