The Meaning of the Cross
Volume 56 Number 2 MarchApril 2016
“The Voice of Ohio Free Will Baptists Proclaiming The Voice of Ohio Free Will Baptists Proclaiming The Words of Christ to a Lost World”The Words of Christ to a Lost World”
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AMBASSADORAMBASSADOR
his is the time of year when we begin focusing
on the cross. I think it is interesting on how the
cross is used in our society. It is the symbol of a great
relief agency and a wellknown insurance company.
Many people you see on the streets will wear a cross
in a necklace or earring. I wonder how many really
know the true meaning of the cross!
The Apostle Paul sure thought that the cross carried
great meaning. In his first letter to the Corinthians, he
was writing to a church that was in great turmoil. The
membership had divided into groups, they were tak
ing each other to court, there was open immorality
going on, they were mixed up about marriage, some
were getting drunk at the communion table, they were
misusing spiritual gifts and to top it all off, some said
there was no resurrection!
If you were trying to help a church as messed up as
this one, where would you start? Paul decided in the
first chapter that he would take this church back to the
beginning of their salvationthe cross! “For Christsent me not baptize, but to preach the gospel: not withwisdom of words lest the cross of Christ should bemade of none effect. For the preaching of the cross isto them that perish foolishness; but unto us which aresaved it is the power of God.”
The cross is a good place to bring a messed up church,
a messed up life, a messed up marriage or a messed
up nation!
What did Paul mean by preaching of the cross? What
did the cross mean in his day?
The Cross Means GuiltIf Paul saw someone carrying a cross, he immediate
ly would think of guilt. That person was judged
guilty of a capital crime and judgement was being
served on him.
When Jesus took the cross it was not for any crime
that He had committed, it was for my crimes! He
took our place on the cross! We should always
remember that Jesus paid for our guilt upon the cross.
This thought would help the Corinthians to humble
themselves and appreciate the grace given to them by
Christ on the cross.
The Cross Means RejectionA man with a cross in that day was being rejected by
society, to be taken out of town and crucified.
Jesus surely faced rejection when He took the cross,
from His own family, his friends and his nation. He
faced the “sting” of rejection so that we would not
have to be rejected at the final judgment.
But those that follow Christ will surely face rejection
that the cross brings. Jesus told us as much. “If theworld hate you, ye know that it hated me before theworld hated you.” John 15:18
No doubt Paul wanted the Corinthians to not be
focused on being accepted by the world, but to rejoice
in being accepted by God.
The Cross Means ShameShame covered the man with a cross in that day. All
would be ashamed of a man with a cross, an awful
shame, the worst shame.
Jesus surely endured shame on the cross. They
mocked Him unmercifully. The soldiers, the religious
leaders and the crowd all heaped upon Jesus the great
est shame possible.
Those who bear the cross today will surely face
shame for their belief in Christ.
Paul wanted the Corinthians to quit seeking the best
gifts and the best positions and to be willing to bear
shame for Him.
The Cross Means SufferingYou knew the man carrying a cross in that day would
be suffering. To be crucified would be the most horri
ble, painful way to die.
Jesus surely suffered. He suffered physical pain, lone
liness and thirst.
Those that carry a cross will suffer for Christ. The
cross carries a heavy price in society. Down through
the ages, countless Christians have endured great suf
fering for their loyalty to the cross. I think we are see
ing the beginnings of it in our society.
The Corinthians were being taught that those
that claim the cross are not always claiming their
rights!
The Cross Means SeparationThe man with a cross was surely being separated. He
was being separated from his family, friends and soci
ety.
Jesus felt the bitterness of separation. He not only
was separated from his friends, family and nation, the
cross separated Him from His beloved heavenly
Father!
Those who claim the cross will surely feel this same
separation as well. There are some places you can’t
go and people you can’t have fellowship with,
because the cross separates us.
Paul wanted to let the Corinthians know that the cross
means separated living.
The Cross Means DeathA man with a cross was going to die. He wasn’t com
ing back. You would see Him no more.
Jesus truly faced death on the cross. The reason was
that we didn’t simply need an example on how to live,
but we needed a Savior who could pay our sin debt.
When I see Jesus bleeding and dying on the cross, I
see the most beautiful Gift the world has ever known.
Does the cross mean death to us? Have we died to our
opinions? our desires? our motives? our wants? our
passions? Isn’t this the picture of our old life which
has passed away when we are buried in baptism?
This is attitude that Paul was presenting to the
Corinthains that many of their problems would be
over if they would be “dead” to the attitudes of the
world!
The meaning of the cross is guilt, rejection, shame
suffering, separation and death. May we this Easter
take time to go back to the cross and contemplate it’s
meaning in our own lives.
Edwin Hayes
T
2016 Ohio Men’s Retreat Report
On January 2123, 2016 The Lord’s presence was felt by 341 men assembled at the Heartland
Retreat Center to see what God had in store for them at retreat.
Thursday, January 21st
The first service was held in the afternoon with Ohio Promotional Secretary Edwin Hayes giving
a welcome to the men. Bro. Bryon Justice of Canaan FWB in Creston led the music for all the
services with Bro. David Crank from the Cornerstone FWB Church in Mansfield playing the
keyboard. Bro. Marcus Bailey, from the Mansfield FWB Church provided the special music.
Rev. Jim McComas, North American Ministries Director of Church Revitalization brought the
message, “It’s Not As Bad As it Seems” from Luke 10. In this sermon, Bro. Jim gave great
encouragement for victory whatever circumstances we see in life. After the service, Missionary
Daryl Grimes and gave a report on the Flagship Church in Erie, PA.
That evening, the men assembled for the second service. The special singing was provided by
Brother Jim McComas from the North American Ministries. Retired U.S Army Chaplin Kerry
Steedley then preached a message about, “Four Gifts of Mutual Ministry” from Romans 1. This
message let know that we all must share our gifts for the betterment of the body of Christ. After
the service, Brad Ransom from National Home Missions and Sam McVay, from the
International Mission Department gave updates on their works.
When we dismissed the service, the Ohio Men’s Choir under the direction of Bro. Bryon Justice
formed and practiced. The men enjoyed fellowship, recreation and music throughout the retreat
center.
Friday, January 22nd
In the first service on Friday morning, Rittman Community FWB with Pastor Johnny Castle pro
vided the special music and Kerry Steedley preached the message, “I Pledge Allegiance to…
from Joshua 24:1415 which made the point that we must reaffirm our dedication and loyalty to
our nation, Christ and the Bible.
The second service began with Chad Cordell from the Woodstock Church providing the special
music. Bro. Jim McComas preached on the subject, "The Importance of the Word of God" from
II Timothy 4:12. He made the point that we must proclaim and be committed to the word.
We gave attendance awards Friday afternoon. The first category, “Most First Time Attendees”
the Rosedale Church pastored by Jason Meade won first place by bringing four new attendees!
The Puritan Church pastored by Jamie Fortner, won second place with three new attendees.
There was a 7 way tie for 3rd place, with Lighthouse, Southwest, Unity, Neville, Rittman,
Flagship and Lebanon with two new attendees each.
In the second category, “Most Men Attending in Relation to Church Membership” the Lighthouse
Church pastored by Matt Sury won first place with 27.7% of their membership in attendance.
The Rosedale Church pastored by Jason Meade came in second place with 25.7% and Antioch
pastored by Rick Henderson came in third place with 23.2%.
In the final category, “Most Men in Attendance, the Canaan Church pastored by Mike Gladson
won with 36 men in attendance! Second place was a tie by Rosedale Church pastored by Jason
Meade and Lighthouse Church pastored by Matt Sury with 18 in attendance. Third place was a
tie with Flagship Church pastored by Daryl Grimes and Woodstock Church pastored by Russell
Street with 12 men each.
In the afternoon service the Ohio Men’s Choir under the direction of Bro. Bryon Justice pro
vided the special music and they did a great job! Kerry Steedley preached the message entitled,
"Prayer of Faith" from James 5:1318. In the message Bro. Steedley gave his personal testimony
of how prayer had blessed and influenced him. Afterwards, David Williford from the Welch
College gave greetings.
The Representatives from Canaan FWB in Creston provided a concert before the evening serv
ice. They also provided the special music for the service.
Jim McComas then preached a message on, “It Just May Be”. He showed whatever the odds we
face, we must be willing to go into battle trusting that the Lord will do something. During the
altar call, we saw a man wonderfully saved! This was the greatest moment of the retreat!
Ohio Moderator Mark Price dismissed the men to their individual meetings in the dorm rooms.
These services are a very special time of sharing and bonding the men enjoy yearly at the retreat.
There was sharing together, singing, preaching and praying in the rooms.
Saturday, January 23rdIn the first morning service, Bryon Justice led the music and wellknown Southern Gospel
Singer J.B. Spencer sang. Kerry Steedley preached message, “Receive the
Gift of Love .” This message challenged us to be committed to loving our
wives.
In the last service, Eugene Crouch pastor of the Unity FWB Church provided the special music.
Jim McComas came to preach the last message of the retreat. In his message “The Power of the
Basket.” He challenged the men to be aware of those who we have influencethose in our basket!
We thank the Lord for once again making His presence felt throughout the retreat. We are very
appreciative of what the He is doing for our men through this ministry!
Edwin HayesExecutive Secretary
EDITOR Edwin Hayes7554 Slate Ridge Blvd
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068(614) 7511190
[email protected] MODERATOR Mark Price*
2710 Dogwood Ridge RoadWheelersburg, Ohio 45694
(740) 9350328mark@porterchurch
ASSISTANT MODERATOR Tom Dooley*4697 Crabwood Drive
Austintown, Ohio 44518(330) 7925700
[email protected] Bryon Justice*
4857 State RoadMedina, Ohio 44256
(330) 6189609bjustice[email protected]
ASSISTANT CLERK Manuel Lopes*[email protected]
GENERAL BOARD
Charles Crider* (Little Miami) 2017Tim Crank (Lawrence) 2017Ed Barney (Jackson) 2017Mike Martin (Great Lakes) 2017Bill Chadwick (Franklin) 2017Robert Prichard (CuyahogaLorain) 2017Russell Street* (Central Ohio) 2017Jeremy Luthy* (Tri State) 2017Randy Rose (Northeastern) 2017Randy Keffer (Capital City) 2017Leroy Dodrill (Northern Ohio) 2016Densil Wright (Trinity) 2016Bert Alsept (South Central) 2016Dan King* (Porter) 2016Aaron Reed (Pine Creek) 2016Bill Pitts (State Line) 2016Blaine Etterling (Cornerstone) 2016James Webb (North & Western) 2016Nic Cartee (Southern Ohio) 2016
*Executive Committee
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Wallace 2022Mike Mounts 2021Chris Oiler 2020Peter Dunn 2019Mitch Salyers 2018Eugene Crouch 2017Bill Hayes 2016
STATE CTS BOARD
Marcus Bailey 2022J.D, Webb 2021Mark McCarty 2020Jason Luthy 2019Adam McCarty 2018Deanna Price 2017Mike Sammons 2016
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Don Hix 2016Dan King 2016Paul Ray Etterling II 2016
NATIONAL GENERAL BOARD MEMBER
Edwin Hayes 2018
STATE MISSIONS BOARD
Roger Daniel 2022Mike Gladson 2021Paul Ray Etterling II 2020Jerry Sargent 2019Roland Luthy 2018Bruce Copley 2017Tim Stout 2016
The AMBASSADOR is the official publication of the:
OHIO STATE ASSOCIATION
OF FREE WILL BAPTISTS
7554 Slate Ridge Blvd.
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
The Ambassador is committed to promoting thecause of Jesus Christ and the Ohio State Associationof Free Will Baptists by presenting articles,announcements and pertinent news to inform ourmember churches and constituents.
We reserve the right to edit or reject materialssubmitted for publication in the Ambassador. Theviews expressed are not necessarily the view ofthe 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 giftsgiven to the Ambassador should be sent to theabove address.
March 13 Rosedale SS & AM Service, Jason Meade, Pastor
March 15 Ohio Budget Committee Meeting
March 20 High Street SS & AM Service, James Webb, Pastor
March 27 Porter AM Service, Mark Price, Pastor
April 3 Oak Hill SS & AM Service, Allen Simpson, Pastor
April 10 Antioch SS & AM Service, Rick Henderson, Pastor
April 17 New Hope AM Service, George Grice, Pastor
April 24 McGuffey SS & AM Service, David Trusty, Pastor
April 2730 North Revival, Bill Chadwick, Pastor
May 1 Pleasant Hill AM Service, Greg Lyons, Pastor
May 911 First Springfield Revival, Mark Rucker, Pastor
May 15 Liberty SS & AM Service, Cecil Farmer, Pastor
Secretary’s Schedule
Together We Can
The dates for the 2017 retreat are January 19-21st.
Mark those dates down and plan to attend!
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 3
Save the Date!!!!
National HomeMission
Church GrowthConference
September 16-17,2016
Sponsored by the Ohio StateAssociation of Free Will Baptists
Heritage FWBChurch
575 Obetz RoadColumbus, Ohio 43207
Ohio Youth ConferenceNews!
We trust the Lord has blessed our churches
and youth so far in 2016. Here are some
dates to keep in mind for this year:
March 25 –OYC Competitions Entry
Deadline – Please have your competition entry
forms postmarked or emailed by this date to make sure we have time to
process everything and get back to you with any questions. Please send your
entries to: Deanna Price 2720 Dogwood Ridge Road Wheelersburg, Ohio
45694 Email: [email protected]
April 9 – OYC Competitions – Heritage FWBC – Registration begins at
9:00 am. Competition begins at 10:00 am. OYC will once again provide lunch.
This year’s NYC theme is: Transform (Romans 12:2).
June 1 – OYC Scholarship Applications due – Applications and more
details will be made available later this year. Remember, Ohio youth that par
ticipated in OYC Competition in age category D and are, or will be, attending
any Free Will Baptist college are eligible to apply. Winners will be announced
at the State Meeting in June.
June 24 – OYC Friday Evening Youth Services and activities –Heritage FWBC.
July 1720 – National Association of Free Will Baptists – Kansas City,
Missouri.
Visit
www.NAFWB.orgfor additional
convention
information.
CONVENTION HOUSING2016 National Association of Free Will Baptists
Prepare Personal Information
You will need the following:*Name(s)
*Address, City, State, Zip
*Phone/email
*Credit card information
*Special requests:Wheelchair AccessibilityRollaway BedCrib
Contact the Hotel of
Choice
*Online Reservations willopen Monday, May 9th, 9:00amCT (10:00am.ET)No phone reservations will beaccepted on this day. Links toonline reservations will be atwww.nafwb.org.
*Phone reservations will openTuesday, May 10, 9:00am CT(10:00am ET).Online reservations are highlyencouraged to avoid long waittimes.
*Group Reservations: Groupsmaking eight or more reservations should contact conventionmanager Ryan Lewis (8777677659) until April 29 for moreinformation regarding groupreservations.
Things to remember
*Hotels have been instructedNOT TO ACCEPT reservationsbefore opening day.
*A nonrefundable cancellationfee of the first night’s room and taxwill be charged for any cancelledreservation.
*Hotel rates do not include16.85% tax and $1.75 city occupancy feel.
*Available rooms may be postedat www.nafwb.org for transfer.
Reservation Cutoff Date:
Friday, June 17, 2016
Kansas City Marriott Downtown (HQ)$132 per night Phone 1/877/3030104
The Aladdin Holiday Inn Hotel$125 per night Phone 1/877/2242870
Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown$122 per night Phone 1/888/2339527
Visitus on the web
www.OhioFWB.orgor our
Facebook Page
FIRST SPRINGFIELD (FRANKLIN)
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things throughChrist which strengtheneth me." Hello everyone.
Our yearly candlelight service was a very spir
itual and comforting experience. We need that
to reflect back and to look forward in our
Christian life
We were challenged again this year to start
reading the Bible. It’s always rewarding when
you complete it no matter how long it takes.
Danny Fraley was the winner of the 2016
Slogan contest this year. The slogan is “Always
Put on a Ribbon” It will be handed out at our
rally day service which is on Easter.
We always look forward to our 24 hour fast. It
is very humbling to the young and the old. We
had wonderful services, videos and discussions.
We helped out at a local food bank and deliv
ered boxes of food to some families in need, but
the most wonderful thing was we had someone
get saved during the fast. God is so good you
can be saved anywhere, just take the step.
We are really looking forward to our revival
May 911th. Rev Edwin Hayes will be preach
ing.
May the good Lord keep you and your loved
ones in loving arms
Mark Rucker, Pastor
Linda O'Neal, Reporter
REDEEMER (CENTRAL OHIO)
Greetings from Redeemer to our brothers and
sisters in Christ! We know that “the Lord isclose to the brokenhearted; he rescues thosewhose spirits are crushed.” Our congregation
has suffered two losses in February. Faithful
and willing worker, Don Hall, was called home
on Feb. 14th. We will surely miss his faithful
ness and sense of humor. The daughter of Pat
and Tom Reno died unexpectedly on Saturday,
Feb. 20th. We grieve this loss along with these
faithful parents. While our hearts are heavy
with these losses, we rejoice over heaven’s
gain! Please pray for these families.
The Men’s Prayer Breakfasts will be held at
Castles, in Mechanicsburg, on Saturday, March
19th, and Saturday, April 16, at 8:00 a.m. We
would love to have other men join with us for
fellowship.
The ladies’ group meets on the last Wednesday
of each month at 7:00 p.m. Sister Barbara Rife
will be leading the devotions on March 30th and
Sister Janet Yoho will be leading on April 27th.
Bro. Freddy Dutton will be bringing the mes
sage to our congregation on Sunday, March 13,
at 10:30 a.m. We look forward to what is sure
to be an inspiring message. Also on Sunday,
March 13, at 6:00 p.m. Sister Christi Baldwin
and the youth group will be having an Easter
Puppet Show. Please come out to join us!
A Women’s Tea will be held on Saturday, May
7th, from 24 p.m. at Madison Senior Living,
London, Ohio. We would love to have other
women join us for fellowship.
We ask for prayers for Sister Dottie Hix, wife
of our pastor, who will be having back surgery
on March 8th.
Please continue to pray for Redeemer as we
move forward in getting closer to the Lord and
learning how to better serve Him in our com
munity.
Donald Hix, Pastor
Nena Dillon, Reporter
HERITAGE (CAPITAL CITY)
Hello from Heritage! What a cold winter sea
son, but we are so thankful that God warms our
hearts!
We have enjoyed our 5th Upward Basketball
and Cheerleading season. It will soon be com
ing to an end. It’s been great to get to know so
many new faces and we pray that the ministry
has in some way reached others for Christ. We
are looking forward to our Awards Ceremony
on March 9th. Church planter to Portsmouth,
VA/ former youth pastor, Kevin Bass will be
our guest speaker.
We have many special things coming up this
spring. Palm Sunday at 6pm, we will have an
Easter Drama and Choir Cantata Preview. We
will observe the Lord’s Supper on Maundy
Thursday service on March 24th at 7pm. Good
Friday, March 25th we will be showing the film
“The Passion of the Christ” at 6pm. Pastor Josh
has an Easter event planned for the children
Friday evening as well. You do not want to miss
this! Our Easter Sunrise Service will begin at
7am, followed by breakfast, Sunday School,
and our Easter worship service.
We are very excited about our upcoming
Couples Conference at Heritage April 12nd.
Our conference speakers are Dann and Brenda
Patrick. Homecoming Day will be April 24th
at 10am with Jim Marcum as our guest speak
er.
We have Bible Study each Wednesday at 11am
& 7pm. Everyone is welcome! Keep praying
and working for souls to be added to the king
dom of God!
Tim W. Stout, Pastor
Stephanie Wolfe, Reporter
URBANA (CENTRAL OHIO)
Greetings in the name of our Lord. We pray
that everyone is surviving the winter weather
and looking forward to the coming spring. God
has surely blessed us with a mild winter this
year. In January we had elections for the com
ing year.
In honor of Valentine’s day, our youth of the
church treated all of the adults to a very deli
cious meal with the intent of raising money for
youth activities. The meal was prepared and
served under the guidance of Tomi and Mike
Baldwin. They did a very fine job. After the
meal, the youth provided us with entertainment
consisting of a puppet show and various musi
cal numbers. This was enjoyed by all who
attended and we are looking forward to the next
time.
Feb. 14th, for our evening service, we were
joined by Bro. Dave Nichole David, missionary
to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. We
enjoyed his presentation and continue to pay
and wish him well in his ministry.
We have many in our church family who have
been going through surgeries, illness and loss of
loved ones.. We ask that you keep them in your
prayers that God will touch them.
Trusting God may not make a mountain small
er, but will make the climbing easier. We pray
you will be able to climb all your mountains
today and every day. Wishing you blessed days
ahead!
Grant Cordell, Pastor
Barbi Johnson, Reporter
SOUTH CHARLESTON (LITTLE MIAMI)
Once again it is a pleasure to report to the
Ambassador for the church in South Charleston,
is looking good. A few weeks back we had our
yearly business meeting. Everything went well.
Now we have a new pastor, Rev. Bert Alsept
and his wife Petie. Thank the Lord for them.
He is a good man of God. All other offices
remained the same. We had two take member
ship.
We lost one sister, Alice Brooks, the wife of
the late Rev. Homer Brooks. She has moved to
Tennessee where she can be with her children
and grandchildren. We miss her at the church
and we pray she will have a happy life there.
Remember all the sick in the church, there are
so many. Pray that they will always stay true
and faithful and work for the upbuilding of our
church and Christ’s kingdom.
Bert Alsept, Pastor
Garnett S. Adams, Reporter
DEAN ROAD (NORTHERN OHIO)
Greetings to all our brothers and sisters in the
Lord.
Christmas seems like a dream and our New
Year is moving right along. He blessed us
through all the holidays with a wonderful
Christmas play that Sister Jennetta Davis put
together. We thank all that were involved in the
play. The ladies of the church put on a good
dinner for Christmas and they did great in the
dinner we just had for the Northern Ohio
Conference. One special sister we would like to
give honor to is Sister Debbie Hunt, who organ
izes all our church dinners. Our church appre
ciates all our sisters in the church for their work.
Sister April Thompson is working with the
young ladies of the church in getting things
ready for our Bible School, which will be June
27 to July 1st. All are welcome, and if you want
to donate your time or money to help them in
getting it ready, you may contact Bro. Darrel
Arnett, Superintendent. His cell number is 419
571 4497.
Our church is doing well thanks to the Lord.
So let’s pray for one another and for all the
churches that are trying to carry out the Lord’s
work.
Earl Tackett, Pastor
Darrel Arnett, Reporter
SUMMIT COMMUNITY
Greetings in the Lord from Summit
Community FWB Church.
Please pray for our church, as we have had
much illness and loved ones with cancer and
such.
We pray that everyone had a blessed Christmas
and Happy New Year. Now that winter is upon
us we are looking forward to spring, that we
may get out into the neighborhood and witness
for our Lord. We hope to see souls saved and
are looking forward to growing our church and
fellowship in Christ. Through the holidays God
blessed us to help eight poor and needy families
with $200.00 food baskets.
May God bless each of you as we work for
Him in spirit and truth.
God bless our nation and pray for Israel.
Rick Baker, Pastor
Irene Litton, Reporter
WESTERVILLE (FRANKLIN)
Our WWAC sponsored a cake decorating class
on Jan. 23rd, given by Lucie Patterson. On Feb.
6th we had a Valentine party for our church
family. Refreshments were served. A delight
ful evening with fun, games and fellowship was
enjoyed by all.
Sunday, Jan. 31st was Youth Sunday. They
had charge of our morning worship service and
did a splendid job. The youth has been on a
weekend mission trip to Chicago, Ill. They
shared that with us. Jan. 30th they all went on
a snow tubing trip. Our youth are preparing for
a mission trip to El Salvador in 2016 and are
having fundraising events. They sold different
varieties of sub sandwiches recently. They had
a pancake breakfast on March 5th.
The OWAC cookbook sale is up and running.
Any lady who doesn’t have one is missing a real
treat.
Until next time, God bless everyone.
Paul Etterling, Pastor
Grace McKinster, Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 4
Bethlehem Without Pastor
Blackfork Without Pastor
Cornerstone Bill Crank
Eifort Without Pastor
Fleming Avenue Without Pastor
Kent Without Pastor
Mount Hope Gary Selby
Old Kyger Without Pastor
Zaleski Mark Rood
Zion #3 Rich Bishop Resigns
PastorChanges
ChurchNews
Bro. Ovid "Butch" Trotter, 72, of Oak Hill,
went to be with his Heavenly Father January
28th. During his life, Butch served his country
by serving in the Air Force and Vietnam War; he
also served his community in the Police, Fire,
and EMS Services of Oak Hill. He retired from
the Village of Oak Hill, as the Superintendent of
Public Works and Holzer ER of Jackson. He
served as a Deacon at Oak Hill Free Will Baptist
Church. He leaves behind his beloved wife,
Phyllis Carter Trotter, of 54 wonderful years of
marriage; his two sons, David (Vicki) of South
Carolina and Brian of Oak Hill; three grand
children, Joshua, Stephanie, and Patrick Trotter;
and his mother Helen V. Mitchell of South
Carolina. He is preceded in death by his father,
Thomas J. Trotter.
Services were held January 31st, at the funeral
home.
Sister Bonnie J. Meade,
age 75, of Grove City, went
home to be with her Lord
and Savior January 26th.
Bonnie was a loving and
caring wife, mother, and
grandmother that cherished
her time with her family.
Her love was often dis
played through her hospitality, as everyone was
welcome in her home, especially at her kitchen
table. She was preceded in death by her parents
Tommy Gamble, and Mary Estep. She is sur
vived by her loving and devoted husband of 46
years, Charlie Meade, daughters Wanda
(Anthony) Lindsay, Joyce Lockard, and Debbie
(Jim) Carney, soninlaw Mike Clark, eight
grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and
many other family and loved ones.
Her funeral service was held February 1st at
the funeral home conducted by Pastor Mike
Sammons.
Bro. Edward Scott, 76, of
Akron, went home to be
with the Lord January 23rd.
He was born on October 9,
1939 in Pikeville, Kentucky
to the late Roy and Mollie
Scott. Ed retired from Ford
Motor Company with over
40 years of service and was
a member of the UAW. He attended both
Liberty FWB Church and True Vine Old
Regular Baptist Church. In his free time, he
enjoyed fishing with his family and friends.
Above all, Ed was devoted to his family. He
loved family get togethers and never missed his
grandchildren's events. In addition to his par
ents, Ed was preceded in death by his brothers,
Paul, Charles, Ben, and Emmit Scott; sister,
Mona Scott; and daughterinlaw, Angie Scott.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of
51 years, Carlene Scott; children, Mike (Tracy)
Scott, Danny Scott, and Denna (Jon) Steiner;
sisterinlaw, Shelby Scott; nine grandchildren;
eight greatgrandchildren; many nieces,
nephews, relatives and friends.
His funeral services were held Jan. 30th with
Brother Dennis Elkins and Pastor Cecil Farmer
officiating.
Former FWB Missionary Dawn Sweeney, 57,
passed away after years of declining health on
January 5th in Nashville. She was a graduate of
Welch College, a former employee of FWB
International Missions and FWB Family
Ministries. In recent years she was plagued with
serious health issues and at the time of her death
had been diagnosed with both Parkinson’s and
fibromyalgia. She was preceded in death by her
parents Rev. and Mrs. Winston Sweeney of
Kingsport, TN and is survived by a brother
Winston Larry Sweeney.
A memorial service was conducted at Cross
Timbers Free Will Baptist Church January 12th.
Bro. Charles King a member of the Zaleski
Church passed away on Feb. 7th. He will be
sadly missed.
Bro. Jim Hayes 56 of
Columbus, Ohio formerly
of Louisa passed away Feb.
12th at Mt. Carmel East fol
lowing a long illness. Jim
was born Feb. 5, 1960 in
Columbus, Ohio the son of
the late Rev. James Arthur
and Frankie Faye
Thompson Hayes. He was a mechanic and
attended the Hillview FWB Church. Survivors
include four daughters Heather Panjon and hus
band Ramiro, Jayme Hayes, Shara Hayes, and
Kara Hayes all of Columbus, Ohio; five grand
children Hayleigh, Hayden, Kilynn, Kaison,
and Landon; a sister Priscilla Hayes of Fort
Gay, WV, and a brother Rev. Bill Hayes and
wife Cheri of Delaware, Ohio.
Funeral services were held Feb. 15th at the
Louisa FWB Church with Rev. Bill Hayes and
Rev. Willie Gene Hayes officiating.
Bro. Tony Street, brother to Woodstock Pastor
Russell Street passed away on January 26th in
Kingsport, TN.
Bro. Gail Wesley Allen,
57, of Chillicothe, passed
away February 10th at
the Berger Hospice Care
Center in Circleville, fol
lowing an extended bat
tle with cancer. He was
born October 5, 1958, in
Oak Hill, Ohio, to the
late Roy Edward Allen
and Victoria Delores (Moore) Crabtree. On
August 14, 1993, he married Cheryl (Legg)
Allen, who survives. Also surviving are their
children, Shawn Allen, of Chillicothe, Jessica
BatemanNutt, and Michael Bateman, both of
Columbus; seven grandchildren, Jacob
BatemanMadden, Cameron Madden, Michael
Jr. and Michelle Bateman, Wesley Allen, Layla
Bateman, and Jordin Bateman; three sisters,
Debbie (Dennis) Ramsey, Delores (Steve)
Steele, and Joyce (Tony) Murray, all of
Chillicothe; as well as numerous aunts, uncles,
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including
his canine companion, Zac. In addition to his
parents, Gail was preceded in death by his step
mother, Dorothy Allen; and his stepfather,
Ernest Crabtree.
Gail was a member of the First Chillicothe
Free Will Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing
guitar and bowling.
Funeral services were held February 16th at
Haller Funeral Home with Pastor Mitch Salyers
officating.
Bro. Vineard “Bing”
Browning, a member
of the Reynoldsburg
Church passed away on
January 22nd. Bing
was born on November
20, 1956. He is sur
vived by his wife
Kathleen, daughter
Angela and Mark
Pelfrey, grandchildren Kortnee, Natalee, Kaylee
and Jeremiah Pelfrey.
At the Reynoldsburg FWB Church he taught the
adult SS class, helped with Awana and was the
head trustee. He loved the Lord and was a very
caring man who helped everyone he touched.
His services were held January 30th at the
Reynoldsburg FWB Church with Pastor Jerry
Sargent officiating.
Bro. Bob Jones, 91 years old, was a past dea
con and Sunday School Teacher for the teen
class at the Oak Hill Church. He went to heav
en on Jan. 21st.
ZALESKI
We need to be busy sharing Jesus’ love to oth
ers and winning them for Jesus. The time is
growing short before Jesus’ return. We need to
be busy about the Lord’s return. We need to be
busy about the Lord’s work. Continue to
remember Nancy Rood in prayer that the Lord
will continue to comfort and strengthen her. We
love her very much and she is very special to us.
We have elected Mark Rood as our new pas
tor. We feel this is what Ferrell Rood would
have wanted. Bro. Mark had a wonderful time
at the men’s retreat and came back refreshed
and revived.
We have set aside the first Monday night of
each month as a fellowship get together. We had
our first one starting in February. A good time
was had by all.
We had a Valentine’s dinner Feb. 13th. There
was a lot of food, fun and fellowship. We had an
ordination ceremony for Nathan Broome Feb.
28th to be a deacon.
We will be having an Easter Sunrise Service
and breakfast before Sunday services.
Plans are being made for our VBS program to
be held June 610th. Our theme is “Ocean
Commotion” about Noah and the ark. Pray for
the children that come that we’ll be able to
touch their hearts with the lessons.
Have a blessed Easter and alway remember
Jesus and the cross. Remember the military
their families, the nation, our leaders and nurs
ing home ministries in your prayers.
Tell someone you love them and really mean
it!
Mark Rood, Pastor
Linda McKibben, Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 5
Condolences
The Family of Ferrell M. Rood
Would like to thank everyone forthe flowers, food, kindness andthoughtfulness during the death
of our husband, father and
grandfather.
Violet Maynard Family4th Annual Gospel Sing
(Donations accepted to benefit Reynoldsburg FWB Women Active for Christ Annual Women’s Retreat
Violet Maynard at 6144961618 (www.violetmaynard.com) or Reynoldsburg FWB at 6148612004
ZION #3
We try to have special singers each month at
Zion and dinners or special events are added to
keep the church interesting.
Bro. Rich Bishop, our pastor of many years
resigned in the summer. He has been battling a
very serious infection in his right foot for a cou
ple of months. He needs everyone’s prayers. He
may have to have an amputation.
Chuck Phillips, Asst. Pastor
Vickie Mapes, Reporter
FAITH (CUYAHOGALORAIN)
We were richly blessed in 2015to God be the
glory!
We are looking forward to a new year working
with a wonderful group of people who love the
Lord.
On Jan. 89th we attended a great conference
held at Unity FWB. We enjoyed the word and
fellowship.
We lost a friend, Jewell Hatfield Jan. 19th.
Pray for the family. On Jan. 27th Bro. Allen
Bates lost his battle to cancer. Do remember his
family as well.
On Feb. 7th Missionaries Edward and
Amanda Simmons were in our evening serv
ice. They will be going to work in Kenya.
Bro. Sam Barker went home to be with the
Lord on Feb. 14th. In this there is good news.
All these years of him coming to church, he had
never been saved, but through this sickness he
accepted the Lord as his personal Saviour.
We’ve been blessed with some good messages
from our Pastor Lester McMahan, Bro. Dale
Channell and Bro. Bill Alford.
Bro. Mark Chapman sang for us in the morn
ing service on March 6th.
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always,and again I say, rejoice.”
Lester McMahan, Pastor
Geraldine McMahan, Reporter
FLEMING AVENUE (NORTHERN OHIO)
From the little red roof church in Lorain
Ohio.
Sometimes it’s so hard to know just where
God is taking things or to understand why
things are going the way they do. We have been
having a hard time with how things are going,
but we have learned to take one day at a time,
trust in God.
We’re getting some wonderful preachers but
we need a pastor to lead us and to keep us out of
Satan clutches. God is working. We have had
about five to raise their hands for prayer.
Darlene Baker’s mother, Eleanor M Adams, a
member of our church had been in the hospital
since December 28th and she passed away on
February 26th. Do pray for the family. It would
be much appreciated.
Your brothers and sisters at Fleming Ave.
Darlene Baker, Reporter
LOCKBOURNE (TRINITY)
Greetings from Lockbourne FWB. We’re
excited to report that our ladies fellowship
recently made care packages for our soldiers
who are fighting to protect our country. This
was a blessed time as we gathered together to
package items that will be useful to them while
they are away serving our country.
We send our love and prayers to Garret and
Sherman Fields and their families in the loss of
their mother, Oma Fields. For some time now,
we have watched as her wonderful family took
such good care of her and we send our love and
prayers to each of them during this time of loss.
What a wonderful testimony she leaves of her
love for the Lord and her family.
We had a beautiful day at church on
Valentine’s Day. We invited family and friends
that we love and the church was full with those
“precious people” that mean so much to us. It
is our hearts’ desire to see our loved ones come
to know the Lord. We are grateful that seeds
were planted through our guest minister Rev.
Dave Heavener and through inspirational
songs by the Spiritual Echoes. Thanks to
Beulah Lawson and her entire team for the won
derful lunch they prepared and for the beautiful
decorations.
A big thanks to Jeb Cain and Tad Miller and
supporting cast who recently sponsored a youth
event called “Race Day”. We appreciate those
who are willing to work with our youth for they
are the church of tomorrow. Please pray for us
at Lockbourne as we labor together in the Lord.
Leon Stevens, Pastor
Janelle Sagraves, Reporter
NEW HOPE (CORNERSTONE)
Sending greetings to all of you, trusting God is
blessing. He has been so good to us. We got
through all the snow and looking forward to
spring.
We had a Valentine's Day dinner after church
on Sunday, Feb. 14th. We had such a good time
of fun and fellowship with each other.
We are planning our Sunrise service on March
27th at 6:30 a.m., with Rev. Lee Aldridge
preaching.
Until next time, just keep on keeping on for
Jesus.
Wendell F. Combs, Pastor
Linda Combs, Reporter
UNITED (CAPITAL CITY)
Greetings to our friends from United FWB
Church in Massillon, Ohio.
God has been so good to us. Our little church
is growing with visitors continuing to show up
and new members joining the church. We have
started a building fund this year in our budget,
for our church is expanding. We have not decid
ed what that means, a new building, leasing of a
building or expansion of the existing one, but
we are heeding God’s call to get prepared for
whatever He has in store for us.
In January we had “A Pal and a Pot of Soup
Day Sunday” which we fellowshipped after
service with our friends and visitors. We had
several different types of soups along with corn
bread, bread and desserts.
We also had our Pizza Prayer and Movie night
which is the third Saturday of every odd month.
This past event we showed, “War Room”,
which we highly recommend to our fellow
churches. As always we had a great time with
this ministry headed by Dennis and Kelly Clay.
February the children sang their love songs to
Jesus during the church hour on Valentine’s
Day. We had a Valentine Fundraiser Banquet at
the North Lawrence Fire Department on Feb.
20th which consisted of a lasagna dinner,
singing by the Shepherd Family from Canaan
FWB in Creston Ohio, a photo booth and the
Movie “Old Fashioned”. This fundraiser was
put on by the ladies auxiliary and they did a fan
tastic job.
We are looking forward to spring and our
Easter Service along with our Spring Jubilee, an
outside service being planned for the last
Sunday in April.
We love and pray for all of our sister churches.
Christ the Lord is Risen Today; He is alive
Hallelujah!
Randall Keffer, Pastor
Faye Gray, Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 6
The following singers and singinggroups are available to come and sing in
your church for revivals or special services.
Baldwin Family Bluegrass Singers, Rosedale, Call Chuck Baldwin (937) 926-3177 [email protected] Siders, Columbus, (Southern Gospel) (614) 778-9250Born Again Gospel Singers, Harry or Irene Litton (740) 927-5319 Cross Pointe Trio, Lancaster, Call Bill Pitts (740) [email protected] www.crosspointetrio.comDavid Giddens, Marysville, (937) 642-2121 [email protected] 3, Scott & Sheri Noel (740) 574-6635 [email protected] Grace, Woodstock, (Country and Bluegrass Gospel) Call JimHoward at (937) 325-2787Faith Gospel & Contemporary Christian Music, Sidney, Call Pam Moorman(937) 492-1059 [email protected] in Action, Marion, Call Marjorie Abrams at (740) 383-5405 or PleasantHill FWB, (740) 363-5295 Attention: Marjorie Abrams or Bob Chaffin or [email protected]'s Ambassadors, Gahanna, Call Judy Spires (614) 475-4689Gospel Ambassadors, Rittman, Call Greg Marcum (330) 927-9057 Ethan Hutchinson, Somerset, (740) 892-4001 www.ethanhutchinsonofficial.com/fr_home.cfmJerry Branscomb, Chillicothe, (740) 637-1228Just Forgiven Singing Ministries, Dayton, (Southern Gospel) (937) 280-3840 or(614) 309-2512Headed Home-Singing For The Lord, Oak Hill, Call Jim Evans (740) 682-6109or Robert Gamble (740) 682-0042Lord Willing, Wellston, (740) 418-9992, [email protected] Blanton & Evidence, Grove City, (614) 871-2795Mike Kisling, Hillsboro, (937) 393-2084Nina Nash, Leesburg, (Southern Gospel Sound Tracks)(937) [email protected] of Hope, Delaware, (Southern Gospel) (740) 363-4576Paul James Sound, Columbus, (614) 668-8916 [email protected]: www..pauljamessound.comRob Goodman, Newark, (740) 345-3233Rowena and George Walker, Dayton, (937) 258-8317Searching Lights, Galloway, (614) 878-6784Stacy Edwards, Hilliard, (614) 604-4126, (614) [email protected] Website: www.stacyedwards.comSteve Russell, Marengo, (740) 972-6729 [email protected] Family, Middleburg Heights, (440) 747-7436.Terry Collins & Victory, Hillsboro, (937) 840-9808 The Family of God, Logan, Call Steve E. Gross (740) 603-1583The Hambys, Dublin, (Southern Gospel) (614) 873-1215The Spiritual Echoes, Circleville, Call Rick Moore (614) 595- 9776 or DeloresMoore (614) 491-9502Violet Maynard, Columbus, (614) 759-7486 [email protected], Grove City, Call Mike or Sheri France (614) [email protected]
If you would like your group to be included, please send me your group name, what localFWB Church you are a member of, your address, and phone number. I will add you the list in
the next issue of the Ambassador.
AV
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NORTHRIDGE
Greetings from Northridge FWB Church.
We have a lot going on here at the church. We
have two new assistant pastors, Steve Nickels
and Josh Branscomb, to help out our pastor,
Tim Hamilton. We also have new youth lead
ers – Ryan and Kacee Rose and have set four
young men aside as deacons, Tommy Johnston,
Dwayne Nickels, Nathan Prather, and Norm
Waddle.
We had a glorious service January 24th. We
had one soul saved, one rededication, and 13
people joined the church! The Spirit came in a
mighty way and took charge of the service. We
are excited about celebrating Easter this month
and rejoicing about Christ’s victory over death,
hell and the grave. Also, we have one of our
ministers in the church, Mark Bradley, going
to Israel on a weeklong mission trip this month.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not allhis benefits:” Psalm 103:2
Please continue to pray for Carl, Teresa, Justin,
and Curtis Poynter, who will be coming home
from Haiti in a couple of months. Also, please
pray for Mark Bradley that God would bless
him on his mission trip to Israel.
We are praying for God to bless our future
events: March 20th, communion and feetwash
ing; March 26th, Sunday School Easter
Party/Egg Hunt and March 27th, Easter Sunrise
Service
Please tune in to our weekly radio ministry on
Sunday at 2:30 p.m. (Station WGNZ 1110 AM)
Please join us in service on our church web
page–www.northridgefwbc.org and click on
live streaming
In His service.
Tim Hamilton, Pastor
Corky Coomes, Reporter
FIRST CHILLICOTHE
(SOUTH CENTRAL)
Hello from First FWB Church, in Chillicothe!
We are glad to be able to be reporting to you.
In January our church had the privilege of
hearing Dave Stiffler sing for us. He is the
cousin to one of our deacons, Larry Gilliland.
He is a fantastic singer and we were very
pleased that he came sang for us.
The snow came but with it came Valentine’s
Day. We took the time to remember that Christ
love for us is so great that, “while we were yetsinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV).
There is no love greater than His.
Also in February our church hosted the South
Central Conference. Victory River came and
sang for us. It was a blessing to hear them sing.
Afterward we ate and fellowshipped with each
other.
Our church is involved in helping Elizabeth’s
Hope and we participated in the baby bottle
campaign. Our pastor, Mitch Salyers and our
youth pastor, Chris Gray, volunteered to take a
pie in the face if the goal we set was met. We
surpassed the goal. We look forward to seeing
them take the pie in face. We would also like to
thank them for doing this and for all those that
participated.
Please pray for the church members who have
lost loved ones recently and for those that are
still battling illnesses.
We look forward to Easter and the remem
brance of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ gave
for the whole world.
Until next time, God bless!
Mitch Salyers, Pastor
Shana McGoye, Reporter
SOUTHWEST (CAPITAL CITY)
We send greetings trusting God is blessing our
churches throughout the state. We have entitled
the new year as “Staying Clean in 2016” It has
been a blessing to hear the messages from
Pastor John and other ministers in our church
family through the month of January and
February to help promote our theme for this
year.
As we head into March and its activities, we
would like to offer congratulations on Pastor
John’s 41st preaching anniversary February
17th. He also celebrated his 28th anniversary as
our pastor Feb. 28th.
Saturday evening, March 19th we will be cel
ebrating Edith Chandler’s 100th birthday. She is
the oldest member of our church family.
We follow that activity with our Spring
Revival (March 20th 25th) with evangelist
David Epps. Our Sunday School program will
have its annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morn
ing March 26th. We always look forward to our
Easter Sunrise Service Sunday morning, the
27th at 7AM which will be followed by break
fast in the fellowship hall. We close the day with
our Easter Service at 11AM. We trust God will
bless all of our churches and us as we “Continue
on the move for Christ.”
John Meade, Pastor
Lee Gamble, Reporter
MOUNT CALVARY (LAWRENCE)
We are so blessed with preachers who care
more about pleasing God than pleasing people.
Some people may want preachers who will tell
them anything they want to hear. But at Mount
Calvary, we want and have preachers that have
been called by God and preach the message that
God sends. So if you’re a preacher and need
encouragement, keep on preaching it no matter
how hot or hard the message may be, because
there are some that are not satisfied with any
thing else.
As we approach the Easter season, we are
thankful for what Jesus Christ did on the cross
to save our souls. He bore the pain, suffering,
and agony so we could spend eternity with Him.
There has never been and never will be any
greater love than the love that God has for us.
Ronnie Blagg, Pastor
Nicky Sprouse, Reporter
GOOD HOPE (CUYAHOGALORAIN)
Greeting from the Good Hope Church We are
looking forward to spring and warmer weather,
although this has not been a hard winter.
We enjoyed the conference in January and
looking forward to April when it will be at our
church. Several in the church have been in the
hospital these last few weeks. They are missed
when they are unable to attend church.
We had a pizza party for our young people in
Feb. We appreciate the young people we have.
We have singing night on the last Sunday of
the month and the young people open the serv
ice. They do a great job. We will be having an
egg hunt for them for Easter. We will be having
a communion and feetwashing service in
March. We have a project which we call The
“Thirty Pieces Of Silver Program.” The money
collected will go to the children’s home.
To everyone a happy Easter and may God
bless.
Jason Keith, Pastor
Mary Diamond, Reporter
GRACE
Hello from Grace FWB Church in Bedford.
We hope is well with our fellow church friends.
The Lord is blessing our church. Young
Christians, Bro. Nick and Sis. Brittany are
doing so well. We are proud of both. They are a
blessing to us. Please pray for them as they go
to school and let their lights shine.
Please pray for our lost and sick. Pray for our
Pastor Bro. Ed Purdy and his wife Sis. Linda
for their health and leadership of the church. We
are blessed to have them both.
We have many sick who need prayer. Sis.
Kathy is still recovering from neck surgery. Sis.
Wanda is recovering from surgery. Bro.
Dewayne has arthritis. Sis. Elaine will be hav
ing surgery in April. Remember Bro. Jake, Sis.
Margaret, Bro. Bill and Bro. Art. We can all use
prayers. I think we all truly need to pray for our
country and our leaders. America need to get
back to God.
We thank the Lord for all our blessings and
guidance. Our young people love to sing prais
es to the Lord and testify of God’s blessings. We
are also thankful for Bro. Jake Grimes. He is
such a great example. We are blessed with Bro.
Dewayne Booth as our SS teacher and Bro. Ed
Purdy to guide us and preach the word to us.
Spring and the Easter season is upon us. Let’s
remember the true meaning of Easter, what the
Lord did for us by giving His life so we could
have eternal live. Remember also the miracle of
the resurrection as He rose as He promised. We
pray that those who make their annual visit to
church on Easter will listen to God’s word and
a seed will be planted in their hearts. As our pas
tor says, “As long as they are still breathing,
there is still hope for them to be saved.
We welcome you to worship with us. Sunday
School is a 10am and worship at 11:15am.
God bless you all. Thanks for your prayers.
Ed Purdy, Pastor
Elaine Booth, Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 7
WOODSTOCK (CENTRAL OHIO)
As I write this we are preparing for revival, as
you read this we will be in revival. Revival will
be March 1 through March 13th. We will be
having various ministers and singers each night.
On March 11 and 12 we will be having
Eleventh Hour to sing. All services are 7pm
except on Sundays at 6pm.
I am filling in for Sister Pat Cordell until she is
feeling better. Please pray for Sis. Pat. She
became ill back in November and has had a few
hospital stays and is now recuperating at
Vancrest in Urbana. Doctors were amazed that
she is still with us. God wasn't through with her
here on earth and saw that we all still needed her
here. We sure do miss her in services. Also
remember her husband in prayer. Bro. Leonard
is a faithful servant of the Lord. We also have a
couple of gentlemen that have cancer and need
prayer.
In January our pastor's brother, Tony, passed
away. Remember his family in prayer.
Bro. Mike and Sis. Melanie Dowell led the
youth in a Christmas program. The ladies have
been busy with a War Room Bible Study, a
Super Bowl Sub Sale and Dinner and Movie
night.
We've had several saved and seven baptized,
and four join church.
We need to be praying for all our country's
leaders and upcoming election that they will
turn to God. Until next time or the Lord comes
back, God bless each and every one of you.
Russell Street, Pastor
Virginia Jones, Interim Reporter
VICTORY (CAPITAL CITY)
Happy New Year, 2016, from Victory Church.
Since every new year usually begins with reso
lutions, my prayer is that we have made the
most important one; to be more dedicated to the
work of the Lord, because, "He which hathbegun a good work in you will perform it untilthe day of Jesus Christ." Phil. 1:6. We are pray
ing for a revival in April. Also in April,
Michael and Brooke Gillen are planning a mis
sion trip to the Philippines. Please remember
them in prayer.
May 21st, the Capital City Conference will be
hosted by Victory Church this year. Everyone is
welcome.
Until next report, have a wonderful Easter on
March 20th, as we celebrate the resurrection of
our Savior.
Jim Thompson, Pastor
Jean Holmes, Reporter
PETREA
As we at Petrea Church pause to thank the
Lord for all His goodness. Our hearts are full
realizing that every step we take God leads the
way.
The weather has been something of a chal
lenge but with good common sense and trust in
God we are stronger people knowing that we
can trust in God for His keeping power.
Spring will be here soon with flowers and trees
springing to life. The beauty is breathtaking, a
little insight of Heaven.
Petrea church people are still holding on to the
power of prayer. We are still holding on to His
unchanging hand.
Our church has gone through a lot of stops and
starts. We believe God is in control. We take
each day at a time. We can do all things with
help from the Lord.
Pray for us as we pray for you that God will
give increase not only in number but also in
people coming forth to be saved.
Arthur Robinson, Pastor
Jacqueline Wyatt, Reporter
WELLINGTON (CUYAHOGALORAIN)
Hello from the Wellington FWB Church. O n
March 13th Mark Chapman will sing, March
20th (Palm Sunday) a communion service, Rev.
J.D. Webb will preach the Sunrise Easter serv
ice, and the Alley Family Bluegrass Gospel
singers will perform April 10th. So much to
look forward to as spring arrives and churches
celebrate the miraculous resurrection of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
As February came to a close, Rev. Edwin
Hayes taught the adult SS lesson and preached.
He gave all listening great reminding from the
Bible about what we should do when we do not
know what to do. His message came from 2
Chronicles 20.
Feb. 28th we welcomed four new members to
the congregation: Rose Burns, Marie and
Russell Lovett, and Angelo Benviscuito. We
are all so happy to see the membership increase,
as Pastor Eddie Kennedy commented, it shows
the good health of our church to have a broad
range of ages in new members. Rev. Ed and
Gloria Kennedy celebrated their 49th wedding
anniversary and Pastor Eddie and Missy
Kennedy celebrated their 25th wedding
anniversary in the month of February. There is
no shortage of LOVE in our church!
Rev. Willie Bias preached the Jan. 24th serv
ice. Pastor Eddie Kennedy Jr. continues to
educate the Wednesday evening scholars about
a variety of topics: whether or not Christians
should own guns; what are Gentiles compared
to Jews. Our Sunday morning worship services
are such a blessing to attend; we would love it if
you would come to visit sometime.
When you pray please remember the follow
ing: our pastor, Paul Dutton, Mary Meyers, the
youth of all churches, all the unspoken prayer
requests, and for the sick everywhere. In Jesus’
name, we ask, Amen.
Eddie Kennedy Jr., Pastor
Margaret DeWitt, Reporter
SWAUGER VALLEY (PINE CREEK)
Our God is so good, so strong and so
mighty……. there’s nothing our God cannot
do…..
We are trusting and looking for our God to do
mighty and great things as we all labor in our
corner of the field at Swauger Valley. The
blessings of God, whether large or small in
man’s eyes are truly all big and important to the
Lord. We are looking for a mighty move of God
every day and especially in the lives of our fam
ilies and community.
Join us for Revival at 7:00pm nightly March
1418th with Mike McCoy preaching. Special
singing each service by 11th Hour on Monday
14th and Tuesday 15th, the Lore Family
Wednesday 16th, the Swauger Valley Quartet
Thursday 17th and the Joyaires Friday 18th.
We had a record number in attendance at our
bimonthly senior luncheon in February and look
for even more to join us at the upcoming one
that will be held on Friday, April 1st at
12:30pm. This is free to the community and we
hope to see those who live nearby to join us.
Mike Simpson, Pastor
Laura Simpson, Reporter
MCGUFFEY (NORTH & WESTERN)
“This is the day which the Lord hath made. Wewill rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps. 118:24
Greetings from the McGuffey FWB Church.
We certainly rejoice in such a mild winter! The
church is saddened by the passing of our former
pastor, Brother Clarence H. Tolliver, but also
rejoice with him to be at home with our Lord
and Saviour.
We rejoice every Sunday because we learn
something from our pastor’s preaching. And we
are thankful for church where love abound and
all are welcome.
We are looking forward to Brother Freddy
Dutton and his lovely wife Terry being with us
March 20th. We are responding to his challenge
to get the lost people to come to church that day.
A great time surely will be had by all.
David J. Trusty, Pastor
Sue Smith, Reporter
MADISON (PORTER)
Greetings from Madison.
We are so thankful for the many blessings the
Lord has given. We were blessed beyond meas
ure recently when Sister Tammy Martin gave
her heart to the Lord in our evening services.
What a wonderful God we serve.
We are having our Sunrise Service at 6:30 am
on March 27th. Brother Alex Bloom will be
bringing the message that morning.
That evening there will be a feetwashing and
communion service. Everyone is invited to
attend.
We have several people with health issues that
we request prayer for. Remember our deacons
Bro. Lou Martin and Bro. Gary Martin.
Remember our pastor Bro. Rodney Evans.
God bless you all.
Rodney Evans, Pastor
Janet Potts, Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 8
The following ministers are available to fill the pulpitfor pastors who have to be away from their church.Many are interested in conducting revivals as well.
Bill Alford, 20864 Rudy Dr. Strongsville, Oh 44149 (440) 572-1614Lee Aldridge 35180 SR 327, Londonderry, Oh 45647 (740) 887-4065Anthony “Tony” W. Blackburn Mechanicsburg, Oh (614) 623-0031Mike Blanton, 6826 Ridpath Road, Grove City, Oh (614) 871-2795Larry Brown, 6530 Gregg Mill Road, London, Oh 43140 (740) 852-0586Ronnie Blagg, 248 Twp. Road 1100, Pedro, Oh 45659 (740) 643-0540Patrick Blevins, 12837 Basil Road, Baltimore, Oh 43105 (740) 407-9446Mike Boggs, 4411 McDowell Road, Grove City, Oh 43123 (614) 871-5666Chad Booth, 208 E. Washington Street, Ashland, Oh 44805 (330) 715-8403Ron Brown, 5478 Riber Rd. Hillsboro, Oh 45133 (937) 402-4452Phil Chapman, 7329 Greenleaf Ave. Parma, Oh 44130 (440) 334-7188Taylor Cantrell, 374 W. Harding Road, Springfield, Oh 45504 (937) 342-0491Roger Childers, 6555 US HWY 68S Apt. 208D, W. Liberty, OH 43357 (937) 869-4890Herman Copley, 1271 Lewis Road, Mansfield, Oh 44906 (419) 529-5923Andrew Cordell, 418 West 7th Street, Marysville, Oh 43040 (937) 215-4037Roger Crusie, 335 ½ N. 4th Street, Greenfield, Oh 45123 (937) 981-3529Brandon DePriest, 361 TWP Rd 41 N, Pedro, Oh 45659 (740) 532-3878Luther Dingess, 1680 Paddle Ck. Road, Fort Gay, WV 25514 (304) 648-5901Freddy Dutton, 1700 Hale Court, Columbus, Oh 43228 (614) 276-0200Clyde Eldridge, 415 Patterson Street, Fairborn, Oh 45324 (937) 873-8231Michael Ellis, 575 Harland Drive, Columbus, Oh 43207 (614) 917-7309James England, 5138 N. High Street, # 119, Cols. Oh 43214 (614) 846-6654Larry French, 76 Skyline Drive, Ashville, Oh 43103 (740) 983-0316Ben Gibson, 1126 Cheyenne Ave. Springfield Oh 45503 (937) 399-2738Packy Gibson, 7029 Fields Lane, Hillsboro, Oh 45133 (937) 393-2730Randy Hall, 12024 Lake Front Drive, Hillsboro, Oh 45133 (937) 365-1657Edwin Hayes, 7554 Slate Ridge Blvd. Reynoldsburg, Oh 43068 (614) 751-1190Carl Jenkins, 2809 Searsdale Ave. Cleveland, Oh 44109 (216) 351-2475James Johnson, 55 1/2 S. First Street, Rittman, Oh 44270 (330) 331-6088Jason Jones, 620 Watkins Glen Blvd. Marysville, Oh 43040 (937) 241-1622William Jones, 500 Buckeye Street, Marysville, Oh 43040 (937) 594-1331Paul Keener, 703 Andrew Ave. Westerville, Oh 43081 (614) 891-4382Robert Legg, 330 Winding Ridge Drive, Dayton, Oh 45415 (937) 648-9600Alton Loveless, 1006 Rayme Drive, Columbus, Oh 43207 (573) 330-7728Wayne Mays, 777 N. Drexel Ave. Hilliard, Oh 43019 (614) 607-0634Tom Murphy, 229 Victorian Drive, Commercial Pt, Oh 43116 (614) 218-5435Tom Spradlin, Portsmouth, Oh (FWB Family Ministries-Rep) (740) 776-6677Alex Stevens, 2002 East Main Street, Greenup, KY 41144 (606) 473-5417Talo Teo, 828 Federal Ave. Zanesville, Oh 43701 (740) 453-6037Bill Turner, 150 Willard Ave. Carlisle, Oh 45005 (513) 746-5866Tim Updike, 22661 SR 93, Wellston, Oh 45692 (740) 384-3277Dan Widdig, 1496 Caldwell Road, Lucasville, Oh 45648 (740) 259-5160Josh Young, 7227 E. Main Street, South Solon, Oh 43153 (937) 829-1723
Available FWBMinisters
Co-op Supports ALLOur Ministries!
A New Year . . . A New Thermometer
Hopefully by now you have been able to watch
the DVD we sent out and you have had an
opportunity to pray about how you or your
church or business can be a part of the “Miracle
on 34th Street..”
In this video you have seen a variety of the
people that call Flagship FWB Church home.
Although these individuals come from different
backgrounds and different walks of life, they all
have one thing in common . . . They are pre
cious souls for whom Christ died. God in His
providence allowed them to cross paths with the
ministry of Flagship and we are excited about
what the future holds for their life and for ours.
Please continue to pray for us and the need we
have to build. We are trusting God’s timing and
God’s provision. Pray that in the meantime we
will be dependent upon His wisdom about how
to best move forward and help our people to be
discipled and growing in their faith.
As you can see from the thermometer to your
left He has already provided about $32,000!
Twelve men from Flagship Church left Erie
and took the 3 1/2 hour drive to Marengo, OH
for the annual Ohio FWB Men’s Retreat. We
heard inspiring and challenging messages from
retired FWB Army Chaplain Kerry Steedley as
well as Director of Church Revitalization, Jim
McComas. The highlight of every year is our
praise and prayer time as our church shared
from our heart and prayed for one another! We
are already excited about next year. Pray for our
men and the future leaders of Flagship!
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 9
Daryl GrimesFamily
Missionaries to Erie,PA
Speakers for NYC AnnouncedVertical Three (a ministry of Randall House) announces the
speakers for the 2016 Free Will Baptist National Youth
Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Ryan Akers, Aaron
Pontious, Axis, and Allen Pointer will speak on topics
relating to faith and culture and how to be transformed by
God’s word. The National Youth Conference theme is Transform, inspired by Romans 12:2.
Theme graphics can be found at verticalthree.com.
On Tuesday night following the youth service I Am They will be performing a ticketed concert.
Based in Carson City, Nevada the band has roots as a worship team. The name I Am They is
inspired by Christ’s prayer in John 17 when He refers to his disciples as “they.” To hear I Am
They visit iamtheyband.com. Tickets can be purchased during preregistration for the Free Will
Baptist National Convention for $10 or onsite at the Vertical Three Store for $12.
Truth & Peace to Host Largest Conference EverThe 32nd Truth and Peace Student Leadership Conference will host its largest conference of stu
dents in history with 129 students from 20 states and 2 countries. Truth and Peace will meet on
the campus of Hillsdale College in Moore, Oklahoma for training before traveling to Kansas City,
Missouri, where they will serve as support staff for the National Youth Conference.
The Truth and Peace Conference equips students to grow as leaders in their church, school, and
community. Truth and Peace students have graduated to become teachers, business leaders, and
ministry leaders across the nation and around the world.
Student Ministers invited to The GATHERINGThe ENGAGE Leadership Network will be hosting two locations for The GATHERING this year.
The Gathering Orlando will be held April 4–6, and the Nashville Gathering will be held April
25–27.
The Gathering is a twopart event with the first part of the event called the Youth Pastor Summit
provided by Student Leadership University (SLU). This free conference includes keynote ses
sions, worship, breakout sessions, and more. After the SLU portion of the week, Randall House
and the ENGAGE Leadership Network provide time and space for Free Will Baptist youth minis
ters to connect and share about what God is doing in their ministries. There is no registration cost
and the only expense would be travel, lodging, and food. Please register online at engagelead
ers.net/events.
Jeremy and Beth Thomas to lead YET Tour in 2016Jeremy and Beth Thomas from Owasso, Oklahoma have been named as the directors of the
2016 National Youth Evangelistic Team (YET). Jeremy is the pastor of worship arts at Rejoice
Church in Owasso, OK. Beth is a preschool teacher at Rejoice Christian School in Owasso. The
couple will oversee training and ministry tour schedule for YET as they travel to Churches in the
American MidSouth.
“We are truly excited about the great opportunity to work with YET this year,” Jeremy said.
Jeremy and Beth attended Welch College where they were able to travel with several of the trav
eling music groups. After graduating from Welch College, Jeremy spent time as pastor of worship
arts in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Greenville, North Carolina, before moving to Oklahoma.
Jeremy and Beth have worked with music groups of all ages throughout their fifteenyear min
istry. They enjoy working with students and have a passion to train them to use and develop their
God given gifts to glorify God.
“We are thankful to have a couple with the combined ministry and music experience that Jeremy
and Beth have to lead YET tour this year,” said Brandon Roysden, director of Vertical Three for
Randall House. The couple will be building relationships with the students immediately as they
work to develop a tour program for the team before they meet for training on the campus of
Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College and travel to North American Ministries churches and other
ministries in the American MidSouth this summer.
YET is a 13member group of high school students from across the Free Will Baptist denomina
tion who are selected from participants in the Music and Arts categories during the FWB National
Youth Conference. The 2016 YET Tour will meet on the campus of Hillsdale College for a week
of intense training before they travel to Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma for tour.
The 13 students come from nine states across the nation.
For more information about YET and other Vertical Three ministries of Randall House, visit
www.verticalthree.com.
Attention: Ambassador Reporters
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE!!!!The deadline for the May-June
Issue will be Noon, May 1st
NYC
News
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 10
FREDDY DUTTON MINISTRIES
“Holding Forth The Word of Life”
1700 Hale CourtColumbus, Ohio 43228
614/276-0200 or 614/738-0683email: [email protected]
Since the New Year began, we have been enjoying the wonderful blessings from the Lord!We have been privileged to be with eight churches since the beginning of the year. TheLord has truly blessed and we have seen many individuals respond during the altar servic-es. The Lord is working in unique and special ways during these times of being together!We are so grateful for the Lord's wonderful presence during our time together.
We were privileged to be with Pastor Richard Burns and the Hillsboro FWB Church fortheir annual "Evangelist Day"! This day at Hillsboro is always a special and memorableday for us with a delicious dinner following the morning service. Pastor Burns and theHillsboro Church has made this day possible now for the past 13 years.
We are excited and prayerfully looking forward to the upcoming "Easter and SpringSeason"! Please pray for us as we travel and spread "The Word" through evangelism! Wewould love to be with you in services!
UPCOMING TENTATIVE SCHEDULEMarch 13 Redeemer FWB Church London, OhioMarch 20 McGuffey FWB Church McGuffey, OhioMarch 27 (Sunrise Service) Southwest FWB Church Columbus, OhioMarch 27 (Easter Service) Edison Enterprise Baptist Church Edison, Ohio
For Revivals, Conferences, Homecoming and other special services,please contact me at the above address.
Are you receiving the
If you like to begin receiving all the Ohio FWBNews, just send your email address to
800/7261290
A Preview of the 78th Session of the Ohio State Association
Friday MorningHeritage FWB Church in Columbus, pastored by Dr. Tim Stout will be hosting this
year’s State Meeting June 2425th.
Rev. Mark Price, pastor of the Porter FWB Church will be fulfilling his eighth term as
Moderator, and will be opening our 78th session on Friday morning, June 24th.
Unity Pastor Eugene Crouch from Middleburg Heights will provide the special singing
in the Friday morning session.
First Chillicothe FWB Pastor Rev. Mitch Salyers will be bringing the Friday morning
message from the theme “The Ten Commandments Today.” The Friday morning mes
sage is on the subject, "The Ten Commandments Introduce God to Men.”Mitch was saved in 1986 at the New Hope FWB Church in Chillicothe during a home
coming service when Clifford Ball was preaching. He was called to preach in 1997
while at the Ohio Men’s Retreat in Shreve, Ohio. He was licensed to preach in 1998 and
then ordained in 2000 by the Cornerstone Conference. In 2000 he began pastoring the
First Free Will Baptist Church in Chillicothe, Ohio where he pastors presently. He is the
clerk on the Ohio Board of Directors and has led the music at the Ohio Men’s Retreat.
Mitch has been married for 33 years to his wife Rebecca. They raised three children,
Courtney, Megan and Cody. They also have two grandchildren, Drake and Chloe.
The Ohio Women Active for Christ will be provid-ing lunch on Friday on a free will offering basis.
Plan to spend the day with us.Friday Afternoon
The Friday afternoon devotion will be given by Shelby FWB Pastor, Rev. Matt Pond.
Friday EveningThe Friday evening service will be led by Assistant Moderator Tom Dooley. The
Shepherd Family from the Canaan FWB Church in Creston, Ohio will be providing the
special music. We are planning to receive the annual Friday Night Offering for Ohio State
Ministries.
Dr. David Crowe, General Director of North American Ministries is scheduled to
preach on the subject, “The Ten Commandments Benefit Men.”
David Crowe has a unique perspective as to who we are as Free Will Baptists. He has
a working knowledge of our history and a comprehensive understanding of our mission
of communicating the gospel and making disciples. David has served with Home
Missions for a total of eighteen years, serving as director of Missionary Assistance,
Church Growth, and Development respectively. He loves our church planters and prays
for their success every day. Brother David is loved by our pastors and people across
America. He has preached in more than 1200 Free Will Baptist churches and on the cam
pus of all five FWB colleges. Now serving as executive director, it is his desire to do
whatever is necessary to help our pastors succeed in the tasks to which the Lord has called
them.
Saturday MorningOn Saturday morning Pastor Mike Martin, of the Calvary FWB Church in Ravenna will
bring the devotion.
The Welch College from the Nashville, TN. will provide the special singing.
Pastor Del Wallace, of the Forest Valley FWB Church in Springfield will then preach
the final message, “The Ten Commandments Point Men to Christ.”Bro. Del became the pastor of the Forest Valley FWB Church May 18, 2008. Prior to
coming to Forest Valley, he served the Urbana FWB Church as youth leader for five years
and later as assistant pastor.
In October, 2009 Pastor Del led the church into a building program and Nov. 11, 2012
the had their opening and dedication service for the new facility.
Del was saved at the age of 9. He answered the call to preach on Sept. 4, 1994 and was
ordained Nov. 2, 1996.
He and his wife Shonda have two children, Ashley and Macy.
Bro. David Chamberlin from the Porter Church will be leading the music and Sister
Deena Armstrong, also from Porter will be the pianist.
Please mark your calenders and plan to attend our annual State Meeting. Come prepared
to be a blessing and to be blessed by attending. See you in June!
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 11
Ohio StateMinistryOffering
State
Meeting
Information
including
*Hotels*Registration
Forms*Programs
*Golf Tourney can be
found at
Ohio GolfTourney
2:00 PM
Saturday,June 25th
4 man scramble-best ball
Trophies and Prizes
Individual contests forlongest drive and closest to the hole
Cost $35 if registered before June 15th$40 if registered after June 15th
50% to Ohio State Missions40% to Ohio State Office10% to Ohio State Youth
Annual $100.00 Friday Night, June 24th Offering
www.ohiofwb.org
The Ten Commandments TodayPreview of the 78th Ohio State Association Meeting
June 24-25th at Heritage FWB Church, Columbus, Ohio
Pastor
Mitch
Salyers
Dr.
David
Crowe
Pastor
Del
Wallace
UNITY (CUYAHOGALORAIN)
Warm greetings from Middleburg Heights!
Unity FWB has truly had an amazing start to
2016!
Unity hosted the conference on January 89th.
We had a time of worship, preaching, fellow
ship and food! Thank you to all of those who
had a part in preparing the delicious lunch that
day.
Rev. Les McMahan visited our church on
January 31st to preach in our Sunday evening
service. He delivered a wonderful sermon
reminding us that hidden things always
come to light, the actions of one impacts many,
God’s instructions are not optional, the conse
quences of sin are not pleasant and defeat is not
final!
A group of 11 men attended the Ohio Men’s
retreat January 2123rd. They returned encour
aged, revived and ready to worship. We had a
great service on January 24. Their cups over
flowed on the entire congregation!
On February 7th, Eddy and Amanda
Simmons visited us to share the details of their
work among the Samburu people in Kenya. It
was a blessing to hear of the spiritual impact
they have on individuals in the tribe and eye
opening to see the pictures and hear stories of
life in the country. They are in our prayers as
they will soon venture back to Kenya to contin
ue in their ministry!
Rev. Denver Lee Daniel visited to preach
Sunday evening on February 21st. He did a
wonderful job as always and is welcomed any
time!
The warmer temperatures have made us excit
ed for the coming months. Unity FWB has
many exciting events planned for spring season
and we look forward to what the Lord has in
store for us.
Eugene Crouch, Pastor
Angie Steitz, Report
FAITHLOGAN (SOUTH CENTRAL)
Greetings from Faith FWB Church!
We pray that everyone is surviving the winter
weather and are looking forward to spring and
the blessings the Lord will bring.
We are focusing more this year on helping our
youth ministries grow. We have thankfully seen
an increase the last couple of weeks in the van
ministry. We have also seen more kids join the
Action for Christ Ministry. Please keep AFC
and their leader, Sis. Racheal Dicken in prayer
for the Lord’ s guidance.
The Wednesday night youth teen ministry had
a Valentine Dinner fundraiser. It was a great
success! We would like to eventually expand
the Wednesday night youth ministry to younger
classes. We pray for God to send the teachers
and leaders that will be needed.
We have started a Quarter Challenge to help
the feeding program in the Philippines. Every
Saturday, the children are gathered together and
fed rice soup. This time of feeding is also used
to teach children about God’s love. A bowl of
soup costs 25 cents. Our children are excited
knowing that each quarter they give, provides a
bowl of soup for a child and gives them the
opportunity to hear God’s Word.
Please pray for our sister in Christ, Ruby
Vance. She has been in and out of the hospital
a lot these last couple of months. She has been
a life long member of this church. She is a dear
lady and an inspiration to us.
We are so thankful for God’s blessings on our
church and in our lives. We ask His blessings
on all of you.
In His service,
Tony Vanover, Pastor
Teresa Gibson, Reporter
ANTIOCH (PINE CREEK)
God’s day to ya all!
Antioch is gloriously growing for the Lord.
Five souls have been saved since we last posted
our blessings!
Our community youth service began Jan. 28th
and has grown already. Two of our neighbor
churches have dedicated their youth to come to
this youth meeting! God is so good! Our God is
great from one church to another. We pray that
each can grow in the spirit of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ!
Practice for the Easter Play has begun. The
play will be Easter morning at 10:45am.
We are in the beginning process of building on
to the fellowship hall. All teachers have been
chosen and plans for VBS are all coming
together. VBS begins June 20th.
Ricky and Amanda have become members of
Antioch FWB Church. Praise the Lord again!
We just finished a praising God, shouting,
God’s message preached by Evangelist Tim
Case and wonderful singing with Covered By
Love in our revival! The house was full each
night. Testimonies given by those filled with the
Holy Spirit. We are planning a baptism just as
soon as Pine Creek and the weather allows!
The ladies here put together a great Valentines
dinner for everyone! The food was great, deco
rations were like that in a book and the children
even had a great time.
Spring Revival is a coming up in April with
Rev. Mike McCoy and singers are already lined
up!
Our sister, Linda Sexton has made her good
sweet Easter candy eggs to sell in the fellowship
hall and all the proceeds go to VBS.
Well, I reckon thats about all for now. Until
next time, God bless each and every one! Come
visit us if you have nowhere else to go! Love to
all.
Rick Henderson, Pastor
Tammy Knappenberger “Tater,” Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 12
2016 HOLY GROUND FREE WILL BAPTIST YOUTH FOR CHRIST CAMPLocated at: 5150 RIBER RD, HILLSBORO, OHIO 45133
(Bldg- Worship, Devotions, Recreation, etc.) (New Kitchen/Dining Hall Building) (Completely new Kitchen facilities)
(Improved Pond facilities)
Newly built, fully furnished kitchen and dining area, as well as the huge pond is now available for swimming and pedalboats! A Pastor from a camp in 2012 was so impressed with our improvements in these areas that he said he wished other
FWB churches were aware of our new (Kitchen/Dining hall) and improved (the Pond) facilities.
For leasing and information on the above camps call Larry Glenn (937) 478-3815, Donna Glenn (937) 475-2710, Rev. Steve Nickels (937) 478-1182,
Pastor Tim Hamilton (937) 559-1966 or E-mail us at [email protected]. Please let us know if you would like to view a camp presentation.
2016 CampsJuly 10-15 Sr. Co-ed Camp (Ages 13-20 boys/girls) July 17-22 Jr. Boys Camp (Ages 8-13) July 24-29 Jr. Girls Camp (Ages 8-13)
A ministry of Northridge Free Will Baptist Church, 4800 Payne Ave, Dayton, OH 45414
New Book by Ken Riggs
Former Welch College Director of Communications Jack Williams wrote, “This book
simply had to be written.” If you do not know Ken Riggs now, you will by the time you
finish reading his amazing life story in the pages of The School of Hard Knocks. The
School of Hard Knocks is worth the price of the book; it’s an investment not an expense.”
If you would like to purchase the “The School of Hard Knocks” you can order from:
Ken Riggs
504 Westward Winds Dr.
Nashville, TN 37221
(615) 6462990
SCIOTO (PORTER)
Since our last report, we have been very busy.
To start off we had a terrific Christmas cantata
along with a Christmas play called “ The
Greatest Gift” directed by Clara Widdig.
Everyone enjoyed the production.
God has blessed us with several more young
couples with their families. We have been
encouraged by them and we have had the privi
lege of accepting them as new members of the
church. They are truly an asset to the church.
We elected Kevin Greene to serve as pastor of
for another year. Along with Kevin is his wife
Rebecca, son Tytus and daughter Cora. Dan
Widdig will serve as associate pastor.
Our church came together and started collect
ing things for the homeless in Scioto County. It
was a great blessing to see all the things that the
church brought in to help those that are less for
tunate.
We are getting ready for our spring revival
March 30April 1 with Joe Nelson preaching.
We will have a celebration of the church’s 136
anniversary April 3 with a dinner after Sunday
worship and Joe Nelson preaching for us.
VBS is in the works by Rebecca Greene. She
did a wonderful job last year. We can’t wait to
see what the LORD has in store for her to share
this year. We had a large crowd last year.
We enjoyed a service with Luke Keller. He
has a fascinating story to tell of his experience
in finding Christ. After his message two
teenagers gave their hearts to Jesus. This
makes three souls saved since the beginning of
the year. God is good.
Keep us in your prayers that GOD will always
be first in our works. We want to be the light
that shines on the hill so that the lost can see and
find their way home.
Kevin Greene, Pastor
Cathy Nance, Reporter
HAMILTON GLADES (PORTER)
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection ,andthe life ,he that believeth in me, though he weredead, yet shall he live:” John 11:2526.
Praise the Lord for new life! Looking forward
to welcoming Easter and spring. New life and
growth everywhere you look. I apologize for
missing the deadline for our last reporting peri
od.
We had our annual Christmas program and
dinner. They were both very successful with a
full house for both events. We have added sev
eral new members and are very thankful for
them. It’s an exciting time seeing new converts
grow and seeing our youth and teenagers so
involved. Every Sunday morning our youth are
like popcorn, jumping up to say their Bible
verses, with ages spanning from 219 !
Once a month some of our youth go to the
Minford Retirement Center to participate in an
adopt a grandparent program. They sing songs
and do crafts and visit with the residents. We are
so proud of them.
Keith and Bonnie Mullins organized a couples
Valentines evening out on February 13th. It was
an enjoyable evening of fellowship.
We have revival planned May 2529th with
Danny Campbell preaching and Andy
McGinnis and other special singing. After
morning service on Sunday the 29th we’re plan
ning a preMemorial Day cookout.
Blessings from the little white church in the
cornfield.
Jim Dummitt, Pastor
Jenny Dummitt, Reporter
TROY (LITTLE MIAMI)
Greetings to all from Troy.
God is still blessing. We continue to have great
spiritfilled services. We give God all the
praise. We started out this New Year with our
annual candlelight service on January 3rd in the
evening service. It is a blessing to hear how
God has blessed each one throughout the past
year.
On January 17th we were privileged to have
Bro. Robert Legg come and do a presentation
on the FWB Family Ministries in Tennessee. It
is always a blessing to hear how they are mak
ing a difference in children’s lives through
Christ. Bro. Legg also preached a good mes
sage for us that morning. We are thankful for
the FWB Family Ministries.
On January 30th some of the ladies got togeth
er and made fleece blankets for Hospice.
The church came together in the afternoon of
February 13th for popcorn and a movie. We
watched the Christian film War Room. I think
we all got a blessing and gave a lot of thought
about our own prayer life, how we can always
improve our prayer time with God.
We will be having communion and feetwash
ing service on March 13th.
We have had so many prayers answered and so
thankful that God is still on the throne and still
hears the prayers of His children.
May God bless all our sister churches as we
continue to pray for you. We desire your
prayers also.
Until next time. “Thy word is a lamp unto myfeet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
Dwight Stump, Pastor
Ethel Jones, Reporter
TRINITY (FRANKLIN)
As we get ready for a change of seasons to
spring time and all the beautiful flowers and
trees in bloom, some of us have other changes
to go through. Our pastor has been caring for
his sick wife for some time now. There are
times when he has to cancel church because she
can’t be left alone. We are hoping there may be
some preachers out there to volunteer to preach
some of these times. Contact our pastor and let
him know you will help.
We voted to give a love offering every month
to Bro. Paul Collins as we all care for him and
Sis. Burnas very deeply.
We have singers and preacher Patrick Blevins
that come together one time every month to lift
us up by the hearing of the Word and in songs.
Rose Blair has been in the hospital at
Riverside. We have been praying for her to get
well soon.
Till next month keep our church in your
prayers.
Paul Collins, Pastor
Patricia Dorsey, Reporter
OAK HILL (JACKSON)
Greetings. Praise God we serve a living
Savior! We can see it everywhere as we see
spring come to life. We thank God for His plan
of salvation.
Jan. 1116th we held a revival with Bro. Corey
Carroll preaching. He had some wonderful
Spiritfilled sermons. His family came on
Saturday night and they sang for us. The special
singers for the week were Bro. Corky Corn and
his new group, Singing Praises. We had one
precious soul saved and the church was uplifted
and revived. We saw another precious soul
saved Jan. 21st when our pastor, Allen Simpson
preached from John 3.
We have a songfest the last Saturday of each
month. Jan. 30th, The Third Generation sang
and on Feb. 27th, The Swauger Valley Trio
sang. Both groups were a blessing. Jan. 31st,
Bro. Michael McCarty preached from Mark
10: 4652. He is a young preacher in the Lord
and did a wonderful job.
We lost two people from our church family in
January. Our deacon, Bro. Ovid “Butch”
Trotter went home to be with Lord Jan. 28th.
He was 72 years old and Bro. Bob Jones, 91
years old, was a past deacon and Sunday School
teacher for the teen class. He went to heaven on
Jan. 21st. They both will be greatly missed.
Remember their families in prayer.
Until next time, may God bless you.
Allen Simpson, Pastor
Sandy Clark, Reporter
MAIN ST. (LAWRENCE)
Hello from Main Street. We pray all is well
with our brothers and sisters.
We would like prayer for our church as so
many have been sick, including our Pastor Paul
Bartrum. Also remember Bro. Paul in prayer
as his grandson Ronald Bartrum went to be with
the Lord on Jan. 13, 2016.
We would like to say we enjoyed the confer
ence at Main Street. Friday night Chris
Johnson brought the word of God and Saturday
morning Edwin Hayes preached. We enjoyed
fellowship later with dinner.
We thank God our youth group, that meet on
Tuesday nights, is doing well, and with our
church van we hope it grows even more.
This Easter we thank God for all He does for
us. God is good all the time, we are thankful
every day.
We pray for God’s blessings to each and every
one.
“He is not here: for He is risen,” Matthew
28:6
Paul Bartrum, Pastor
Judy Layman, Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 13
“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of allmen most miserable. But now is Christ risen from thedead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
I Corinthians 15:1920
Thought for the Month
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 14
Donahues Resign, Holland’s Role Expands The Board of Free Will Baptist International Missions met via telephone conference on
February 17, 2016, conducting two items of business. The Board accepted the resignation of
Mick and Rachel Donahue from missionary service to Spain. The Donahues submitted an offi
cial letter of resignation to Free Will Baptist International Missions dated February 11. “Our fam
ily has been facing many challenges over the past couple years…our three boys have been diag
nosed with various special needs and are now undergoing therapy,” the couple wrote. “Due to the
prolonged extension of our family's timeline and our priority of meeting our boys' needs, we have
come to the difficult decision to resign from our field of service.”
“I have followed Mick and Rachel since they were students at Welch. Their heart for missions
was evident. Their commitment to Christ and compassion for the lost took them to Spain where
they served in a strategic ministry to North African immigrants,” stated International Mission’s
General Director Clint Morgan. “We at IM are sad to see them leaving the field, but the wellbe
ing of their children must take priority at this point. We will pray with them as they hope work of
one day returning to a land and people they have grown to love deeply.”
Mick and Rachel and their boys (Keith, Ian, and Gabe) returned to the States July 22nd, for a
vacation. While here, their boys underwent tests and they extended their stay. The couple antici
pates a threetofive year timeline to meet their family needs. Mick and Rachel indicated, “…We
felt resignation was the most prudent course of action, but the decision came with much pain and
deliberation.” Appointed in December 2006 as creative access missionaries, the Donahues began
working under The Hanna Project after it’s creation. The couple pioneered work among the
immigrant population in Malaga, Spain. The Donahues’ resignation is effective March 31, 2016.
The Board also approved Clint Morgan’s recommendation that Curt Holland, current director
of mobilization for IM and administrative director of The Hanna Project (THP), fill the position
of regional director of creative access ministries. Holland will oversee and direct THP workers as
well as those who qualify as creative access missionaries under International Missions’ umbrella.
“It seems sensible for the administrative director of The Hanna Project to be charged with the
oversight and direction of personnel and projects under the creative access banner,” declared
Morgan. “Curt Holland is a capable leader who has demonstrated impressive skills in church
planting, teaching, organizing and leading shortterm teams, and dealing with people one on one
or in large groups. I am confident he will be an inspiring leader for our THP field workers.”
Curt will continue his role as director of mobilization. All regional directors have additional full
time ministry responsibilities. Curt’s new responsibilities were effective March 1.
Truly God has been so good to Free Will Baptist Family Ministries. As we reflect upon this
past year and move forward into 2016, I can only say what an awesome God we serve. I thought
you would enjoy seeing some statistics and current happenings under the umbrella of programs
provided at our ministry.
You can rejoice with us in that in that over the past year, 106 young people made a decision
for Christ and 21 followed Him in baptism. If anything should get Christians excited, it should
be hearing about others being saved, especially when your support helped make it possible! And
for the last 16 years now, we have seen an average of 100 or more saved through this ministry.
You can rejoice with us that through our child care services, in 2015 we served 463 youth in
our residential group care in TN & AR, 104 in Foster Care, and hosted 3,345 guests at The
Oaks, our retreat center.
You can rejoice in that we saw 97 babies born to the moms benefiting from The Hope
Center in 2015, & currently serving 471 through our crisis pregnancy resource center. If it
were not for your support of Family Ministries, many of those babies would have become another
number in the abortion statistics.
In 2015, you can rejoice with us in that we had 107 young people graduated from our
Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Program. There is an epidemic of addiction among young peo
ple today, but our supporters had a hand in helping these young people overcome this problem
and know that they don't have to fight the fight alone... They can have Christ on their side!
You can rejoice with us in that we expanded our services into Charleston, AR, through a dona
tion of a 15,000 sq. ft. building. On Dec. 1, 2015, we celebrated with the ribbon cutting and ded
ication of the newly renovated facility, “Maggie House”. By the end of January of this year, we
will have 20 youth in care, with capacity of 33 children.
We are currently serving 50 residents at Governor’s Bend, in Erwin, TN and 45 at The
Laurels, in Wise, VA, our assisted living facilities. We are excited to be able to offer quality
full service living where residents have the independence of living in their own suites with the
freedom to do exactly as they like, all while enjoying the safety and services provided by an
attentive 24hour staff.
Many of you responded to our Christmas Appeal and provided gifts and parties for our chil
dren during December. Thank you for making it so special for them when it is often the most dif
ficult time of the year being away from their own families. Another way you can help is through
our upcoming Mother’s Day Offering in May, which is our largest fundraising effort each year,
to help offset our annual budget. Every person has an important Godgiven role to play in help
ing to fulfill the Great Commission. Prayerfully consider joining us as we work together to win
souls for His Kingdom.
For more information about how you can be involved with this great ministry, contact us at:
90 Stanley Lane
Greeneville, TN 37743
PHONE: 423.639.9449
EMAIL: [email protected]:
www.fwbfm.com
We also have field representatives available to
come and share about Family Ministries with
your churches. Log on to our website for a
list and contact info for our reps.
Evangelist
Mike Blanton
Available for services, revivals and
campmeetings!
Mike Blanton and Evidenceavailable to sing at your church!
(614) 8712795
Free Will Baptist International Missions www.FWBGO.COM
Former Zion #3
Pastor Rich Bishop
has been treated for a serious infection in his
foot and is in need of prayer.
Deacon Dennis Moore from the Clyde First
FWB Church has begun radiation treatments for
a cancerous tumor on his lung. In addition to
that small doses of chemo will also be given but
not for every treatment.
Gahanna Pastor Curtis Booth had surgery Jan.
14th and the doctors found an infection behind
his ear that could be treated with antibiotics.
They did not have to do the extensive surgery
they were planning. We are thanking the Lord
for the good news! Sister Pat Booth, wife of
Gahanna Pastor Curtis Booth has been suffering
with heart blockages and stands in need of
prayer.
Brother Chuck Walraven, a member of the
Gahanna Church suffered a stroke. He has been
released from rehab and is now home.
Sister Terry Peterson’s 2yr old foster son
John had open heart surgery in January and was
in ICU to recover. Please pray for a speedy
recovery and for strength for him. They are
members of the Lighthouse Church.
Bro. Harold Stout, father of Heritage Pastor
Tim Stout took a fall Jan. 21st and was in the
hospital in Mansfield. He is now home recov
ering. Do remember them in your prayers.
Centerburg Deacon Charles DeBoard is
being treated for serious liver disease. Do
remember him and his family in prayer.
Sister Ruth Ann Castle, bookkeeper at the
Ohio State FWB Office and a member of the
Columbus First Church was in Mt. Carmel E
Hospital February 8th. She is now home.
Bro. Lindsey Jarrell and his daughter, Sister
Jolenna Case were involved in a serious car
accident in Rittman Feb. 15th. They are both in
very critical condition in the hospital in Akron.
They are showing some slow improvement.
Bro. Lindsey is a longtime member of the
Rittman Community FWB Church. Sister
Jolenna attends the Canaan FWB Church. Do
remember this family in your prayers.
Sister Terry Dutton's brother, Larry
Blackburn underwent serious surgery on
February 23rd in Pikeville, KY. Sister Terry is
the wife of Evangelist Freddy Dutton. Do
remember them in prayer.
Bro. Jim Fraley, a deacon from Heritage
FWB had triple bypass surgery February 18th
in Columbus. Do remember him in prayer.
Sister Dottie Hix, wife of Redeemer Pastor
Don Hix, had back surgery on March 8th.
Sister Ruby Vance, a member of the Faith
Logan Church has been in and out of the hospi
tal a lot the last couple of months. She has been
a life long member of the church.
Bro. Austin Drakluic, of the Flagship Church
in Erie, PA. had surgery to remove his medicine
port in February. He is doing well.
WESTSIDE (CAPITAL CITY)
Greetings from the Westside FWB Church.
We are very excited to share some of the great
things God is doing within our congregation!
Our youth group is growing and recently held
a Valentine’s Day family spaghetti dinner. We
had many people support their efforts and they
raised over $1,000 to be used for activities and
ministry this year. During the frigid winter
months we hosted a coat and glove drive where
we received donations to benefit those in need
in our community. Candles and blankets were
also collected to go directly to the homeless in
Columbus.
Our Junior church added letters and copies of
the Daily Bread to Blessing Bags that were put
together to also go directly to the homeless.
Some members of the congregation delivered
the bags, and saw first hand the needs in our
own community. We truly feel blessed to be a
blessing to others as well as teach our kids to
serve.
We are asking for continued prayer going into
the Easter season as we will observe commun
ion and feetwashing together as well at the
Easter holiday.
Our desire is to see souls saved, people bap
tized and added to the church. We are looking
forward to a fun lunch and Easter egg hunt for
the children at the end of March and we are
thankful for the families who have recently
taken membership.
We will continue to pray for all of those who
are working to spread the gospel and ask for
your continued prayers as well!
Tim Boyd, Pastor
Jessica Boyd, Reporter
CLEVELAND (CUYAHOGA LORAIN)
“But we will give ourselves continuously toprayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Acts
6:4
We held a special Family Night service on
Friday, February 26th where we had over 40
people present to see the movie War Room. We
encourage those who have not seen this movie
to do so. War Room was spiritually uplifting
and challenging, and we have many who have
made faith promises to God to become prayer
warriors. We also would like to give our special
thanks to Bro. Joe and Sis. Vivian for providing
a wonderful spaghetti dinner and birthday cake
for Pastor Prichard prior to the movie.
Jan 6th during our Wednesday evening prayer
service, we had one give their heart to the
LORD. Please keep him in your prayers.
Joe and Vivian Egnor
During Sunday evening worship service on
Feb 21st we held a special ordination service for
Brother Joe Egnor. Reverends Cecil Farmer,
Eugene Crouch and Ed Kennedy Jr. were here
to officially ordain Bro Joe as a Free Will
Baptist Deacon. Please pray for Bro Joe and his
wife, Sis Vivian, while they follow God’s will
for their lives.
Robert L. Prichard, Pastor
Kimberly R. Young, Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 15
HospitalUpdate
Greetings from the
Ohio Women Active for Christ
State Board.
News and Upcoming EventsWomen’s Days... The OWAC is hosting 2 Women’s Days this year. The first will be
held at the Canaan Free Will Baptist Church located at 12723 Cleveland Rd,
Creston, OH 44217 on April 30, 2016 from 9:15am2:30pm.
The second will be held at The Ambassador Free Will Baptist Church located at
776 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45245 on May 21, 2016 from 9:152:30pm.
The classes being offered are; Integrity, Social Media, Everyday Worship, ModernDay Idolatry, Praise You in the Storm, Before the Prodigal Returns. Lunch will be
provided.
We would love to see all of our Ohio ladies there!
Mark your calendars... Our state meeting will be held on Thursday June 23, 2016 at
1pm at Heritage FWBC in Heritage Hall. Our theme is “I Surrender All” Marie
Drakulic will be our speaker and I am so excited to see how the Lord uses her at our
state meeting.
Your sister in Christ,
Jessica Musetti, OWAC Secretary
Ohio Women Active for Christ
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 16
Changes to Welch College Organizational
Structure and Obtains Accreditor Approval
for M.A. in Theology and Ministry
By Josh Owens, Director of Media and Marketing
With the addition of Welch College’s new Master of Arts
(M.A.) degree in Theology and Ministry, two employees will
be assuming new roles. Dr. Kevin Hester and Dr. Jeff
Cockrell have been designated as graduate faculty. Though
they will continue to teach on the undergraduate level, their primary responsibilities will be asso
ciated with the new M.A. program.
Dr. Kevin Hester, Chairman of the Department of Theological Studies since 2011 and faculty
member since 2003, will serve as the Dean of the School of Theology which will house the M.A.
He will oversee faculty and curriculum throughout the school on both the graduate and under
graduate levels. Thus the Department of Theological Studies will now be known as the School of
Theology and will administer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in theological studies.
Dr. Hester came to Welch College in 2003 from a teaching position at Saint Louis University
where he also worked in the Reinert Center for Teaching Excellence. A 1993 graduate of Welch
College, he holds the M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary (1997) and a Ph.D. in
Historical Theology from Saint Louis University (2002). Hester had previously served in ministry
positions at Free Will Baptist churches in Tennessee and Missouri and worked with Stephen
Ministries (St. Louis, MO).
Dr. Hester is a member of the Commission for Theological Integrity of the National Association
of Free Will Baptist. He was recently appointed to the Commission on Accreditation of the
Association for Biblical Higher Education. Hester is the author of Eschatology and Pain in St.
Gregory the Great (2007) and Free Will Baptists and the Priesthood of Believers (2010) as well as
numerous scholary and popular articles.
Newly appointed faculty member in New Testament, Dr. Jeff Cockrell, will serve as the Program
Coordinator for the M.A. degree in Theology and Ministry. In this capacity, he will be responsible
for admissions, recruitment, and supervision of the M.A.
Dr. Cockrell has served as a Free Will Baptist pastor for nearly thirty years in North Carolina,
South Carolina, and Georgia. Most recently he served as senior pastor of Ahoskie Free Will
Baptist Church in Ahoskie, NC, which also operates a Christian academy. He has served in a
number of denominational posts at the local and state levels and currently serves as a member of
the Historical Commission of the National Association of Free Will Baptists.
Dr. Cockrell holds a Ph.D. in Theology with a concentration in New Testament from the
University of Wales Trinity St. David in the UK, an M.A. in New Testament from Gordon
Conwell Theological Seminary, and a B.S. and M.A.R. from Liberty University. In addition to his
pastoral work, he has held adjunct faculty status at a number of institutions, including Gordon
Conwell Theological Seminary, Liberty University, and North Carolina Wesleyan College. He is
the author of a number of scholarly and popular articles and papers.
Welch College will be the first Free Will Baptist college to offer a regionally accredited credential
on the graduate level. The thirtythree hour M.A. consists of hybrid courses, in which a portion of
the coursework is done online and the other portion in oneweek, oncampus intensive sessions.
Generous financial aid is available, including institutionally funded scholarships and federally
guaranteed loans.
There is still time to enroll in the second session, which begins April 15th. Admission to the pro
gram is continuous, and students can apply for admission with each new session. For questions or
for enrollment information, please email Dr. Jeff Cockrell at [email protected].
President’s Home to be Built on Gallatin Campus
By resolution of the Board of Trustees, Welch College will construct a president’s home on its
new 66acre campus site in Gallatin, Tennessee, according to David Williford, vice president for
institutional advancement.
“The most recent plans for phase one did not include a president’s home; President Pinson felt
that all resources and energies needed to be focused on the building of the core campus,”
Williford said. “Plans changed when the lead donor to the Building on the Legacy capital cam
paign for campus relocation, Mrs. Alicia Celorio of the Do Unto Others Trust in Miami, FL,
promised an additional gift that would make it possible for the home to be built without diverting
any funds from the core campus.”
“In December of 2014, Mrs. Celorio completed the most significant pledge of the Building on the
Legacy campaign. While visiting the West End campus over the years, she had spent time in the
president’s home and saw how the home was a hub of ministry to college students and the college
family. It was her desire to see that replicated on the Gallatin campus.”
James and Mary Beasley of Turbeville, SC, subsequently made an additional, significant pledge
above and beyond their Building on the Legacy commitment. As directed by the Board of
Trustees, the funds for the president’s home will not come from gifts to the Building on theLegacy campaign, but from special gifts made above and beyond Building on the Legacy gifts, as
well as from the president’s housing allowance.
“We’re grateful to our two lead donors in the silent phase of the Building on the Legacy cam
paign, who had a special interest in seeing a president’s home built on this land into which they
have already poured such great resources and wanted to give above and beyond their original
pledges,” Williford said. “Rather than taking a personal housing allowance, President and Mrs.
Pinson wanted their monthly housing allowance funds placed back into the new Welch campus
through the construction of a president’s home for future generations of the Welch family.”
“In the long tradition of college presidents’ homes, the president’s home on the West End campus
was a symbol of the sort of Christian community, hospitality, and mentoring we’re attempting to
foster at Welch,” Williford said. “It provided a wide variety of wonderful communitybuilding
events for students, faculty and staff, and the wider Welch constituency. We’re so glad, thanks to
these generous donors, this tradition can continue in Gallatin.”
The design of the house is underway, according to Relocation Consultant Bob Bass, and con
struction is set to begin on the house this month.
Bass will oversee the construction of the home. Mike Murdock, a member of the Donelson
Fellowship, a Nashville Free Will Baptist congregation, has been selected as construction manag
er to design the home and manage the building process.
“Mike has designed and built scores of excellent homes in the greater Nashville area,” Bass said.
“He’s stepping up to the plate and doing this for the college at a fraction of what he would nor
mally receive for the expertise he brings to the table. He sees it as kingdom work. Mike will pro
duce an excellent president’s home that will mesh well with the overall design of the new Welch
campus.”
“It’s great to see the amazing progress on the construction of the new Welch campus,” Bass said.
“We are now completing the foundations and are about to see some vertical activity. After more
than twenty years of work and anticipation on this project, it’s a wonderful sight to watch it all
come together.”
To learn more about campus relocation or to give to the Building on the Legacy campaign, visit
BuildingontheLegacy.com.
The Free Will Baptist North American
Ministries Board of Directors Approved
and Commissioned Several New Church
Planters Recently.
Jamie and Heather Lee are joint project church planters with
the state of Illinois. Jamie is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and comes to North
American Ministries after concluding a successful pastorate at Calvary Free Will Baptist Church
in Salem, Illinois. The Lees will be planting a church in the Champaign/Urbana Illinois area near
the University of Illinois with its 44,000 students. The Northern part of Champaign in a highly
populated and high traffic area with no churches nearby. Please pray for Jamie and Heather and
their three small children as they lead this exciting new project.
(L to R – Brad Ransom – Director of Church Planting, Church Planters Jamie Lee, Adam
Garrett, and Marshall Bonèy)
Adam and Rebecca Garrett are joint project church planters with the state of Virginia and North
American Ministries. They will be working alongside David and Ashley Osborne in the
Wytheville, Virginia church plant. Adam graduated from Welch College with a Bachelor’s Degree
in Music Performance. The Garrett’s have been working alongside church planter Cliff Donoho in
the Tallahassee, Florida church plant and will bring a wealth of experience to this new direction
from the Lord. Wytheville is located in southwest Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains and is
a haven for history buffs. Please pray for this new project.
Marshall and Tiffany Bonèy are newly appointed church planters to the ocean front area of
Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Bonèys have lived in the Virginia Beach area for many years and
have a great knowledge of the needs of the area. They have one daughter still living at home and
two adult daughters and one soninlaw. Please pray for the family as they transition to the role of
lead planters establishing a new church in the area.
MARYSVILLE (CENTRAL OHIO )
Psalms 84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun andshield: the LORD will give grace and glory: nogood thing will be withhold from them that walkuprightly.”March 25th at 7pm we will have our commun
ion and feetwashing service. We always have a
blessed and humble service.
The ladies are having a Bible study and lunch
eon April 23rd at Andrea’s Bed and Breakfast in
London, Ohio from 92pm. Lisa Jones will be
the guest speaker. There will be a cooking
demonstration with lunch provided.
Several adults and youth went bowling at the
Marysville Lanes. Everyone had a fun time.
We have been having some visitors in our
services. We want to say praise the Lord and
welcome.
Paul Bogenrife, Pastor
Helen Murray, Reporter
FELLOWSHIP TABERNACLE
(LITTLE MIAMI)
At Fellowship Tabernacle in Xenia Ohio, we
love to exalt the Lord, edify the saints and evan
gelize the lost. We are looking forward to the
coming spring and to what the Lord has in store
for us as we continue to serve Him.
Our church has a lot of good cooks who put on
a great spaghetti dinner on February 21st.
During March we will have several preachers
visiting to minister to us: Joe Carpenter on the
6th in the am; Tim Hamilton in the 13th am
service; Daniel Alderman on the 20th in the
pm service; on Easter, the 27th, Tim
Southwood in the am and Steve Fyffe in the
pm. Our Sunrise service on Easter, the 27th,
will begin at 7am with our Pastor, Jim Stepp
preaching.
We are planning a revival will be in May: more
news about that next month.
Jim Stepp, Pastor
Jere Coddington, Reporter
SHELBY (NORTHERN OHIO)
Happy spring! Just a few quick words from
the Shelby Church. The last few months have
been a bit of a break after the holidays.
However, the youth did find time to go snow
boarding in January – they had a great time and
no one got hurt! The church also hosted a fam
ily movie night in February to watch “WarRoom” – a powerful message to carry us
throughout the year.
We are looking forward to the community
Easter egg hunt we will be hosting on March
26th. But more importantly, we await another
chance to celebrate the resurrection of the
Savior on Easter morning, the One who is alto
gether lovely! We wish you all a wonderful and
blessed Easter season.
Matt Pond, Pastor
Heather Brown, Reporter
GAHANNA (CORNERSTONE)
We are thankful for all God is doing at
Gahanna FWB. Josh Circelli gave his life to the
Lord and was baptized after the morning service
January 3rd.
Brother Darrell Varney was ordained Sunday
evening, January 3rd as a FWB preacher. We
have witnessed his growing and obedience in
his calling to preach God’s Word. The church
appreciates Brother Darrell.
We welcomed the Heaven Bound Singers to
our Sunday evening service January 10th. They
praised the Lord in song and were a blessing to
the church.
Pastor Curtis Booth underwent surgery in
January for a serious infection. Thank God the
surgery was not as invasive as first thought.
Please keep Brother Curtis and his wife Pat in
your prayers
We thank God for Brother Edwin Hayes and
his dedication to Gahanna FWB Church while
Pastor Booth was recovering.
Sunday February 21st was a blessed morning
service with the Hamilton Road Quartet
singing God’s praises and Brother Edwin
Hayes preaching a spiritfilled message.
Our loss was heaven’s gain, Sister Julia (Judy)
Ruggles, Becky Orrell’s mother and Dawn
Coakley’s grandmother went home to be with
the Lord. She will be missed by her church fam
ily.
Please remember our brothers and sisters who
cannot attend church due to illness.
God bless.
Curtis Booth, Pastor
Bonnie Justice, Reporter
CANAAN (CAPITAL CITY)
It’s amazing how one single moment in time
can change everything. During the last few
weeks our Canaan church family has joined
with the Rittman Community FWB Church
family to provide love and support to a family
touched single horrific accident. Please for this
family that has long time members in each of
our churches. We have two folks that who need
a healing touch from the Great Physician and a
family that needs wisdom and guidance that can
only come from the Lord of all comfort. Please
remember the Case and Jarrell families in
prayer.
During the past few months Pastor Mike has
been walking us through some specific
Scriptures. On Sunday mornings he is preach
ing through Psalm 23. On Sunday evenings, he
is leading us through the Beatitudes. During
Wednesday evening Bible study he is teaching
on the life of Elisha.
We have had lots of opportunities for outreach.
Our Master’s Men took a small group to Mexico
to work on an orphanage and church building in
a remote area of the country. The church held a
Caring Cans for Christ food distribution in
February and we have supported a few different
fundraisers sponsored by our youth group, The
C. R. E.W., for their upcoming youth
retreat.
Mike Gladson, Pastor
Lisa R. Justice, Reporter
WAKEFIELD (PORTER)
Hello from Wakefield and may the Lord bless
all our sister churches.
We have been blessed in many ways, even
though we have been having a lot of illness in
our little congregation. Sister Sharon Mullett
had a major heart attack and a very close call
and her husband, Bob had gall bladder surgery
and may need further surgery. Sister Junnie
Evans has had kidney problems and been in the
hospital awhile. She is home now, but still not
well. Brother Mitch Collins had surgery for a
large kidney stone. Brother Mike Tilley had a
bad spell with his legs at church and Bro. Don
and Sister Rosie Borders have been quite ill.
It seems that the devil is trying to attack us, but
God is still in control. Where could we go but to
the Lord? We had to cancel several services due
to bad weather. Also, due to a recent electrical
problem we had to temporarily cancel a few
services. We have a close family of God and it’s
so good to know we can count on our heavenly
Father and on each other. Having the “One
Call” phone system has been a real help in our
prayer chain and passing information.
Spring is on the way, unless the Lord comes
back first and we must all stay ready.
Lowell King, Pastor
Barb Conley, Reporter
COMMUNITY (CENTRAL OHIO)
We have had such a sweet spirit in our servic
es lately, it has lead to some great testimonies
that have been uplifting to the congregation, the
view we get from the choir is like watching
popcorn in a popping machine. We are looking
forward to the celebration of our Savior.
On Palm Sunday we have special music from
the choir. We will have communion in morning
worship and the feetwashing will be in the
evening service. Bro. Jerry will be bringing the
messages for both Palm Sunday and Easter
morning. Bro. Jerry has been continuing his
series of sermons from Judges. The congrega
tion has really enjoyed these messages.
The church has been undergoing some remod
eling. The students from Tolles Career and
Technical School have been remodeling the
building behind the church. The kitchen has
also received a face lift.
Our church will be hosting the Central Ohio
Conference on May 7, 2016. The conference
will begin at 10am. Our choir will be singing
and ladies will be preparing a wonderful lunch.
We are looking forward to this time of fellow
ship.
Jerry Newman Pastor
A. Friend Reporter
SPRINGFIELD (LITTLE MIAMI)
"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and saidunto the sea, Peace, be still. And the windceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:39
Hello from Springfield! God is good and we
are more blessed than what we deserve.
We had a New Year candlelight and testimony
service. It was a special blessing for all of us.
One of our dear sisters, Sis. Hilda Gamble, has
gone home to live with Jesus. She loved to
come to church and sing. Now she can sing for
ever and ever and never get tired.
Several of our members are dealing with
health issues. Please remember them in your
prayers, God knows each need. In this life,
everyone will have to go through a storm some
time, but we have Jesus by our side and He can
calm the storms of our life.
The singing group Enabling Grace will be
here Saturday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m. Everyone
is welcome to come and enjoy the evening with
us.
Charles Crider, Pastor
Kristen Lemaster, Reporter
PORTER (PORTER)
Greetings from Porter FWB Church! Our con
gregation celebrated the beginning of another
new year together at our fellowship hall. There
was food, games and fellowship on New Year’s
Eve. It is an annual tradition and a great way for
everyone to enjoy Christian camaraderie.
The junior youth have started another year of
the Elements curriculum on Wednesday
evenings. The children love the lessons. They
love the games, experiments, skits and especial
ly the videos made by Pastor Steve.
A new women’s Bible study began this year.
The group is using “A Woman’s Heart: God’sDwelling Place” by Beth Moore as the basis of
the small group study. Many have stated how
much they enjoy this time of study and sharing
to continue their growth as Christians.
On March 12th at 9 am, our church will be
hosting the “Church Growth and Revitalization
Conference” for the Porter Association. Jim
McComas is the speaker and everyone is
encouraged to attend.
We have had a rather quiet year so far with
very few issues with the weather. I think that
many are excited to see what spring has in store
for our church with Easter just around the cor
ner.
Mark Price, Pastor
Tehra Clevenger, Reporter
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 17
FELLOWSHIP TRACT LEAGUE
For all of your TRACT needs
Call Rep. Tim Lapish at 16149375746 or
15134941075;
Available for pulpit [email protected]
BOOKKEEPINGACCOUNTINGNOTARY PUBLIC
M. J. LOWE’SINCOME TAX SERVICE
3213 SOUTH HIGH STREETCOLUMBUS OHIO 43207
JIM & JEAN LOWE Phone 16144916280OWNERS FAX 16144914554
OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 18
Central OhioMarch 12 Franklin Conference Alternative Classes Hillview FWB, Bill Hayes, PastorMay 7 Central Ohio Conference meeting at Community FWB, Jerry Newman, PastorApril 30 Cornerstone Conference meeting at Open Door, Willie Booth, PastorMay 7 Trinity Conference meeting at Eastside FWB, James Baldwin, Pastor
Northern OhioApril 2 North & Western Conference meeting at Lima FWB, David Coffey, PastorApril 9 CuyahogaLorain Conference meeting at Good Hope FWB, Jason Keith, PastorApril 16 Northeastern Conference
Southern OhioMarch 13 Zion #3, Special Singing Service with Jimmy Howson, Chuck Phillips, Asst. PastorMarch 1418 Swauger Valley, Revival with Mike McCoy, Mike Simpson, PastorApril 10 Zion #3, Special Singing Service with Undivided, Chuck Phillips, Asst. PastorApril 1015 Puritan, Revival w/Barney Goins & Wayne Runyon, Jamie Fortner, PastorApril 23 Jackson Conference meeting at Oak Hill FWB, Allen Simpson, Pastor May 7 Lawrence Conference meeting at Mt. Calvary FWB, Ronnie Blagg, Pastor May 14 SouthCentral Conference meeting at McArthur FWB, Jim Henderson, PastorMay 14 Pine Creek Conference meeting at Union, Chris Oiler, Pastor
Western OhioApril 9 TriState ConferenceMay 7 Little Miami Conference meeting at the Springfield FWB, Charlie Crider, Pastor
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Two Participants at Ohio
Men’s Retreat Win a Free
Registration to the 2016
D6 Conference!
Rev. Kyle Chadwick from the North
FWB Church in Columbus and Bro.
James Bristow from the Lighthouse
FWB Church in Elsmere, KY won free
registrations to the D6 Conference
September 2123 in Louisville, Ky.
The D6 Conference is sponsored byRandall House Publications
Executive Office Releases
Church Security Training
Video
“Every Free Will Baptist church
should have a plan to deal with dan
gerous or emergency situations should
they occur.” This statement summa
rizes a seminar presented at the 2015
Leadership Conference that addressed
growing safety and security concerns among churches in
America. A recording of the seminar, presented by securi
ty specialist Sam Hodges, is being made available to
churches through the Executive Office. A donation of
$5.00 is requested to offset production and shipping, but
the video is complimentary to any church unable to pay.
Produced in conjunction with NowTech Productions, the
video incorporates strategies for forming church security
teams with recommended training and protocol for emer
gency situations.
The video, along with the PowerPoint presentation and
notes from the seminar, can be ordered from the
Executive Office by calling 877.767.7659 or by emailing
WWW.OhioFWB.org
LIBERTY (CUYAHOGALORAIN)
Greetings from Liberty FWB Church! God has
been working in amazing ways these past few
months. Many exciting things will be occurring
in the months to come. Our ladies auxiliary will
be celebrating 50 years in March; it is amazing
to see the Lord blessing that part of the ministry
at our church.
Please remember the family of Ed Scott in
your prayers. Isn’t it a blessing that when a
Christian passes away we have a hope we will
see them again one day. We would also like to
request prayer for Bro. John Wyatt, Sister
Waskey, and Sister Adams who are all in the
nursing home for rehabilitation. Please pray
that God would comfort them and give them
strength. We truly miss them when they are not
able to attend our services.
There is always something exciting and new
happening here at Liberty just as our life with
Christ should be. We should never cease to
thank Him and praise Him for all that He
does.
Until next time.
Cecil Farmer, Pastor
Chelsea Pomeroy, Reporter
PURITAN (SOUTH CENTRAL)
The holidays were very busy at Puritan
Church, but God was very good to us. Now we
are looking forward to spring.
The men came back from the retreat and had a
wonderful time.
The last time I posted we were trying to get a
piano. God has blessed us with one! It is beau
tiful and we want to thank Larry Jayjohn for his
hard work on that project and the church fami
ly for all they did.
We had our Master’s Men and Ladies Aid
meetings and had a very good turnout even with
the bad weather. We thank all who came and
took part.
The church lost a dear and faithful member,
Lloyd Sayre. Please remember his wife, Paula
in prayer.
We had our first movie night at church on Jan.
30th. The movie was “The War Room” and all
had a wonderful time.
On Feb. 14th we celebrated 99 years of wor
ship as the Puritan FWB Church! The Lore
Family was with us during the morning service.
On April 1015th we are having our spring
revival with Barney Goins and Wayne
Runyon.
We have had some of our people in the hospi
tal, but all are home now. Praise God. Please
pray for John Daniels, Bud Wiseman, John
Willis and Larry Newman. Pray for all our shut
ins.
We’ve been blessed throughout 2015 and
looking forward to seeing what God has in store
for Puritan Church in 2016. Pray for our church
family.
Jamie Fortner, Pastor
Sharon Jones, Reporter
MOUNT HOPE (PINE CREEK)
Greetings from Mount Hope FWB Church.
We are very pleased to announce that we have
been blessed to receive Bro. Gary Selby as our
pastor.
Also, we our blessed to have joined the Pine
Creek Conference. We are looking forward to
being a part of this conference. The Southern
Ohio Conference will officially end on July 1,
2016.
We are looking forward to spring and we are
praying for a revival. We thank God for all He
has done for us.
Until the next time, may the Lord keep you
and bless you.
Gary Selby, Pastor
Karen Charles, Reporter
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OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 20