O * H * I * O AMBASSADORAMBASSADOR Volume 54 Number 1 January-February 2014 “The Voice of Ohio Free Will Baptists Proclaiming The Words of Christ to a Lost World”

As 2014 Begins Ask Yourself Where Have You Been? Where Are You Going? n Jeremiah 6 the faithful prophet warned a wandering I Judah to get back on the path of their forefathers--the path of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Northern Kingdom had already been down the path of rebellion that Judah was now traveling and at the end of that path was judgment!

Jeremiah exhorted them to get off this path of destruction and get on the same path that had led their forefathers to safety.

Many times in scripture men are compared to sheep. Sheep are prone to wander from the safe path onto a path of danger. The shepherd would then risk life and limb to recover a wandering sheep. Judah had now wandered down the dangerous path of disobedience. Jeremiah wanted them to stop and see the path they were on. was there a time you did more? to stop and evaluate the path you are on. Remember these 4. Are you giving more to Christ than you ever have?--or questions have nothing to do with what anyone else has It matters what path we are on. It is not enough to think was there a time you gave more? done to you or treated you unfairly--This is how we are with or hope we are on the right path, or even sincerely believe 5. Is your prayer life the best it has ever been?--or was God! Analyze the path you are on and get back on the old we are on the right path. We must be on the right path. there a time it was better? path of blessing! The path that has been successful for you Could you imagine me telling you that I was going to trav- 6. Is your worship fulfilling to you?--or was there a time in the past. el I-71 North to go to Cincinnati from Columbus? You when it was more fulfilling? would tell me that I would never get there on that road! 7. Do you handle offenses better than you ever have?--or This is what the Lord was asking Hagar to do--evaluate was there a time you handled them better? where she had been and where she was going and to return There are times when it is good to stop and evaluate what 8. Do you give your brother the benefit of the doubt?--or to that special place of blessing. path you are on. In this sinful world there are many paths do you try to determine his motives? that call for our attention. (Path of Pride, Pleasure, Success, 9. Do you resist the temptation to complain?--or do you This is what the Lord wants us to do as Free Will Baptists- Stubbornness, Doubt, Discouragement and Rebellion) It is find comfort in complaining about the shortcomings of oth- -evaluate where we have been as a denomination, a church, easy to find ourselves on one of these paths! ers? an individual and see where we are going. He wants us to 10. Are there things in life that you love more than God? return to that place of blessing! In Genesis 16 we see the story of Hagar the Egyptian What do your thoughts, desires and actions say about what bondslave to Sarah. In their impatience to have a child, you love most? The Questions Applied Abraham took Hagar as a wife and she conceived. When 11. Do you love all people (even difficult people) better The Angel of the Lord caused Hagar to turn back from this happened Sarah despised her and made her life miser- than you ever have?--or was there a time when you loved destruction and come home to safety. He blessed her with able. Hagar ran away into the wilderness. The Angel of the people better? a son whose seed would become a mighty nation. She Lord found her an asked these two questions. (vs. 8-10) 12. When was the last time the Word of God made a applied the message and was blessed. (vs 13) Where have you been? and Where are you going? These change in your lifestyle? questions had nothing to do with Abraham and Sarah--only 13. What did you do today that only a Christian would The Lord wants us to “Consider our ways” and return to Hagar. She had been at a place of God’s blessing and in do? the right path. Will we apply the message? Are there some order to be blessed of God she must return to that place. things that need to be restored in your life? Some broken The Questions Analyzed relationship? Some unholy feelings toward another? Are This is a good question to ask ourselves. Where have you The Angel of the Lord caused Hagar to analyze where she there some practices that need to be reestablished? Prayer? been and where are you going--right now? What path are had been and where she was going. He caused her to see Devotion? Church attendance? you traveling? I have a series of personal questions I want the consequences of her action--what would happen to her to ask you. Your answers to these questions help determine if she stayed on this path. There are times when we need to step back to make any the path you are on in your walk with Christ. The ground more progress. When Jacob returned to Bethel, he got rid of rules are as follows: This is what preachers do, warn people not to drift off the the idols and came back to the place where he met God, the 1. These questions are for you and you alone. You may path of safety. When I am out driving, I do appreciate the place he had made his commitment to God. The Prodigal be tempted to apply these questions to others-I ask you to lines in the road that let me know I am on a safe path. Son reassessed his situation and returned home to his father. resist that temptation! Sometimes when I drift off too far, I run over those rumble Elijah rebuilt the altar that had been torn down on Mt. 2. These questions do not need to be discussed with oth- strips that abruptly warn me to analyze my path to see that Carmel. These decisions led to great success on their paths. ers. Remember the path you are traveling has nothing to I am off the road! New Year’s Issue New Year’s Issue do with anyone else. This is strictly between you and the Our Christian walk comes down to two commands. “Thou Lord. The Lord wants us to stop and analyze the path we are on. shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and 3. In order for these questions to do you any good you Does it lead us to a greater and deeper relationship with mind.” (Matt 22:37) and the second “Thou shalt love thy must be open and honest with God. Him? Are we headed in the right direction? What will hap- neighbor as thyself.” (Matt 22:39) If we are keeping these pen to you if you stay on the path you are now on? two commands we are on the right path. The Questions Asked 1. Are you the happiest you have ever been?--or was there If the answers to this list of questions are yes--stop and Where have you been? Where are you going? The Lord a time when you were happier? give God thanks today! It is only by His supernatural power calls us to reject the world’s wide path of rebellion, selfish- 2. Is your attitude the best that it has ever been?--or was could we answer yes to any of these questions. ness and stubbornness and return to the old straight and nar- there a time when it was better? row path of safety--devotion, obedience, sacrifice and love. 3. Are you doing more for Christ than you ever have?--or If the answers to any of these questions are no--it is time Edwin Hayes Secretary’s Schedule

January 12 Oak Hill SS & AM Service, Danny Boggs, Pastor January 19 Faith SS & AM Service, Tony Vanover, Pastor January 23-25 Ohio Men’s Retreat, Heartland Retreat Center January 26 Swauger Valley SS & AM Service, Mike Simpson, Pastor Thanks Brother Mike February 7 Pine Creek Conf meeting at Scioto, Dan Widdig, Pastor February 11-13 Natl Promotional Directors Meeting, Tampa, Florida February 16 Antioch SS & AM Service, Rick Henderson, Pastor I met Rev. Mike Stokes about 30 years ago when we February 23 Canaan AM Service, Jim McComas, Pastor worked together on the Ohio Executive Committee. He February 28-March 1 Hillview Couple’s Retreat, Bill Hayes, Pastor was the Assistant Clerk and later became Clerk. One of March 2 Porter SS & AM Service, Mark Price, Pastor things that I remember about those days is that Mike just March 3-4 National Nominating Committee Meeting, Nashville, TN didn’t accept everything offered at the committee meet- March 11 Ohio Budget Committee Meeting ing, it had to be excellent for Mike to agree. He wanted our meeting to be the best it could be for the Lord.

He loved the Lord, the ministry and our Ohio State Association. His enthusiasm for the Lord’s work was infectious. His love for the denomination challenged you to love it Attention: Ambassador Reporters more. During our meetings when we were selecting the theme for the State Meeting, Mike would always offer a theme that was well thought out and presented with passion. DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE!!!! It was obvious that he had put much into the preparation of our meeting.

Brother Mike became well loved over his 25 years as our Ohio Clerk. He was like a The deadline for the March issue will be sergeant in the military keeping our meeting on track. I believe Ohio has one of the best organized state meetings and much of this can be attributed to Mike Stokes. Noon, March 1st

Most of the time, our State Meeting date is right up against the Ambassador Magazine EDITOR Rev. Edwin Hayes STATE CTS BOARD deadline, but that was no problem because within a day or two after the meeting, Mike 7554 Slate Ridge Blvd Mark McCarty 2020 would send the completed minutes to me for publication in the magazine. They would Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 Jason Luthy 2019 be well written and ready to place in the magazine. (614) 751-1190 Adam McCarty 2018 [email protected] Deanna Price 2017 Brother Mike became well loved over his 25 years as our Ohio STATE MODERATOR Rev. Mark Price* Mike Sammons 2016 PO Box 4008 Kevin Bass 2015 Clerk. He was like a sergeant in the military keeping our meeting Sciotoville, Ohio 45662 Joshua Young 2014 on track. I believe Ohio has one of the best organized state meet- (740) 935-0328 ings and much of this can be attributed to Mike Stokes. [email protected] NOMINATING COMMITTEE ASSISTANT MODERATOR Tom Dooley* Paul Ray Etterling II 2014 4697 Crabwood Drive Mitch Salyers 2014 It was a joy working with Mike and over these years we became very close friends. Austintown, Ohio 44518 Russell Street 2014 He was an encourager. Often I would receive an email from Mike with some encourag- (330) 792-5700 ing word or complement. It was always good to hear from him. He lifted my spirits on [email protected] NATIONAL GENERAL BOARD MEMBER many occasions. CLERK Bryon Justice* Edwin Hayes 2015 4857 State Road Medina, Ohio 44256 STATE MISSIONS BOARD He was a dedicated pastor and teacher. He pastored the Miamisburg, Woodstock and (330) 618-9609 Paul Ray Etterling II 2020 Forest Valley Churches and did a faithful job in each. Also, he led those churches in [email protected] Jerry Sargent 2019 supporting the denomination through the Co-op Plan. Mike believed in the Free Will ASSISTANT CLERK Manuel Lopes* Roland Luthy 2018 Baptist Denomination and believed in supporting it generously. [email protected] Bruce Copley 2017 Tim Stout 2016 Later in his ministry, he became the adult teacher at the First Springfield Church GENERAL BOARD Roger Daniel 2015 where Rev. Mark Rucker is pastor. As with all of his ministry, he took this most seri- Charles Crider* (Little Miami) 2015 Paul Etterling 2014 ously and was a great teacher. He also took to writing articles, several of which we have Tim Crank (Lawrence) 2015 published in the Ambassador. Ed Barney (Jackson) 2015 The AMBASSADOR is the official publication of the: Ken Frisbee (Great Lakes) 2015 Del Wallace (Franklin) 2015 OHIO STATE ASSOCIATION Several years ago, Brother Mike was diagnosed with cancer and he fought a valiant Robert Prichard (Cuyahoga-Lorain) 2015 OF FREE WILL BAPTISTS fight. He continued to maintain his ministry as long as he could. Two years ago, very Russell Street* (Central Ohio) 2015 reluctantly he resigned as Clerk of the Ohio Association, the year after he was honored Jeremy Luthy* (Tri State) 2015 7554 Slate Ridge Blvd. for his 25 years of service to our state association. He is the longest tenured official of Randy Rose (Northeastern) 2015 the Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists. Randy Keffer (Capital City) 2015 Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 Leroy Dodrill (Northern Ohio) 2014 Brother Mike Stokes passed over to his reward on December 26th. Our loss is Densil Wright (Trinity) 2014 The Ambassador is committed to promoting the Heaven’s gain. He is going to be missed by his wife Judy, daughter Pam, son in law Bert Alsept (South Central) 2014 cause of Jesus Christ and the Ohio State Association Dan King* (Porter) 2014 Ron, grandchildren, Michael and Lauren, the First Springfield Church, all the churches of Free Will Baptists by presenting articles, Aaron Reed (Pine Creek) 2014 he pastored, the Ohio State Association and me personally. I am sure that he heard the announcements and pertinent news to inform our Bill Pitts (State Line) 2014 member churches and constituents. words, “Well done.” from the Lord. Blaine Etterling (Cornerstone) 2014 James Webb (North & Western) 2014 I don’t know if they have church or conference business meetings in heaven, but if Robert Fulton (Southern Ohio) 2014 We reserve the right to edit or reject materials they do, I know of a great clerk they could use! Thanks Brother Mike for everything *Executive Committee submitted for publication in the Ambassador. The you have done for the Lord and Ohio Free Will Baptists! views expressed are not necessarily the view of BOARD OF DIRECTORS the Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists. Editor’s note: This article comes from Bro. Mike’s funeral held Dec. 30th. Chris Oiler 2020 in New Carlisle. All four Ohio Moderators that Bro. Mike worked with in Peter Dunn 2019 The publication deadline is NOON as follows: his 25 years as Ohio Clerk were present at the service: Robert Prichard, Mitch Salyers 2018 January 1st, March 1st, May 1st, July 1st, Mike Mounts, Mark Price and Edwin Hayes Eugene Crouch 2017 September 1st and November 1st. All gifts Bill Hayes 2016 given to the Ambassador should be sent to the John Wallace 2015 above address. Edwin Hayes Executive Secretary Jim McComas 2014 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 3 Lighthouse FWB Mission in Conneaut National Leadership Conference Celebration Service 2013 Conference Develops Visionary Leadership The Ohio Mission Church is scheduled to be self-supporting in 2014 “Lead to Succeed: Principles for Visionary Leadership” was the theme of the 2013 Free Will Baptist Leadership Conference, which met at Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel December 9-10. Dr. Stan Toler, author, leader, and pastor was the featured speaker for general sessions and seminars throughout the two-day meeting.

Despite challenging weather conditions, more than 120 Free Will Baptist pastors and church lead- ers from 21 states and one Canadian province gathered for the annual event, which provides a meeting venue for denominational boards and agencies but is open to every Free Will Baptist minister and leader.

The meeting featured worship services, practical instruction, and plenty of time for conversation and networking. “Leadership Conference gives pastors, state leaders, and national board members practical ways to enhance their missions and visions for all facets of ministry,” said Ryan Lewis, Lighthouse Celebration Service conference director. “This year, Dr. Toler shared crucial principles of leadership to help Free Will Baptists advance the Kingdom, vital training for anyone who shepherds others in ministry.” On a snowy day, December 14th the Lighthouse FWB Mission enjoyed a day of celebration in the mission reaching self-supporting status. Stan Toler pastored for over 40 years before becoming general superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. He also served as vice president for John C. Maxwell’s INJOY Leadership Ohio Home Missionaries Tim and Lori Byers came to Conneaut in the year 2000 and here thir- Institute for more than a decade. A best selling author of nearly 100 books, Toler has taught semi- teen years later, there is a Free Will Baptist Church in the far northeastern section of Ohio. nars and trained church and organizational leaders worldwide. The church has a very active youth ministry where they proclaim the gospel and also teach these He encouraged conference attendees to be faithful and responsible with insignificant details, to be urban youth about farms and farm animals. The youth were selling their eggs that day as a fundrais- disciplined, joyful regardless of circumstances, comfortable with their abilities, confident in er. There have been many people won to the Lord over these years and the Lighthouse Church also everyday battles, and ready to point to God’s faithfulness. In short, he encouraged listeners to be brings a large group of men yearly to the Ohio Men’s Retreat. visionary in their leadership, claiming victory through God’s strength. Canaan Pastor Jim McComas was the special singer that day and one of his songs was about the “Stan Toler has been a great friend of Free Will Baptists over the years,” said Executive Secretary Lighthouse still standing. Thank the Lord there is a Lighthouse standing in Conneaut. Keith Burden. “He understands firsthand what pastors and church leaders face in ministry, and his messages were practical and encouraging.” Ohio Executive Secretary Edwin Hayes gave congratulations on behalf of all our Ohio churches to the congregation. He then preached a message from the book of Nehemiah on Facing Obstacles. He Evening services featured music pro- reminded the church that while doing anything worthwhile for the Lord, there will be obstacles. vided by the Welch College Men’s Thank the Lord the Lighthouse Church has faced the obstacles and overcame them! Quartet, Rejoice Ensemble, and the 42-voice College Choir directed by Dr. James Stevens.

Todd Smith, executive director of the South Carolina State Association, reflected on the conference: “In spite of missing my flight due to inclement weather, missing a connecting flight, getting ‘bumped’ twice, and delayed three more times, the friendship and fellowship I enjoyed with other great leaders from across the denomination was well worth the hurdles it took to get here!"

All national boards met in conjunction with the conference, including the Executive Committee, Paul Etterling Sr. Makes Presentation to Tim and Lori Byers Board of Retirement, FWB Foundation, Home Missions, International Missions, Master’s Men, Randall House, Welch College, and Women Nationally Active for Christ. Home Missions also hosted an afternoon reception to honor outgoing General Director Larry Powell for 12 years in Several members of the Ohio Mission Board were on hand including the former Chairman Roy the position. Hutchinson who was on the committee when the mission began in 2000. The other members of the Board present were: Paul Etterling Sr., Paul Ray Etterling, Bruce Copley and Tim Stout. Bro. In addition, a seven-member committee met to consider the moral and legal implications of same- Etterling made a presentation to the Byers for their hard work and finishing the job they began in sex marriage on Free Will Baptists. The special committee was appointed by Tim York, modera- 2000. tor of the denomination, as directed by the General Board at the national convention in Tampa. Committee recommendations will be brought to the 2014 convention for consideration. After the service the church presented a delicious meal and a time of fellowship for the people. We want to say thank the Lord for what He has accomplished through the ministry of Tim and Lori The 2014 Leadership Conference will return to Nashville Marriott Airport Hotel December 8- Byers in the Lighthouse FWB Church in Conneaut! 9. Great Doctrines of the Bible Teacher: Mike Mounts

Monday, February 3 - Monday, April 28 7:00 pm

For Harrison Free Will Baptist Church more information or to sign up call 12254 State Route 139 740/820-2735 Minford, Ohio 45653 Cost $25.00 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 4

the piano and Sis. Lori Simpson for helping ices of praise and testimony. December was with leading the music. also full of activities. We had our Christmas Condolences We thank God for His precious gift of salva- Candlelight Service and what a beautiful serv- tion, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a ice it was! Pastor Tim incorporated our choir manger. “And she shall bring forth a son, and cantata with his message and we all were thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall blessed. That evening, we enjoyed a night of save his people for their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Christmas music. Until next time, may God bless you. We joined with Community Partners this year Danny Boggs, Pastor and adopted families in need for Christmas. Sandy Clark, Reporter What a joy to see so many helping others. Our recent sign-ups for our third year of TROY (LITTLE MIAMI) Upward Basketball & Cheerleading were a “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised huge success! It’s not too late to sign up! in the city of our God, in the mountains of his Please contact the church office for more holiness.” Psalm 48:1 details. WOODSTOCK (CENTRAL OHIO) God is still blessing our church! We gained As we look forward to the New Year we are Greetings from the Woodstock family to all of two more members this quarter! Welcome Sister excited about what God has in store for us! We you. God is good all the time. All the time God Mary and Sister Angelina. have adopted the theme of "PURPOSE" for is good ! We are having wonderful worship services and 2014. It is our goal to be the church God It just doesn't seem possible another year has Thursday night Bible study. We would like to ordained for us to be! ended. Time seems to fly by faster and faster. invite anyone who can, to come visit us. We We have Bible Study each Wednesday at 11am In November we honored all our veterans. It would love to worship with you. & 7pm. Everyone welcome! Keep praying and Sister Katherine M. Luthy, wife of Loren was a really nice service. The Lord has really Our youth Christmas party was canceled due working for souls to be added to the kingdom of Luthy, mother of Rev. Roland Luthy (Pam), blessed our church with spirit-filled services. to the weather. We combined the adult God! Debbie Jueziz (Lanny), Donna Haverkamp, We are blessed with dedicated singers who sing Christmas party with the youth on Dec. 13th. Tim W. Stout, Pastor Diane Holland (Kent), Russ Luthy (Connie), for the glory of the Lord, the messages have We had a great time of fellowship and fun. Stephanie Wolfe, Reporter Rodney Luthy (Jennifer), Randall Luthy, Robert been so inspiring , and challenging. Thank God We are looking foreward to another great year Luthy (Pam), and Ronald Luthy, grandmother for our pastor. in 2014. We would like wish everyone a very MARYSVILLE (CENTRAL OHIO) of 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, We are looking forward to our March for Jesus happy New Year from the Troy Church! John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that sister of Michael Weinhoffer and Ronald Revival coming up in March. Starting March Dwight Stump, Pastor he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever Weinhoffer. Also survived by numerous nieces 1st at 6 PM we will begin with a gospel sing Ethel Jones, Reporter believeth in him should not perish, but have and nephews. Katherine, a resident of Wayne with Enabling Grace and Anointed Hearts. everlasting life.” Twp., passed away December 11th at age 76. Hope to see you all there. TRINITY (FRANKLIN) Our church visited the nursing homes this Her services were held Dec. 16th at the God bless all of you In Dec. Rev. James Thacker came and year. Everyone enjoyed this special time Ambassador FWB Church, with Pastor Roland Russell Street, Pastor preached for us. Even though it is difficult for singing Christmas carols; a great way to cele- Luthy officiating. Pat Cordell, Reporter him to get around, he made the effort to come to brate our Savior’s birth. our church. He says he loves our little church. Everyone did a great job with the Christmas Bro. James E. Davis, age 77, passed away FELLOWSHIP TABERNACLE We appreciate him coming out to God’s house. play “ Christmas in Genesis.” It was a touching December 14th at his home. Dedicated member (LITTLE MIAMI) Our pastor was very pleased with our missions service. We had several visitors to attend. of Heritage FWB Church since 1956. Retired in Greetings from Fellowship Tabernacle. offering. For a small church such as we are, we Our Christmas dinner was enjoyed by all. We 1987 as a millwright from General Motors after We have had good spiritual services. The Lord want to give our help to those who serve in for- had a fun-filled evening with fellowship, 30 years of service. Also retired from COTA. is blessing oue church in His special way. eign countries. games and gift exchanges. Preceded in death by parents James W. and Ruth We thank the Lord for all His blessings both Every Wednesday night we have Bible study. We had our candlelight service Dec. 29th. Davis, sister Joan Davis. Survived by wife of 58 past and in the future. We will be studying the book of Genesis. Come Everyone lit a candle and gave a testimony years, Romaine; children, Paul "Mike" We are thankful for everyone who works and join us. about God’s goodness in their lives. (Connie), Philip (Tracie), Timothy (Karleen) takes a part in the church. We are also thankful Paul Collins, Pastor The Wednesday night kid’s club is planning a and Demita (David) Sayre; 12 grandchildren for those who have come and ministered to us in Patricia Dorsey, Reporter Valentine party in February. and one great granddaughter; several nieces, God word and in songs. We thank God for His blessings throughout the nephews, cousins and many friends. His service The ladies of our church are appreciated for all HERITAGE (CAPITAL CITY) past year. We are looking forward to the coming was held at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, they do. Happy New Year from Heritage! We have year. We wish all of you a happy and prosperous where Pastor Tim Stout officiated. Nov. 10th we had special service for veterans. enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season at our new year. We are thankful for Bro. Kennedy and all veter- church. Paul Bogenrife, Pastor Sister Carolyn Cox a member of Woodstock ans for their service. Our Thanksgiving was very special with serv- Helen Murray, Reporter FWB recently passed away. She is greatly Pray for lost souls that they will get saved. missed. Nov. 28th we had a candlelight service with everyone giving thanks for what the Lord has Sister Jenni Springer, age 38, of Columbus, done for them and their families. It was so beau- went home to be with the Lord Dec. 16th She tiful see God’s children hold their candles and was survived by the love of her life, Harry give Him all the glory and blessed His precious Haysmer; devoted loving parents Jerry & name. We had refreshments after the service. Donna Springer; loving sister & brother-in-law Dec. 15th we had our Christmas party. Jessica & Mark Musetti, who are members of May 2014 be a very blessed New Year for you, the Westerville FWB Church and grandmothers your family and your church. Lorene Coleman & Mary Springer. She was the Until our next report, may God richly bless proud co-owner with her husband of American you and your family. Employee Management and cared about her Jim Stepp, Pastor employees and clients alike. She will be forev- Dean Lewis, Reporter er adored and missed by those who love her. But her family takes comfort that she is in no OAK HILL (JACKSON) more pain and with her Savior. Her services Greetings. By the time this report comes out were held Dec. 20th with Pastors Paul Etterling the holidays will be over and a brand New Year and Mike Sammons officiating. will be here. We thank the Lord for His many blessing and look forward to see what 2014 Bro. Denver McGraw, age 73, of Columbus, holds. passed away Nov. 18th. Member of Westside Nov. 3rd we started a weeks revival, but the FWB Church and Teamster Local #413. He was Lord blessed so much that it just kept on going. employed by Gateway Transportation. Survived It lasted 22 days and we saw 16 souls saved and by loving wife of 50 years, Gloria; daughter, three rededicated. Bro. Allen Simpson preached Debbie (Nick) Wise; sister, Eula Bruman; two wonderful spirit-filled sermons. The church was grandchildren and three great grandchildren. revived and excited to get to church every night. His funeral service was held Nov. 23rd at the We thank Sis. Debbie Black for coming to play Westside Church. OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 5

Bro. David Ray God, she enjoyed cooking, writing, traveling Sister Betty Ashby (87) of Kettering, passed death by his father in law, Rev. Don Williams. Richard, 78, of and spending time with her family. She was the away peacefully on Nov. 23rd at her daughter's Funeral services were held Dec. 5, at Antioch Lucasville, went to be clerk of the Cornerstone Conference. Alice home. She had a prolonged and debilitating ill- FWB Church, with Rev. Rick Henderson offici- with the Lord Oct. 30th retired from Mid-Ohio Psychological Services ness following multiple strokes. Her husband of ating. at SOMC Hospice. He and previously worked for AAA and Washburn over 40 years, Dr. Hobert Ashby, preceded her was born March 7, Travel. in death. She is survived by her daughter and Bro. Charles C. Jones, age 86, of Columbus, 1935, in Sugar Grove, Survived by her husband of 48 years, James son-in-law, Pamela and John Roberts passed away peacefully Nov. 4th in Columbus. Scioto County. David Grant Sr.; son, James Grant Jr. ( Kristy) of (Hamilton); her son, Dr. Stephen Ashby and his He attended the Westerville, Anchor and worked at Goodyear Texas; daughters, Karla (Roger) Green, Susan wife Patti (Oklahoma City); her grandsons Reynoldsburg FWB Churches. Charles was Atomic, Sheet Furniture, Detroit Steel and (Terry) Shumaker and Karen (Cole) Chattos, of Jonathan Roberts (Hamilton) and Serogia born in Columbus on August 22, 1927. He was retired from Coca-Cola Bottling Company. He Ohio; ten precious grandkids; seven step grand- Ashby (Oklahoma City); her great-grandchil- preceded in death by his first wife of 62 years, started working part-time and retired as the kids; 15 great grandkids; sisters, Doris, Peggy dren, Hailee Yancey, Kaitlyn Roberts, and Clarabel and a granddaughter Erika, three sis- plant manager in June 1977. He graduated from and Janet. She was preceded in death by par- Collin Roberts (Hamilton) as well as her broth- ters and four brothers. Charles is survived by his Clay High School in the class of 1953 where he ents, Carl and Berneice Phillips. Funeral er, Samuel Watkins and sister-in-law Jean wife, Joyce; two daughters, Cathy (Mark) was active in baseball and basketball and earned Services were held Nov. 16th at the Open Door (Carlisle). Mrs. Ashby always loved children Phillips and Diana (Carmel) Muncy; five grand- three letters in each sport. The past 12 years he FWB Church, with Pastors Willie Booth and and was an elementary teacher for more than 30 children, Angie, Lisa, Heather, Charity and was treasurer of Clay Alumni Association. He Curtis Booth officiating. years. She began her career teaching grades 1-8 Hollie; 13 great-grandchildren; and seven great- was also the sexton for three cemeteries in Clay in a "one room" schoolhouse in Kentucky. In great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two Township for the past 27 years. David was a Bro. Elmer Ray later years, she taught in Mad River and Dayton sisters and a brother. Charles worked in the charter member of Rubyville Community Baldwin, 51, of Public school districts. Betty loved to sing in the building industry as a heavy equipment operator Church where he served as deacon for 27 years. Mechanicsburg, arrived choir and perform solos at her church. She was for many years. He was also a retired auxiliary He also was a SS Teacher for 35 years and treas- at his Heavenly a voracious reader, and enjoyed attending plays. deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff's urer for 22 years. He is now a member of Porter November 18th in his She was a loyal member of the First Dayton Office. He was a member of Blendon Woods FWB Church which he has been an active mem- home. He was born FWB Church and ladies auxiliary. Her greatest Lodge #339 F.&A.M. Charles favorite activity ber for 14 years. October 5, 1962 in joy in her life was her family. Even in her final was spending quality time with his many grand- He is survived by his beloved wife and sweet- Urbana, OH the son of days, the touch of her grand-children's hands or children. heart, Nola, of 59 years; three children, Brent Joseph and Julia the sound of their voices brought a smile to her His funeral service was held Nov. 7th with (Sheree) Richard, Brian (Vicki) Richard, and (McNeely) Baldwin. face. Pastor Bud Brown, officiating. Interment at Amelia Jean "Jeannie" (Greg) Rucker; five Elmer was a 1981 grad- Her funeral service was held Nov. 27th, with Kingwood Memorial Gardens with Pastor Jerry grandchildren, four great grandchildren, uate of Mechanicsburg High School. He was a Reverend Robert Legg officiating. Sargent officiating. Funeral services were conducted Nov. 3rd, at member of the Rosedale FWB Church where he Porter FWB Church with Pastor Mark Price served as a song leader. Elmer looked forward Bro. Mark Stephen Sister Betty Smith, a member of the Newark officiating. to the Ohio Men's Retreat every January. He Reed of FWB Church passed away before Christmas. enjoyed bluegrass music and was the lead Wheelersburg, went Sister Wanda singer for the Baldwin family Gospel Bluegrass to be with the Lord Rev. Michael C. Faye Creech Age Group. Elmer was a big fan of the Dec. 1st, at Southern Stokes 69, of New 79, of Dayton, went Mechanicsburg football team and the Tribe with Ohio Medical Center. Carlisle, OH passed home to be with the Pride Marching Band. He liked woodworking, Mark was born away December Lord on November song writing, cooking, and baking cakes for his December 5, 1959, in 26th. He was born 11th. Wanda Faye family, as Elmer thought that everyone should Portsmouth, a son of November 7, 1944 in was born April 5, have a homemade cake for their birthday. He Anita Taylor Reed, of LaFollette, TN the 1934 in Rose Hill, loved getting together with his family, camping Portsmouth, and the late Donald Reed. son of the late Virginia. She faith- with his brothers and nephews, and was a char- Mark was a 1978 graduate of Notre Dame Howard Stokes & fully attended First ter member of the Baldwin Boys Breakfast Club High School, a Deacon, Sunday School Bonnie (Nelson) Dayton FWB that met at 6 a.m. every Saturday morning at Superintendent and Youth Leader at Antioch Stokes Hughes. He Church for many years and enjoyed singing for Castle's Restaurant. Elmer was very outgoing FWB Church, and was currently the Manager of retired after 32 years from Dayton Progress. He the Lord. For over 40 years she was proud to be and always made people laugh. His true love in McDonald's of Wheelersburg, where he began served for 25 years as clerk of the Ohio Free an Avon representative. Wanda is survived by life was spending time with his girls. He is sur- his career working for the McDonald's Will Baptist Association. He also served as pas- her husband of nearly 60 years, Cameron E. vived by his wife of 26 years, Tamara (Bliss) Corporation at age 16. He is survived by his tor of three churches, taught Sunday School, Creech; two daughters, Wanda Angela “Angel” Baldwin; daughters, Emily Caroline and Molly wife, Deborah Lynn Williams Reed, whom he served as youth leader, choir director, and gen- Creech and Lisa Eugenia Creech; sister, Ruth Anne both of Mechanicsburg; brothers, James married July 19, 1980, his two sons and very eral board member of the National Association “Babe” (Wayne) Jetton; brother, Hoye (Ada) (Linda) Baldwin and John (Cindy) Baldwin dear daughter-in-laws, Jeremy Michael Reed of Free Will Baptists. Osborne; numerous nieces, nephews, extended both of Mechanicsburg and Oscar (Donna) (Andrea), of Wheelersburg; Corey Andrew He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judith family & many good friends. Baldwin of Urbana; sister, Patricia "Sister" Reed (Katharine), of Sciotoville; his grandchil- (Daniels) Stokes; a daughter, Pam (Ron) Stokes Her service was held Nov. 15th with Pastor (Earl) Smith of Urbana; sister-in-law, Carrie dren, Graceanne Reed, Madalyn Reed, Hunter of Nashville, TN; two grandchildren, Robert Legg officiating. Baldwin of Mechanicsburg; 13 nieces and Sebastian Reed and Aslyne Reed; his mother in Michael & Lauren; two sisters, Joan Everidge & nephews; as well as 13 great nieces and law, Janet Williams, of Wheelersburg, and Barbara (John) Reindel; nieces, nephews, other Sister Esther J. Paxton, age 70, passed away nephews. Funeral services were held Nov. 22nd numerous nieces and nephews. relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, November 11th. wife of former Summit Station at the Rosedale FWB Church, with Rev. Jim In addition to his father, he was preceded in he is preceded in death by a brother, Albert FWB Pastor Clyde Paxton. She has been a McComas officiating. Stokes. member of the Gahanna, Columbus First and Funeral services were held December 30th in Summit Station Churches. She was active as New Carlisle with Rev. Ron Hunter, Rev. Edwin pianist, choir director and Sunday School Bro. "Jim" Hayes & Rev. Mark Price officiating. Teacher. Survived by husband, of 55 yrs., Stewart Lowe, age Clyde; five children, Robin (Hal) Carl, Mark, 70, went home to be Brother Timothy R. Young, age 45, of Karen, Mike and Steve Paxton; 10 grandchil- with the Lord, Dec. Galloway went home to be with Jesus dren; one great granddaughter; sister, Martha 10th. U. S. Air Force December 24th. Born May 2, 1968 in Fravel; niece, Shelly; nephew, David. Veteran. Retired Columbus, Ohio. He is preceded in death by Her services were held Nov. 14th. from M J Lowe father, Rev. James "Jim" Young. He is survived Income Tax Service. by wife, Brenda; mother, Stella Young (nee Sister Alice Jane Preceded in death by Bethlehem Without Pastor Canaan Jim McComas resigns Alley); sister, Patti (Al) Rose of Grove City; Grant, age 67, of his parents Stewart brothers, Jimmy (Diane) Young of Charlotte, Crooksville, sur- and Anna Lowe and Clinton Without Pastor NC and Billy Young of Grove City; mother-in- rounded by her 14 siblings. Survived by wife of 49 years, DeGraff Without Pastor law, Dorothy Mounts; brother- in-law, Michael devoted husband and Myrtle Jean Diamond Lowe; children, Malinda Eifort Without Pastor (Barb) Mounts; nieces and nephew, other rela- children, went to be Paxton and James (Krisann) Lowe; grandchil- Kent Without Pastor tives and many many friends. Previously with her Savior, Nov. dren, Benjamin Paxton, Jonathan Paxton, worked for Ohio Steak and Barbecue, Snyder of 12th. She was born Kandace Lowe and Jay Lowe; numerous nieces, Rosedale Without Pastor Berlin, and most recently Flowers (Temptaste) September 18, 1946 nephews, other relatives and friends. Services South Charleston Ben Gibson Company. His service was held Dec. 30th at the in Paintsville, KY. A were held Dec. 13th with Pastor Tim Stout offi- Tick Ridge Without Pastor Southwest FWB Church with Pastor Jason faithful servant of ciating. Whittaker officiating. OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 6

The following singers and Youth Ministry Leader Needed singing groups are avail- Columbus First FWB Church currently has an opening for Youth Ministry Leader. Located in able to come and sing in the Short North district near downtown Columbus, the church has a rich tradition of influ- your church for revivals ence for Christ in Central Ohio. The surrounding communities consist of a culturally diverse or special services. demographic and provide many current and future opportunities for ministry. Qualifications Baldwin Family Bluegrass Singers, Rosedale, Call Chuck •Married couple highly preferred but single male leadership may be considered Baldwin (937) 834-2071 [email protected] •Proven leadership capability Bobby Siders, Columbus, (Southern Gospel) (614) 778-9250 •Knowledgeable in and able to teach Free Will Baptist doctrines, basic apologetics, Born Again Gospel Singers, Harry or Irene Litton (740) 927-5319 and Biblical application for issues relevant to teenagers or (724) 813-2360 Cell • Experience in teen ministry with effective results Cross Pointe Trio, Lancaster, Bill Pitts (740)438-7750 [email protected] www.crosspointetrio.com Requirements David Giddens, Marysville, (937) 642-2121 [email protected] •Build identity, bond, and mission as a group Day 3, Scott & Sheri Noel (740) 574-6635 [email protected] •Recognition and development of individual talent for contribution to group and Enabling Grace, Woodstock, (Country and Bluegrass Gospel) Call church body Jim Howard at (937) 325-2787 •Develop and maintain youth outreach/evangelism projects Faith Gospel & Contemporary Christian Music, Sidney, •Plan and coordinate activities/events specifically for youth group Call Pam Moorman (937) 492-1059 [email protected] •Coordinate with other ministries for resources and growth opportunities Faith in Action, Marion, Call Marjorie Abrams at (740) 383-5405 •Commitment to pursuing spiritual and physical growth of ministry or Pleasant Hill FWB, (740) 363-5295 Attention: Marjorie Abrams or Bob Chaffin or email [email protected] God's Ambassadors, Gahanna, Call Judy Spires (614) 475-4689 Benefits Gospel Ambassadors, Rittman, Call Greg Marcum (330) 927- • Primarily volunteer position, but some salary/incentive considerations will be given 9057 Ethan Hutchinson, Somerset, (740) 892-4001 • Flexibility and support provided by church leadership team www.ethanhutchinsonofficial.com/fr_home.cfm Interested candidates should send inquiries and resume (if applicable) to Pastor Tim Just Forgiven Singing Ministries, Dayton, (Southern Gospel) McKnight at [email protected]. Serious inquiries only please. (937) 280-3840 or (614) 309-2512 who has stepped up to offer seminars at the home to be with the Lord, Sister Betty Smith, Headed Home-Singing For The Lord, Oak Hill, church to teach using various themes from the I’m sure her Christmas this year was a great Call Jim Evans (740) 682-6109 or Robert Gamble (740) 682- Bible that we might have a better understanding one, but please remember Sister Betty’s family 0042 of God’s Word and grow in the grace and in prayer. This will be their first year without Mike Blanton & Evidence, Grove City, (614) 871-2795 knowledge of Him. her. Please keep Bro. Leo Bennett in your Mike Kisling, Hillsboro, (937) 393-2084 Recently we have seen an increase in the num- prayers also, Brother Leo fell and broke his hip. Nina Nash, Leesburg, (Southern Gospel Sound Tracks) ber of visitors who have come to hear God’s He is home now, but has a long road ahead of (937) 780-6865 [email protected] Word. There have been two come to the altar to him. We would like to welcome our newest Ounce of Hope, Delaware, (Southern Gospel) (740) 363-4576 re-dedicate their lives to the Lord. We give God addition to the church, baby Jack, son of Katie Rob Goodman, Newark, (740) 345-3233 the praise and glory for that. and Allen Vaney. Congratulations to the new Rowena and George Walker, Dayton, (937) 258-8317 God continues to bless the efforts of those parents. Baby Jack came early and is still in the Searching Lights, Galloway, (614) 878-6784 involved in the Youth League as we have seen hospital. Please remember him and his family Stacy Edwards, Hilliard, (614) 604-4126 (614) 319-4399 an increase in the number attending each in prayer. Baby Jack is also the grandson of [email protected] Website: www.stacyedwards.com Sunday evening. One night we were blessed by Sister Jill Mills. Steve Russell, Marengo, (740) 972-6729 the singing of the songs they have been learn- Until our next report, we pray the Lord will steverussell@mus cian.net ing. Proud parents and grandparents came to bless and watch over each of you. Keep our Sword Family, Middleburg Heights, (440) 747-7436. hear their little ones give God praise through church in your prayers. Love and prayers. Terry Collins & Victory, Hillsboro, (937) 840-9808 singing. It was a wonderful evening for all who Matt Bryant, Pastor The Hambys, Dublin, (Southern Gospel) (614) 873-1215 were able to attend. Dreama Hughes, Reporter The Spiritual Echoes, Circleville, Call Rick Moore (614) 595- Anticipation of a revival is being planned as 9776 or Delores Moore (614) 491-9502 we seek God’s wisdom and direction to contin- BUCYRUS (NORTHERN OHIO) Violet Maynard, Columbus, (614) 759-7486 ue to reach out to the community of Clyde. Greetings from all the brothers and sisters of [email protected] Continue to remember our sick in your the Bucyrus FWB Church. The Lord has truly Undivided, Grove City, Call Mike or Sheri France (614) 352- prayers. The cold months make it very difficult been blessing our church. We are all so thankful 3368 or Cari Phillips (614) 875-6456 [email protected] for some of them to get out. May God bless! for our special guest (the sweet Holy Spirit). AVAILABLE FREE WILL BAPTIST SINGING GROUPS Wayne Mays, Hilliard, (614) 607-0634 In His service, 2013 has now come to an end. We have been Roger Rollins, Pastor so blessed. We are looking forward to seeing Ruth Rollins, Reporter what He will bring in 2014. Our church wants If you would like your group to be included, please send me to do more for our King in 2014. your group name, what local FWB Church you are a member NEWARK (FRANKLIN) Thanks go out to all visiting minister these last of, your address, and phone number. I will add you the list in Greetings to everyone from the Newark FWB few months. Brothers Grant Sammons, the next issue of the Ambassador. Church. We hope everyone had a good Corey Carroll, Chris Stewart, Lewis Copley, Please pray with our church that God will deal Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas. Brian Amburgey and a special “thank you” to MECHANICSBURG (TRINITY) spiritually so our people will be saved. God said Happy New Year to everyone! Now that the Justin Feight. He is a young minister in our Our little church has completed another year if we agree together, our prayers will be new year is once again upon us, what will you church. with a lot of preaching, praying, testifying and answered. Just believe. do this year for Jesus? Our Christmas play was a big success. We had singing for our Lord and Savior. God has May God bless your churches that we all work December 15th was our Christmas program lots of visitors. A special thank you goes out to blessed our congregation to be able to support together to see the lost saved. and the kids did a wonderful job; it was fol- Eddie Haney and Bobby Walters for bringing it our church and help others in need. May God bless. lowed by a Christmas dinner. We had the pleas- all together. And a big thank you to all who We have lost some members in death. Please Jessie Walters, Pastor ure of Bro. Edwin Hayes in service with us on helped in any way. It was a special treat for the pray for those who have lost their loved ones Cathy Marcum, Reporter Dec. 22nd. What a joy it was to have him. The whole church. We had our Christmas dinner on that Christ will comfort them. Christmas message was about three men who December 22nd. Thanks to all who helped with We have had our prayers answered many times FIRST CLYDE (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) missed out on the first Christmas, our Lord food and cleanup. in the last year and we are looking for our loved The cold winter months are here and a new Jesus Christ’s birth, all because they were too We praise God for His blessings on our ones to come to Christ. year brings a sense of optimism to our church as busy to see what was happening right before church. Let us give everyone we meet a joyful greet- we make plans to draw those who are lost into them. Are you too busy to do the Lord’s work? Please keep us in your prayers. Please pray for ing, just a hello will be a comfort to those in the fold with the showing of good Christian This next year make sure you take time each our pastor and his wife. need. This is how people will know we have a movies Saturday evenings and top it off with a day for the Lord, not just Sunday and Until next time, may God richly bless each and different spirit than other people who are with- good cup of cocoa or coffee along with snacks Wednesday, but every day, and remember to everyone of you. out God. I think we ought to be more friendly to and fellowship to make the event complete. share His word with someone. Lyle Arnett, Pastor strangers. Smile, it won’t hurt us. In addition we are blessed to have one brother Since our last report a very dear sister went Phyllis Morgan, Reporter OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 7

ZALESKI We need to stay in God’s will and what He 2014 HOLY GROUND FREE WILL BAPTIST YOUTH FOR CHRIST CAMP wants us to do. He will help us to win over our Located at: 5150 RIBER RD, HILLSBORO, OHIO 45133 enemy. We want to thank the Lord for all the blessings He has given to us. We need to encourage one another daily and be faithful in serving one another daily. We held our revival Nov. 18-22nd with Bro. Darby Beekman. He uplifted our hearts with his messages of Jesus and how He blesses us in each battle we win. (Bldg- Worship, Devotions, Recreation, etc.) (New Kitchen/Dining Hall Building) (Completely new Kitchen facilities) In December we delivered dinners to seniors and the sick and shut-ins. We need to remember all of our seniors and youth as Satan is out to try and destroy them. A few people sang Christmas carols to the seniors. They are all truly a bless- ing to us. We had a Christmas program on Dec. 22nd. It was about teaching the youth the true meaning of Christmas. A few people also deliv- ered fruit baskets to the seniors. (Improved Pond facilities) Remember our pastor, Ferrell Rood and his wife Nancy. He blesses our hearts with his mes- Newly built, fully furnished kitchen and dining area (2012), as well as the huge pond is now available for swimming and sages of Jesus and the cross. We need to remem- pedal boats! A Pastor from a camp in June (2012) was so impressed with our improvements in these areas that he ber all the pastors and their wives in prayer. said he wished other FWB churches were aware of our new (Kitchen/Dining hall) and improved (the Pond) facilities. They have more burdens to carry than we will ever know. For leasing and information on the above camp call Larry Glenn (937) 478-3815, Donna Glenn (937) 475-2710, Rev. Mark Rood and Nathan Broome have been Steve Nickels (937) 478-1182, Pastor Tim Hamilton (937) 559-1966 or E-mail us at [email protected]. uplifting our hearts and encourging us with their Please let us know if you would like to view a camp presentation. Bible teaching. We also been having special services. Thank you all for your prayers during this past A ministry of Northridge Free Will Baptist Church, 4800 Payne Ave, Dayton, OH 45414 year. We’ll continue to remember yours in this new year. Please pray for our nursing home We held our annual Christmas dinner on Dec MAIN STREET (LAWRENCE) Master’s men Christmas dinner was great once ministries, our nation, our military and their 14th. Good food, fellowship and a fun gift Hello from Main Street. We pray everyone is again at Ben & Joys with nearly 40 in atten- families. Take Jesus with you in the new year. exchange was enjoyed by all. For our Christmas well. In all the excitement this time of year, it is dance. Mike Blanton preached our Christmas Mark Rood is planning attend the Ohio Men’s Program, members of the church put on a good to know that we as Christians, know it is service and our Christmas program was such a Retreat, January 23-25th. "Variety Show." This included lots of different Jesus’ birthday. We can say “Merry Christmas” blessing as we watched our children and our Tell someone you love them and really mean talents and presentations. It was a different type and know what it stands for. No one can take church choir sang and present the Christmas it! presentation for our church but still included the that from us. Praise God. story. Ferrell Rood, Pastor message of Christmas. We sadly report that Sis. Barb Workman’s Freddy Dutton preached New Year’s Eve Linda McKibben, Reporter We enjoyed our "New Years Eve" Service. mom, Majorie Brown went home to be with the service. We look forward to the New Year and What better way to spend the New Years Eve Lord Oct. 30th. Also, Sis. Nancy Bartrum’s what God will do for us as “We continue on the NORTH WOODBURY (TRINITY) than praying out the old and praying in the new. nephew, Robert Waller passed away Dec. 10th. move for Christ”. We hope that you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and God bless you all. They will be missed. John Meade, Pastor Happy New Year! We have been abundantly Grant Cordell, Pastor We enjoyed the conference with Bro. Roy Brea Turner, Reporter blessed this past year. Barbi Johnson, Reporter Adkins preaching on Friday and Bro. Donnie Recently we have had three people saved and Massie on Saturday. Nov. 10th we enjoyed the two baptized thus far. It is truly amazing to preaching of Bro. Gene Brammer. FIRST SPRINGFIELD (FRANKLIN) think that the same Jesus who was born of a vir- PURITAN (SOUTH-CENTRAL) We would like to request prayer for Bro. Jim What a blessed way to end a church service, a gin two thousand years ago is still saving souls We at Puritan thank God for His goodness and Mick and Bro. Mason Prater. We thank you for dedication and three baptisms. Erica and today! We had our annual Christmas play with His blessings on our church. We have seen sev- all the prayers for Eddie Stillwell. He is doing Jeremy Goheen dedicated their son Colton our youth this year which was a blessing. The eral saved and seven baptized. The young peo- much better. Thank the Lord. Also we thank Robert Goheen, followed by Erica and play was followed by our Christmas dinner and ple attendance is growing. We are very thankful Him for being with Sis. Nancy Bartrum. She Jeremy's baptism along with Caleb Wiseman. gift exchange which is always filled with such for your young people and the workers! was in the hospital for days. She is better now Our church collected over 170 shoe boxes this wonderful fellowship. Bro. Jamie said its been told many babies have and back at church. God is good. year for" Christmas Child". Each year we col- Our church is looking forward to see what God been born to become kings, but only one King In all the things that all going on around us, it lect more than the last. Leslie Phillips works has in store for our church in 2014. We ask that became a babe. We thank God for His Son and is good to know the LORD is with us. We can very hard on bringing this together and we you continue to pray for Sister Donna Steelman His love for us! call upon Him for safety and strength. “The appreciate her and her mother Denise Fraley's who is battling cancer, along with Brother Tony We had a revival in Nov. and many were in name of the LORD is a strong tower, the right- help. Franklin. Remember our new sister in Christ attendance. Bro. Jack Grimmet preached for eous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs The Church Christmas party was great as Ruth Daugherty as her husband Jim just passed us and we we enjoyed special singing. They 18:10. usual.This year we had the Ugliest Christmas away. were very spiritual services that were a blessing God bless. Sweater which was "very interesting." We are thankful and challenge you all to count to all. Paul Bartrum, Pastor Wade Spencer was with us at our AM serv- your blessings even on the hardest of days, and We had our Thanksgiving dinner with a lot of Judy Layman, Reporter ice We love having him come and worship with always remember Romans 12:2. good food and fellowship. his music you can feel the Holy Spirit filling the Rob Ratcliff, Pastor We finished the Book of Revelation. It was a church. Kelsey Winters, Reporter good study and appreciated by everyone. The SOUTHWEST (CAPITAL CITY) Our youth put on a Christmas play "Hannah's prayer cloth on the altar for the unsaved in our We send greetings in the name of our Lord. We Search for Peace." Because of the weather our URBANA (CENTRAL) church family is still being used to pray for trust all of our churches had a wonderful year in practices were limited. But God’s hand was on Hello to all, I trust that everyone enjoyed the them. His service. each and every child and it turned out blessed Christmas season and are looking for- The men’s prayer breakfast was well attended. November activities included our Veteran’s "Wonderful." I can’t say it enough we are so ward to the New Year and what the Lord has in We had our Christmas program Dec. 23rd and Day Service with all the people who served our proud of our youth. store for all of us. a watch service with the Glenroy Church on country in the military being honored. On a sad note we lost a very dear member of The past two months we have enjoyed the New Year’s Eve. Southwest hosted the Capital City Conference our church family, Rev Mike Stokes went to be singing of several groups, including Bro. Ron Warrens has preached for us also. and was blessed to see Michael Jason Meade with his Lord and Savior December 26th. What HomeGate, His Way II and Still Blessed. In Remember there are only two important books- ordained into the ministry. This is Pastor John a wonderful man who loved the Lord so much. November the youth of our church put on a the Bible and the Book of Life. Is your name in Meade’s second son to be ordained. We closed We will sadly miss him. Please remember his "Black Light Special". They worked very hard it? the month with our communion and feetwash- wife Judy and their family in your prayers. on this. This included singing with white gloves We wish all our sister churches a very Happy ing service with nearly 150 in attendance for May God hold you and your family in his lov- and when the black light was on all you could New Year in serving God. this service. ing arms and keep you safe in this coming year. see were their hands moving. It was a real bless- Jamie Fortner, Pastor December was very exciting as we were Mark Rucker, Pastor ing. Carrie Powell, Reporter blessed to have David Epps preach for us. The Linda O'Neal, Reporter OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 8

CHARITY GERMANY HOLLOW (PINE CREEK) New Year greetings from Charity! God has Greetings from Germany Hollow FWBC. given us another year of amazing grace and Our church suffered a terrible loss this sum- overflowing blessings! So much has happened mer. We lost Isaac Baker. He was the 5 year- since our last report. In May, we moved into old son of Dwayne and Jamie Baker and the our new church building that God has so gra- grandson of Larry and Ida Baker. Isaac was ciously seen fit to give us! We are now serving dearly loved by all and will forever be loved and Him in Clarktown, Ohio in the previous Long missed. His death, however, brought a miracle. The following ministers are available to fill the Run FWB Church building and are so extreme- God used this to lift us up, and draw souls to pulpit for pastors who have to be away from ly thankful to the congregation of Long Run for Him. We saw 8 souls saved, one re-dedication, joining us to work for and serve the Lord and 11 baptized (most were Isaac’s family). their church. Many are together! God has been so good to us! God sent revival with the following preachers: interested in conducting revivals as well. Since we have moved, we have been able to Josh Friend, Jimmy Dummitt, Mark hold VBS at our new location and have wel- Simpson, Shaun Howard, Brandon DePriest, Bill Alford, 20864 Rudy Dr, Strongsville, Oh 44149 (440) 572-1614 comed many new faces and seen God move in Scott Markel and Rick Henderson. The Lee Aldridge 35180 SR 327, Londonderry, Oh 45647 (740) 887-4065 many lives. We have been blessed to hear singers were Andy McGinnis, Bonnie Jones, Anthony “Tony” W. Blackburn Mechanicsburg, Oh (614) 623-0031 anointed preaching by Brothers Fred Lovell, Josh and Charity Smith, Antioch FWBC, Mike Blanton, 6826 Ridpath Road, Grove City, Oh (614) 871-2795 Tony Gore, Jeremiah Lewis, Kevin Greene, Swauger Valley Boys and Josh Friend. Larry Brown, 6530 Gregg Mill Road. London, Oh 43140 (740) 852-0586 Eli Duduit, Ron Henthorn and Mike Blanton We held a fundraising event for the Baker fam- Patrick Blevins, 12837 Basil Rd, Baltimore, Oh 43105 (740) 407-9446 and to have been touched by powerful singing ily where many churches helped raise money. Mike Boggs, 4411 McDowell Rd, Grove City, Oh 43123 (614) 871-5666 by Bro. Tony Gore, The Jones Family, Family Homecoming was held with Josh Friend Ron Brown, 5478 Riber Rd. Hillsboro, Oh 45133 (937) 402-4452 of God Singers, The Fisherman Quartet and preaching and singing and Old Fashion Days Phil Chapman, 7329 Greenleaf Ave, Parma, Oh 44130 (216) 526-2283 Mike and Teresa Blanton. We are so thankful with the Kelly Family singing and Kenny Taylor Cantrell, 374 W. Harding Rd. Springfield, Oh 45504 (937) 342-0491 for these servants of God and for their willing- Kelly preaching. Through all of our loss this Andrew Cordell, 418 West 7th St, Marysville, Oh 43040 (937) 215-4037 ness to serve the Lord and worship with us. year, God has blessed us and given us strength Roger Crusie, 335 ½ N. 4th St., Greenfield, Oh 45123 (937) 981-3529 As another year comes to an end, we are mind- to get through. Brandon DePriest, 361 TWP Rd 41 N, Pedro, Oh 45659 (740) 532-3878 ful of the countless blessings we have seen from Our pastor, Steve Luster challenged us that by Luther Dingess, 1680 Paddle Ck. Rd. Fort Gay, WV 25514 (304) 648-5901 the Lord this year. We have witnessed souls August of next year we are going to have the K. Leroy Dodrill, 4755 Choctaw St. Leavittsburg, Oh 44430 (330) 898-1975 being saved, lives rededicated to His service fellowship hall completed and we are going to Freddy Dutton, 1700 Hale Ct, Columbus, Oh 43228 (614) 276-0200 and faithful servants drawn even closer to Him. call it the “Isaac Baker FH.” May God help us Clyde Eldridge, 415 Patterson St., Fairborn, Oh 45324 (937) 873-8231 We are excited to see how the Lord moves in the succeed in this challenge before us. We will James England, 5138 N. High St, # 119, Cols. Oh 43214 (614) 846-6654 lives of our church family and in the fields He keep you posted. We are scheduling work days Larry French, 76 Skyline Dr., Ashville, Oh 43103 (740) 983-0316 places us to work in. We are looking forward to two Saturdays a month. Keep the faith. Ben Gibson, 1126 Cheyenne Springfield, Oh 45503 (937) 399-2738 another year of serving and working in His will. Steve Luster, Pastor Packy Gibson, 7029 Fields Ln., Hillsboro, Oh 45133 (937) 393-2730 Until next time, our prayer is that the Lord Debi Wagner, Reporter Randy Hall, 12024 Lake Front Dr, Hillsboro, Oh 45133 (937) 365-1657 blesses you all as He has so richly blessed us! Edwin Hayes, 7554 Slate Ridge, Reynoldsburg, Oh 43068 (614) 751-1190 Gary R. Dheel, Pastor MOUNT HOPE (SOUTHERN OHIO) Carl Jenkins, 2809 Searsdale Ave. Cleveland, Oh 44109 (216) 351-2475 Debi Lykins, Reporter Hello to everyone. James Johnson, 55 1/2 S. First St, Rittman, Oh 44270 (330) 331-6088 We here at Mount Hope FWB have had a won- Jason Jones, 620 Watkins Glen Blvd Marysville, Oh 43040 (937) 241-1622 REYNOLDSBURG (FRANKLIN) derful 2013. We have been blessed so much. William Jones, 500 Buckeye St, Marysville, Oh 43040, (937) 594-1331 We participated in Operation Christmas Child We have a wonderful pastor that follows the Paul Keener, 703 Andrew Ave., Westerville, Oh 43081 (614) 891-4382 again this year. We were privileged to share Word of God. We have had many visitors and Alton Loveless, 1006 Rayme Dr. Columbus, Oh 43207 (573) 330-7728 God’s love with 100 children around the world. some decided to stay with us. God bless those Travis McKenzie, 10114 Frick Rd. Sterling, Oh 44276 (419) 566-8487 We received word that some of our boxes who stay and God bless those who don’t. We Wayne Mays, 777 N. Drexel Ave. Hilliard, Oh 43019 (614) 607-0634 reached children in the Republic of Chad in are having more of young children attend. They Tom Murphy, 229 Victorian Dr, Commercial Pt, Oh 43116 (614) 218-5435 Africa. Pictures of our congregation were sent are so involved in the Lord. The children par- Tom Spradlin, Portsmouth, Oh (FWB Family Ministries-Rep) (740) 776-6677 in the boxes and some have tried to make con- ticipated in the Christmas program. We are very Alex Stevens, 2002 East Main Street, Greenup, KY 41144 (606) 473-5417 tact with the children through a personal letter. proud of our youth. Talo Teo, 828 Federal Ave., Zanesville, Oh 43701 (740) 453-6037 We hosted the Franklin Youth Conf. in Dec. We have some very good teachers. I think Bill Turner, 150 Willard Ave., Carlisle, Oh 45005 (513) 746-5866 and there were about 50 people there. Adam they should be recognized as they work so hard Tim Updike, 22661 SR 93, Wellston, Oh 45692 (740) 384-3277 McCarty preached and our youth choir and for the Lord. Ken Walker, 926 Fairview, Wheelersburg, Oh 45694 (740) 574-9014 band helped lead the congregation in worship Scot Markel, Pastor Josh Young, 7227 E. Main St. South Solon, Oh 43153 (937) 829-1723 with singing. Christopher Hall was elected to Sonja Smith, Reporter the youth conference board. Our Wednesday night AWANA club recently ISLAND ROAD (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) WELLINGTON (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) Fisherman's Quartet Dec. 15th. We thank launched in November is averaging twenty- five Happy New Year from our church to yours! Happy New Year from the Wellington FWB them for coming to our church and lifting our children and teens. How exciting to see our next We are anxiously awaiting to see what God has Church! spirits through songs and testimonies. generation memorizing God’s word so they can in store for 2014. We know He wants to give We are eager to serve the Lord this coming November 10th, a young man, Doug Varney stand and not be ashamed. We have also seen His children as many blessings as we can year with gladness. The first coat-give-away Jr., rededicated his life to the Lord at the altar. our Wednesday night adult Bible study atten- receive! the night before Thanksgiving was successful in Nov. 24th and Dec. 22nd, Roger Rice visited dance increase to an average of thirty. Our Sunday School kids put on an excellent that 30 coats were given out to neighbors and to preach and uplift through song. Many attended our candlelight Christmas Eve play for us called “The Christmas Guest.” the remaining coats were passed along to the Our Christmas dinner was bountiful on the 8th service this year. Songs of Christ’s birth and the Thanks to Sisters Carol Dina and Bessie community outreach organization, Wel-Help. and the Sunday following Dec. 15th we had a lighting of the Advent wreath candles represent- Hannah for all your help with the children. Bro. In addition to that happy news, the “Five surprise birthday dinner following the service ing the coming of the light of Christ into the Paul Daniels is continuing to be our appointed Loaves” ministry, overseen by the deacons of honoring Bro. Carl Kennedy who celebrated his world made this a special service this year. guest preacher on the second Sunday of each our church, has used the money given in offer- 90th birthday! We have been involved in some outreach month. We always enjoy hearing him boldly ings during the Sunday School portion of serv- On December 22nd the widows and widowers opportunities. One recent opportunity was preach God's word. ices to purchase grocery gift certificates to of our church were presented gift cards, also bringing in two hundred food items to help the There are many in our congregation that have assist some neighbors who have urgent need. given gifts were the preachers in our congrega- Reynoldsburg Helping Hands food pantry. A been hospitalized in the last few months since Some of the money collected also went toward tion, the pastor and his wife, Ed and Missy second opportunity was helping one of our our last report. Please keep them all in your the 'shoe-box' Christmas gift giving campaign Kennedy, thanking them for their selfless giv- Sunday School teachers, Jessica Kitsmiller, col- prayers. that many churches have participated in, mak- ing. lect coats for children. Our church helped to We have a quiet schedule for the winter, but ing it the most successful effort of its kind to So much to rejoice about in this joyous season provide twenty of the seventy-five coats she are looking forward to the spring and the Easter date. Oh the power of giving! Oh joy! Thank of giving, and yet it is most important to thank collected for children. A third opportunity was service. May God richly bless you in 2014 as you Lord. our God for His most precious gift to us, the gift providing pizza for those staying at the Ronald His coming draws near. The church was blessed by visiting song minis- of salvation. Lets all find ways to share the McDonald House in December. Earl Coleman, Pastor ters Mark Chapman Nov. 3rd and the good news to those around us at work, school, Beginning January 19 at 6:00pm our church Audrey Carey, Reporter in the community and beyond. Peace to you in will be hosting a youth service every third Visit us on the web the coming year! Sunday evening of each month. Ed Kennedy Jr., Pastor Jerry Sargent, Pastor www.OhioFWB.org Margaret DeWitt, Reporter Regina Williams, Reporter OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 9

Home Missions Brings Canaan FWB Pastor Jim McComas On Board

Rev. James McComas, pastor of Canaan Free Will Baptist Church in Creston, Ohio for the last 21 years, has been tagged by the National Home Missions Department to Daryl Grimes serve as Director of Church Revitalization. McComas, 44, Family will assume the position on March 1, 2014. Missionaries to Erie, Jim is known not only for his preaching but is an accom- plished baritone singer. He has managed the PA Representative Quartet for the last 25 years. For many years he has written for A HUGE thank you goes out to the Unity “The Ambassador” Magazine, Ohio Free Will Baptists official state publication and FWB Church in Middleburg Heights, OH! They is a widely used speaker for revivals, conferences, camp meetings and special servic- donated a beautiful church van to us recently! es across the country. In addition, Rev. McComas has served on the Ohio Board of Thank you Pastor Eugene Crouch and the con- gregation for your generosity and your vision to Directors as the Vice Chairman. help us reach the Flagship City—Erie, Pa! Several from our congregation joined the Unity UPDATE ON PAT Editor’s note: Brother Jim has done an outstanding job here in Ohio as pastor, evan- Church for one of their mid-week services, and Last month I asked you to pray for Pat. He has gelist, singer, writer and board member. He will be greatly missed in Ohio, but we are Pastor Crouch presented us the keys and the been a very staunch Catholic all of his life. sure that he will be a tremendous asset to the National Home Mission Department title. We are so thankful for this ministry tool. Though he has accused us of “being a cult,” he and our entire denomination. We currently pick up as many as 10 people each has faithfully attended our Sunday evening Sunday and bring them to church. With the Bible studies since his life threatening car addition of this van it will make transporting wreck. I believe the combination of this wreck, them much easier. We also plan to use it for a along with the recent salvation of his neighbor variety of activities. (a former Catholic), the love and concern shown by our church family, and his Christian wife Prayers, Praises and Projects have all come together to cause Pat to begin Please pray for our discipleship program and asking some thought provoking questions. needs! Recently on a Sunday night he was asking me Pray for those dealing with addictions and about judgment, confession, purgatory, and strongholds in their lives! other doctrines. I believe God is definitely Continue to pray for my wife, Michelle, who is working in this situation. Please continue to waiting to hear the results of her boards. Also pray for Pat, ALONG WITH THE 8 FIRST pray for God’s will concerning a job. TIME VISITORS WE HAD RECENTLY! Please continue to pray for us as we prepare God is working at Flagship Church in Erie, Pa for our Christmas program! and we are so thankful for our prayer partners Pray for our outreach and follow-up efforts and supporters that stand with us each month. Pray for momentum to continue into the How to Become a Winter and for a great 2014. Financial Partner

*Call (740) 352-3510 and I can guide you through the process

*Visit www.homemissions.net and click on “Automatic Withdrawal” and follow the on screen prompts

*E-mail me at Pastor Eugene Crouch presents Pastor [email protected] Daryl with the keys and the title to the church van donated by Unity Free Will *Please contact Home Missions Baptist Church! if you need a new envelope. OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 10

Our Free Will Baptist Heritage Free Will Baptist History from a Buckeye Perspective

“Paul Thompson Modern Day Free Will Baptist Pioneer”

Over the past several years of writing these articles on our Ohio Rev. Jim McComas Free Will Baptist History, we have slowly been working our way through over 200 years of work done for the cause of Christ in our Free Will Baptist denomination here in the Buckeye State.

For the past several articles, we have been looking at May you, your families many of the exciting events that occurred during the 1950’s and 60’s through excerpts from “The and your Churches enjoy Rev. Paul Ambassador Magazine”. Thompson a blessed New Year! In our last article, we talked about the “Passing of the Torch” in 1972, which saw the work of “The Ambassador” moved to a centralized office in Columbus under the direction of the Ohio FWB Board of Directors, which was chaired at that time by Rev. Paul Thompson. From your staff at the Ohio Free It would be virtually impossible to discuss the work of Free Will Baptists in the state Will Baptist State Office and the of Ohio during the 1960’s through the 80’s without discussing Paul Thompson. Ambassador e-Bookstore Brother Paul Thompson was born July 20th, 1929 in Irwin, Ohio, just a few miles across the county line from Mechanicsburg.

Paul accepted the Lord in a C.C.C.U. Church (Church of Christ in Christian Union) at the age of 18 in 1947. He would later be baptized at the Free Will Baptist Church on FREDDY DUTTON Innis Avenue in Columbus, which is today known as the Columbus 1st Free Will Baptist Church, under the ministry of Pastor Dave Al Hayes. (This was the grandfa- MINISTRIES ther of Ohio State Executive Secretary Edwin Hayes.) “Holding Forth The Word of Much of Paul’s work in those early days was in a new church that had been birthed Life” on the south end of Columbus on South High Street. When construction of a new church building was complete on three lots on East Welch Avenue, (lots which had We thank God for another New Year to serve the been donated by the Columbus First Church), the new church relocated and became Lord! We submit ourselves to His will for our lives the Welch Avenue Free Will Baptist Church. this year, and we are earnestly praying for "Revival" to come during "2014". We are praying, preparing and Over the next decade, Paul Thompson would serve the Lord in a variety of capacities asking the Lord to let this be the "best year" ever in in a number of Free Will Baptist Churches in the Columbus area. He was ordained as evangelism and soul winning. a deacon in 1953. He would be ordained to preach the Gospel on December 12th, 1964. In the mid-sixties, Paul started the Headquarters Free Will Baptist Church in We finished "2013" with being at the Degraff FWB Church on the last Sunday of December . Mechanicsburg. On December 31, we were with Pastor John Meade and the Southwest FWB Church for the New Year's Eve Service. During the past year we saw many people at the altar changing their In 1966, Paul received a call that would change the course of his ministry, and the lives! We are so thankful to report to you that Terry has now had her two new knee replace- lives of literally thousands who would be blessed by his ministry. Paul Thompson ments, and everything is going very well at this time. She had the second knee replacement on was heading back to where it all began in those early days of ministry – back to the December 4, and has completed the home therapy and will begin outpatient therapy next week. south End of Columbus to accept the call to pastor the Welch Avenue Free Will We thank God that He, once again, has seen us through these major surgeries we went through Baptist Church. in "2013". God is so good to us and we praise Him and thank Him!

NEXT ISSUE – From Welch Ave. Back to High Street – The We are anxious to resume our travels and see precious souls accept Christ as Savior during this New Year! Please pray for us as we travel. We look forward to being with you for services this Heritage Story year! May God's richest blessings be with you as we serve and win the lost to Christ!

1700 Hale Court Columbus, Ohio 43228 WWW.OhioFWB.org 614/276-0200 or 614/738-0683 email: [email protected] Ohio Free Will Baptist website For Revivals, Conferences, Homecoming and other special services, please contact me at the above address. OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 11

Middle School High School College/Young Adult Students Students Students

Thanks to our Ohio Youth Sunday churches, conferences February 2nd and individuals who give to the Ambassador This is a day to focus Magazine! on your youth and receive an offering for the Ohio Youth Conference We Order from the appreciate your support! Ambassador 1/800-726-1290

April 27, 2014 OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 12

VICTORY (CAPITAL CITY) preaching and Bro. Clyde Dove and Sis. Kim Happy New Year from Victory Church! We Young will be singing. Rev. Eugene Crouch BOOKKEEPING have another year to serve our Lord and Savior will be bringing the message on Thursday until He returns for His church. On Nov. 29, ACCOUNTING evening, and singing will be provided by the instead of the Black Friday shopping day, our NOTARY PUBLIC Sword Family. On Friday, the last night of church and two other sister churches joined revival, Rev. Lester McMahan will be bring- together for a service called “Lighthouse ing us the word of God and singing will be pro- Friday.” We enjoyed the singing, preaching and M. J. LOWE’S vided by the Spencer Family, Brothers Kevin, fellowship. We collected donations and food J.B., and Sis Barbara. INCOME TAX SERVICE baskets for needy families for Thanksgiving. Please pray for our congregation because we Pastor Jim and Associate Pastor Michael 3213 SOUTH HIGH STREET have many of them that are ill and in need of Gillen were thankful for the Pastor COLUMBUS OHIO 43207 your prayers. We want to wish everyone a very Appreciation Day lunch, cards, and gifts. We happy and blessed New Year! are thankful for their work in the Lord. Robert L. Prichard, Pastor We will still continue to have fundraisers for JIM & JEAN LOWE Phone 1-614-491-6280 Kimberly R. Young, Reporter the mission trip to El Salvador on Aug. 2-9th, OWNERS FAX 1-614-491-4554 2014. Pray for those who are going to serve. ROSEDALE (TRINITY) The church participated in The Ashley Village [email protected] Another year has come and gone; it’s hard to Christmas Caroling on Dec. 7. Our Christmas believe how much your life can change from Program was directed by Brooke Watts. The pastor opened and then turned it over to Merritt which received great reviews. Awards were one day to the next. God never promised us that Christmas Story of the Nativity was read by Smith to lead our service and Larry Moore given to the oldest and youngest of the play - life would be easy; however, he did promise us Caleb Carder and portrayed by the adults. The spoke. The Harner Family sang and led the Haley Williams for the youngest and Sandy that he would be there with us each step of the special songs were sung by Bruce and singing and we want to say thank you to all that Merritt for the oldest. Sis. Clara Widdig way. Ermalyn Hecker's Family and the choir. The participated in the service. received a reward for best director. Certainly We know how true that statement was this past Puppet Story was entitled, "Christmas From Dec. 7th, we had our Christmas dinner with started our Christmas celebration in a great way. month with the passing of our very own Bro. The Stable". The story was told by the three plenty of food for all, a pig and poke auction. One of our faithful long time members of 40 Elmer Baldwin. God took him home on Nov. characters: the lamb, donkey, and the camel. and gifts for the kids also. Thank you all who years went on to glory Dec. 18th. He has 18th; he left behind his precious wife Tami and We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and fellowship cooked, and helped in the dinner. Dec. 22nd, we received his reward in heaven. Sis. Lakuita two daughters, Emily & Molly. Our hearts and after the program. “The word was made flesh, had our Christmas service in the morning, but Abrams another faithful of our church lost her our church family feel the void each Sunday. and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.” when we got to the church we had no electric, son, Joshua Abrams, in a terrible accident Dec. While we know it will never be the same with- John 1:14. Until next report, remember God so with prayers and the warmth from outside, 20th. Our thoughts and prayers go out to that out him there, we know he is in a better place holds the future in His hands. we pulled up the shades. God gave us enough family. and our church will go on, Elmer would not Jim Thompson, Pastor light to have service, and the good Lord blessed Dan Widdig, Pastor want us to continually dwell on him and con- Jean Holmes, Reporter us with a full church that morning, and I will Sharon Dwyer Reporter stantly be in tears. If you knew him, you would say that it was a first for me to have service that definitely know how this loss has affected each CROSS POINTE (STATE LINE) way without electric. Yes we could have just CLINE STREET (NORTHEASTERN) of us. There are people who come and go in Happy New Year from Lancaster and Cross shut the doors and went home, but God had Greetings From Cline Street Church. We hope your life and Elmer was one of those, as Pointe FWB Church. As we look back on 2013, other plans that morning. It’s like God opened everyone had a wonderful Christmas. With the Rev. David Crowe once preached regarding we can see how blessed we are in the way the up heaven and sent the blessings down that Lord’s help we donated six different food bas- people you put in your “balcony”. Elmer was Lord has been working through our church. morning; we had singing and testimonies. We kets for Thanksgiving and Christmas to families definitely one of those who would be in each of Our attendance is growing, and we have added had our adult play and the children’s parts. in need. our balconies. He was definitely one of a kind, many new members this past year. What a wonderful Christmas gift God gave us Taylor Fitzwater and Cirila Bores were very his funeral expressed that. Rev. Jim McComas God has blessed our church. The work on the that morning. busy with the little children, teaching them the preached and honored Elmer and his family in a improvements to the Children and Youth areas If the Lord gives us another year, I pray that true meaning of Christmas. We are very thank- way that he would have been very proud. We are almost finished. The rooms are painted and each and everyone comes to know Christ as ful to have these young ladies to work hard with will forever miss you Elmer, but as the song new carpet installed. The youth area is being their Savior, and us as Christians will open our the kids. says, “we’ll see you on the other side”… enjoyed, and the children’s new ministry will heart and souls to what God want us to do in his Our church had a Christmas dinner at the Please keep Bro. Wandel Toney in your start January 12th. We are very excited about service to him, and spread the word to others Norwalk Reservoir, it was a wonderful time by prayers; he had to have surgery which resulted these projects. before its to late. We invite all to Frederick that all. We had a lot of great food, kids crafts, face in him having chest pains. We’re not sure at this The music ministry continues with our trio, don’t have a church to attend or to visit anytime. paintings, a great time just sitting and visiting time if he will have to have open heart surgery Cross Pointe. They have had great success Rusty Larter, Pastor with each other. or not. As we know, God can and does perform with their new CD, “Roots: Old and New”. Randy Howard, Reporter The Lord blessed Bro. Jimmy and Sister miracles every day. He and his brother Curt lost They are almost ready to release their second Myrna Spears with a new grandchild, a precious their oldest brother, which makes two in the past video. They have performed at concerts and SCIOTO (PINE CREEK) baby girl named Ella. The Savage family lost a few months. Please keep this family in your churches throughout the area, the last being at Greetings and Happy New Year from Scioto family member. Please remember them in your prayers. Bro. Wandel has stepped in for us while the Cambridge Convention Center Gospel Sing Free Will Baptist Church. prayers and remember all of our lost loved ones. we have not had a pastor and we appreciate and at Cambridge, Ohio, on New Year’s Eve. During November, our Ladies Aid had their Thank you and God bless! love him and his family very much. Our year-long project for Operation Christmas Bazaar Nov. 8th - selling homemade quilts, Bill Smith, Pastor While this has been a very tough year for our Child ended with an evening of fellowship to table runners, throws and homemade goodies. Mimi Lee, Reporter church, God is blessing us in tremendous ways. enjoy refreshments and fill the shoe boxes. We Members of our church attended the conference We are getting ready to vote on a pastor next filled 889 boxes this year! A special thanks to at Bloom FWB Church Nov. 9th. We honored CLEVELAND (CUYAHOGA LORAIN) month. Thank you for all your prayers, we could Donna and Gary Covert for their hard work our veterans Nov. 10th. U. S. Army Commander “Let your light so shine before men, that they not do this without the love and support from all throughout the year. Sgt. Major Rick Merritt spoke to the veterans may see your good works, and glorify your of you. We praise God for the blessings He has and church with a very inspiring message. The Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Bev Fraley, Reporter bestowed on our church, for the wonderful mes- church gathered together for Thanksgiving din- On December 15th, during our Sunday morn- sages from Pastor Bill, and for the dedication of ner in the fellowship hall Nov. 14th. Several ing worship service, James and Starla Dean BEECH GROVE (FRANKLIN) all our members. churches came together Nov. 24th and present- were here sharing their wonderful music min- Greetings from Beech Grove. Special blessings to all of you as we go into the ed preaching and singing at the Valley High istry with us. We had a wonderful time of prais- I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and New Year. We ask God’s blessings on all of you School in Lucasville Nov. 24th. Scioto FWB ing the LORD! looking forward to the New Year. There has and on our nation for the coming year. Church choir participated in the singing. We Revival time will be here in Cleveland begin- been a lot of sickness in our church the last few Bill C. Pitts, Pastor visited Elbrook Pavillion, an assisted/nursing ning Sunday, May 4-9th starting at 7 p.m. night- months, and we've had a couple of people leave. Mary Lou Marsh, Reporter home the afternoon of Nov. 24th. Lap quilts ly. There will be special preaching and singing This year our little church is going to grow made by our youth of the church were present- each night: Sunday, May 4th, the message will with younger people, I'm praying that we get FREDERICK (PINE CREEK) ed to those that reside at Elbrook. be provided by Rev. Cecil Farmer and Rev. some children coming, Greetings from Frederick Church. We hope December 22nd Santa came to hear the wish- Mike Legg and Bro. Joe Egnor will be We would to thank Bro. Edwin Hayes for vis- that your holidays were blessed ones this year, es of our children. That morning, the children singing. Monday evening, Rev. Jason Keith iting our church in October. We were glad that and all your family and church had a rejoicing presented their program of Baby Jesus in the will be bringing us the word of God and the he came and did the services. time together. The Lord has blessed us the last manger with Mary and Joseph. The three wise Fisherman Quartet will be with us providing Pray for Sister Gloria and Sister Lois that they few months with visitors and family members men came to visit and an angel appeared. This the singing. The message will be brought to us get better soon. visiting, and good services. Thanksgiving Eve was all created by Sister Clara Widdig and we by Rev. John Johnson on Tuesday evening, God bless everyone until next time. we had our annual community churches come are blessed to have her. Sister Clara directed and Bro. Mark Chapman will be singing. Joe Pinkerton, Pastor together to worship the Lord in one accord. Our another play "The Little Stranger" that evening Wednesday evening, Rev. Chad Boothe will be Lynn Swearingen, Reporter OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 13

low Christ! This quarter we have had church members lose loved ones. Please pray for our church and healing for all of our members who have lost someone near them. We are also saddened to “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are report the passing of a dear sister in Christ, Ruth Coburn. Our condolences and prayers go out to passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Gina French and family. II Corinthians 5:17 Aaron Reed, Pastor David Swingle, Reporter LIBERTY (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) some of our shut-ins’ homes. Again this year, nursery class. We greatly appreciate the efforts As we look into the past of 2013 and press we helped Evangelistic Outreach with their of Doris Chamberlin who served as the director SOUTH CHARLESTON (LITTLE MIAMI) toward the year of 2014, we are looking at how Christmas food baskets for the needy and we and to Norma Shoemaker working with the Greeting in the name of our Lord. We are still God has blessed our church. In 2013 we added participated in the “Operation Christmas Child” nursery class. Thanks to all of the children for praising Him for the blessing He has given us many souls to the kingdom, baptized them and Shoebox Program. their hard work. this past year. He has always been there for us many new members added to the church and Bros. Blaine Etterling and Jim Dillon Our choir presented the cantata “The Highest in the bad times and in the good times. We some, transferred to our church. We had suc- brought uplifting messages at our New Year’s Glory” directed by David Chamberlin and praise Him for that. cessful revivals, and services where the power Eve service. accompanied by Deena Armstrong. Our church Our church is doing well, but sorry to say our of God came down and people were saved, Please pray for all our sick including Bro. is blessed with many talented individuals who former pastor Bro. Forest Dyer is home recu- rededicated their lives, and because of prayers Morris Jenkins. Until next time, you are always show their love for the Lord with their dili- perating from surgery, but doing very well. answered, families were reunited and we saw loved and wanted at Woodland Chapel FWB gence. We have had two to take membership and we healings within our congregation. Church. Mark Price, Pastor have a new pastor now, Bro. Ben Gibson. We We hosted benefit singings to raise money to David Schug, Pastor Tehra Clevenger, Reporter are so happy to have Bro. Gibson and his wife help defray the cost of needed remodeling in Pat Adkins, Reporter Barb with us. They have been so much help to our church. Our congregation came together SCIOTODALE (PINE CREEK) us and the church. and worked really hard and well together. There PORTER (PORTER) “For unto you is born this day in the city of August 25th we had our homecoming of 46 was painting, new carpet laid, pews re-uphol- We had a busy autumn at Porter. We had a David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” years and we had Brian Blanton to preach for us stered and restrooms remodeled. What a bless- Trunk or Treat event to give local children an We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! and his family sang. It was all very good for the ing to achieve this project. option for trick or treating. There were lots of We began this quarter with a wonderful church. As we look into the year of 2014 we have games, candy, and food. The children had a Veteran’s Day program to pay tribute to our sol- “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him.” many more projects to endeavor with some great time as well as many adults! diers past and present. We were also blessed to Psalm 37:7 more remodeling in our church. This also brings In November, we had our annual Harvest provide our Veterans a Community Dinner “For God so loved the world that he gave his the heart and lives of people closer together Festival. We always have fun with the games, December 19th at the Southern Ohio Medical only begotten Son that whosever believeth in when they work together on projects such as dessert walk, chili cook off, and prize give Center Friends’ Center. Approximately 250 vet- him should not perish but have everlasting life.” this. God has richly blessed us with good faith- away! erans and their families were able to enjoy a free John 3:16 ful people, always ready and willing to help. Porter Basic Training, our Senior Youth, had meal. Ben Gibson, Pastor We're really excited about this new year com- their annual retreat in November. During a Our Christmas season was filled joy, His mes- Garnett S. Adams, Reporter ing in. With as dim as things look within our Sunday evening service, each member spoke sage of hope and song. Our choir and play cast, country, we can still see the brightness of God's about what they did, what they learned, and led by Connie Phipps and Amy Harrison, put on NORTHRIDGE light shining within the lives and hearts of peo- what they are planning to work on in their walk a wonderful Cantata service while our chil- As we reflect on 2013, we praise the Lord for ple. Now more than ever we need to strive to with the Lord. They also were assigned Littles drens’ program, led by Jean Seibert, was very allowing us to be part of His work. Through the live a holy life for God. We need to let our light for the youth group’s new Big/Little mentorship heartwarming and our children worked very blessings of God, we were able to send two of shine to those around us, and be a soul winning program. They were all very brave for being so hard performing each part in their Christmas our ministers to Colombia on a week-long evan- station. Looking to God as our redeemer, Lord candid with the church, and we are all proud of play. gelism trip. We are grateful, that through send- and coming King. Our prayer is that God con- them. Our youth continue to be active. One Sunday ing these two ministers the Holy Spirit moved, tinually blesses our pastor, those involved in We had a busy season of celebrating the birth evening service monthly our youth lead service. and 312 people made decisions to receive Jesus music ministry, and teaching that we continual- of our Lord Jesus Christ. The annual Christmas December 29th we were blessed to have Rev. Christ as their personal Savior. We are thank- ly pray, serve and continue to proclaim The party featured entertainment from Encore, Derreck Lute preach. Jacob Lute was song ful for the ministries of the church and how God Gospel of Jesus Christ and in this He will con- Minford High School’s select chorus, directed leader for the evening while special singing was still calls and uses his people for His glory. Our tinually to bless our church family. by Lacey Price. by Adam Davis. Ushers for the service were ministers have seen inmates come to Jesus dur- Cecil Farmer, Pastor Our children’s program included a play enti- Nathan Whisman and A.J. Reed. We continue ing services and Bible studies through the Roxanne Copeland, Reporter tled “Little Christmas Lamb” and pieces by the to be encouraged by our youth who chose to fol- Prison ministry. We praise the Lord for the six who were saved in our services just this WOODLAND CHAPEL (LAWRENCE) December. God is answering prayers and saving HAPPY NEW YEAR! We wish everyone a Don & Dottie Hix sinners around the world. healthy and prosperous 2014. Ohio Home Missionaries to London, Ohio As we look forward to the New Year, we are We started November with a beautiful expecting a great move of God and the Holy Veterans’ Day Service with the presentation of Spirit. We know by His word those who have military branch flags and Sis. Heather Kerns It is with great joy that I can report from Redeemer again been saved are to all be about the Father’s busi- read to us the significance of the U.S. flag. Our of God’s goodness and His blessings. During the month of ness. veterans were then introduced and given medal- November, Brother Jim McComas preached a revival at We are praying about our future events: lions for the branch of service in which they Redeemer. The messages were stirring and challenging -Sunday School Elections on Jan. 12th.- served. and greatly appreciated. We were also blessed with the Representatives coming and Fundraiser Soup Supper Silent Auction for We extend a very warm welcome to new singing the first night of the meeting. Our church also appreciated all of the other Team Haiti on Jan. 18th. -Men’s Retreat Jan. church members, Bro. Paul and Sis. Kandi churches that came and supported the revival. As always, we cannot thank each one 23rd – 25th -Weekly Cross to Recovery meet- Smith. We want to thank our guest preacher, enough, but I’m sure the blessing they received was thanks enough. ings Fridays at 6pm. -Women’s Bible Studies Bro. Kenny Kelley and also Bro. Zach 2nd and 4th Tues each month. -Prison Ministry Haeberlin, a Missionary from China. We also Bible studies 1st Tues, & 4th Sat each month. - thank The Ruggles Family for ministering to Like all of you, our church has been very busy preparing for all of the special things Women’s Bible Blast (all day event) contact us us in song. we do this time of the year. What has been a real blessing to Dottie and I is how for more info. March 1st a team of nine leaving Our Christmas Dinner was December 8th and everyone in the church has stepped up and worked hard to make it all happen. Many for Haiti for approx. eight days. lots of good food and fellowship was enjoyed of you know that I had back surgery on November 24th and was in the hospital for a Please listen to our weekly radio ministry, by all. Our Cantata, “Emanuel”, was presented week. I have been recovering at home, with the help of Dottie, but it has been slow. I every Sunday at 2:30 PM, Station WGNZ 1110 Dec. 20th & 22rd. Director Rhonda Pemberton appreciated Brother Mike Baldwin taking care of the church while I was out and AM for more details on our upcoming events. and the entire choir gave a beautiful perform- Brother Edwin Hayes and Brother Adam McCarty preaching for us. We are also streaming live over USTREAM. ance both nights. After the presentation on the You can connect via your computer to the link 20th, pizza was served in our fellowship hall. or go through Facebook to connect: The Children’s Christmas program was Dec. Once again, I want to thank all of you that have supported the work at Redeemer. http:www.ustream.tv/channel/Northridge-fwbc. 22nd in the morning service and the kids did a Your prayers and finances have been a real blessing. We are praying that God will let In His service. great job with their singing and bell choir. On this coming year be the year that we see the increase in our attendance that we feel is Tim Hamilton, Pastor Dec. 23rd, our youth and choir went caroling to needed. Teresa Poynter, Reporter OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 14

ed a Bible institute/seminary that has trained men and women for more than 40 years. Geneva Poole leaves behind her husband Bobby and sons Robert and John, both born in Brazil, and their families. Her funeral service was held at the Marincek FWB Church—the last church they plant- ed.

Board Makes Difficult Decisions

The Board of Free Will Baptist International Missions met in December to celebrate the accom- THP Position Vacated plishments of 2013 and deal with difficult issues. “We praise the Lord for the blessings of this year—souls saved, churches planted, leaders developed, and young people called to reach the International Missions recently made the extremely difficult decision to nations,” said Danny Williams, board chairman. “God has been faithful to IM for more than 78 vacate the position of stateside administrator for The Hanna Project due to years and we believe great things are ahead.” ongoing financial difficulties. Current Administrator Darren Portell will be employed through January 31, 2014, after which the Mission’s NGO “In 2013, meetings held with overseas leaders on several of our fields point to a future of great (non-governmental organization) will operate without this position. advancement,” reported Jeff Turnbough, director of field operations. “All around the world, peo- Developing and executing projects will become the responsibility of the ple have followed Christ as a result of our FWB works and are now laboring to fulfill the Great director of field operations and regional directors. Commission. And, we rejoice in the young people sent to their fields and the ones approved for service in 2013. These are some of the finest workers I’ve shepherded through the process.” “Our love and regard for Darren Portell could not be greater,” said Jeff Turnbough, director of field operations. “Darren and his wife Dana have been valuable members “Although we struggled to make extremely difficult decisions about finances, we are hopeful and of the IM team and family for more than a decade. We hope and expect the Portells will return to focused on the future of our work globally. The leadership team and the board believe good stew- serve with IM in some capacity in the near future. Their service has been exemplary. ardship principles demand these hard choices be made now to establish a healthy financial foun- dation for the years to come. By doing this, opportunities to grow and expand the work, to take In approaching the 2014 budget year, International Missions faces ongoing financial challenges. the gospel to the ends of the earth, can be fully realized,” said Williams. In preparation for the December IM board meeting, the Mission leadership is challenged with presenting a plan and budget that accomplishes two objectives: In the context of several years of financial challenges, the board reviewed facts about another challenging year. The expense budget for 2013 was set at $6.7 million, yet the total income for 1. Live within the means the Lord provides through Free Will Baptist people. the year is projected at only $6.0 million. This shortfall represents a multi-year trend, thankfully 2. Restore financial health by creating an operating surplus. interrupted by an extraordinary financial year in 2012. In light of this trend, the IM leadership believes it is vital to establish a strict, conservative 2014 budget. The board approved a budget of To develop this plan, the leadership team (stateside and field) met for three days in October to just over $5.8 million for fiscal year 2014. This represents a reduction in operational expenditures pray and plan. “We knew we needed the Lord’s direction and would have to make some painful of over $900,000 (a 15% reduction) over the approved 2013 total. decisions,” explained Clint Morgan, the Mission’s general director. “We asked the IM family and supportive friends to pray for wisdom and direction. We believe God provided this for us.” “As you can imagine, cutting nearly $1 million is very painful,” says Clint Morgan, the Mission’s general director. “Almost every part of our organization will feel this pain.” Reductions Darren and Dana have served with The Hanna Project since 2002 as project workers targeting in the IM home office, which first started with the global financial crisis in 2008, continue as unreached people groups in southern Europe and in North Africa. Upon their return to the States three vacant positions are left unfilled. Even more painful, was the decision to vacate the position in 2010, the Portells learned they would not be allowed to return to the restricted access country of stateside administrator for The Hanna Project, affecting veteran worker Darren Portell and his in which they were working. Darren assumed his current role in August 2012. family. In total, the reductions in the office equal more than $250,000.

“Darren has served well in this role, facilitating and leading Free Will Baptist people in projects After much prayer, working from a balanced budget perspective, most partnership budgets were in Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, Mongolia, Central Asia, Bulgaria, and other countries. His obvious pas- cut by 50%. This affects church planters in Russia, Cuba, Central Asia, and more. Field budgets sion for unreached people and his skills as a logistician and planner have been an asset to us all,” received hefty cuts. Japan missionaries lost $88,000. Uruguay missionaries saw a reduction of Morgan says of Portell’s work with THP. “We will miss Darren on a daily basis, but we expect to $45,000. India ministry budgets were cut by $41,000. The work in France will operate with be engaged with him wherever the Lord leads him from here.” $32,000 less, and so on.

The Hanna Project was established to access countries where traditional missions activities are “Not only will our IM fields feel the sting of the reduced budgets significantly,” lamented restricted. THP also serves as a means to provide humanitarian and other material assistance in Director Morgan, “But, as far as I know, this is the first time in the history of the Mission, we had places IM workers serve around the world. Although the position of stateside administrator is to make the heart-wrenching decision to reduce our field missionary staff.” The approved budget vacated indefinitely, THP will continue to operate and fulfill these vital purposes. includes the loss of one missionary from the team in France—veteran Cathy Crawford. Cathy, approved in 1982, has worked primarily in personal evangelism, writing and distributing tracts, Geneva Poole Welcomed Home and holding Bible studies with women interested in learning more about Christianity. The deci- sion was based on a review of the current work in France, ongoing field needs, and future field Geneva Poole, veteran missionary to Brazil, entered her heavenly home strategy. “We are thankful for the 30-plus year of faithful witness and hard work Cathy has early this morning, November 20, 2013. Diagnosed with lung cancer in invested in France,” Morgan stated. April 2012, Mrs. Poole began an aggressive regimen of treatment. Sister Cathy Crawford’s last official day with the mission will be June 30, 2014. However, eventually the cancer spread to other parts of her body. Even as cancer raged, her trust in the Lord and His plan for her remained firm Veteran missionary to Uruguay, Molly Barker, chose to retire after 50 years of faithful service. as did her determination to continue to serve Him as He provided Miss Barker has spent the last six months in the States undergoing two knee replacement surger- strength. ies and therapy. When presented with the financial challenges, Miss Barker determined her retire- ment to be good for the needs of the Mission. While filling her other responsibilities, Miss Molly Bobby and Geneva were appointed to missionary service in Brazil in has overseen the work on the St. Teresa church building in Rivera, Uruguay, for the past several April 1960. They were married in September and entered Brazil as new- years. She hopes to see the project concluded in 2014. “For 50 years, Miss Molly has labored lyweds in December 1960. The couple has served faithfully through the among the Uruguayan people, faithfully sharing the gospel,” Morgan said. “We honor her for her tenures of all six of the Mission’s general directors. dedication and longevity of service.”

When the Pooles entered Brazil, less than 2% of the people claimed to be Protestant Christians. “Though bathed in prayer and seeking God, nothing about these decisions was easy,” reiterated Today, that number has risen to approximately 23%. Ribeirão Preto, an educational center in the Clint Morgan. “Our board valiantly led us to seek a realistic, balanced budget, making the deep, state of São Paulo, has been the Pooles' place of service since February 1962. They started four but necessary cuts, to ensure that Free Will Baptist International Missions will continue to send churches in the area. Geneva continued to plan, develop, and prepare vacation Bible school mate- Light into the darkness and Hope to the hopeless for years to come.” rials and teach in the seminary over the last year. World Missions Offering Tops $800,000 Geneva accepted Christ when she was 13 years old at Lebanon FWB Church in Effingham, S.C. At a young age she developed a conviction that God wanted her on the mission field. That con- The International Missions office staff and World Missions Offering (WMO) team rejoice in viction was confirmed while at Welch College. God’s goodness and faithfulness. As of December 4, gifts for the 2013 World Missions Offering exceeded $800,000. Bobby and Geneva have garnered 53 years of faithful missionary service and have spent the last few months in transition in preparation to retire on December 31, 2013. Over the years, they “While the WMO is becoming a larger slice of the budget pie,” WMO Chairman Mark Price engaged in prison ministry, prepared Bible studies, established a long-running radio ministry and explained, “it will never be able to sustain the workings of the Mission over the long haul. Please telephone answering service that shared Scripture 24/7, sponsored vacation Bible schools, began help us pray the Lord will move in the same manner in the hearts of our people for more church- and promoted camps and retreats to foster spiritual growth and encourage community, and found- es and individuals to partner with us on a monthly basis.” OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 15

enjoyed hearing a mission update from France. Hospital Dec. 15th, the youth group performed the Ohio Women Active for Christ Christmas skit and play they worked so hard on. Update First, the teen class performed a skit about Greetings from the Ohio Women Active for Marvin, who simply wanted to read the famous Christ State Board. Christmas poem about Santa to his family. He was criticized by family members who had their News and Upcoming Events own ideas of what the night before Christmas should have been like. In the end, no one quite OWAC Women’s Day events… OWAC is coming to a church near you!! This spring Rev Kenny Klaiber, pastor of the Bloom knew the reason for the season, so our youth OWAC will be hosting a women’s day in Central, Northern and Southern Ohio. FWB Church had open heart surgery on Nov. pastor read the Christmas story while the There will be a devotion, classes for the ladies to choose from and lunch. It will be a 20th in Huntington. The surgery went well and younger ones demonstrated why we celebrate time of praise, fellowship and fun. The Central event will be at Westerville Free Will he is now home recovering. Christmas! A beautiful nativity scene was por- Baptist Church on 3/15/2014, the Northern, OH event will be held at Unity Free Will trayed by the tween class, and the beginner class Baptist Church on 4/12/2014 and the Southern, OH event will be held at Porter Free Rev. James Thompson, pastor of the Victory laid crowns at the manger for Jesus. Thanks to Will Baptist Church on 5/24/2014. Can’t wait to see you all there! Mailings have Church had surgery on Nov. 11th. He is now the volunteers who made the evening possible. been sent to all churches so be sure to be on the look-out. If you did not see your let- home recovering. Our annual candlelight service was Dec. 22nd. ter please e-mail [email protected] or call Jessica at 614-256-3665. We enjoyed Scripture readings and music from Sister Mary Etterling, a member of the Porter members of our congregation as well as a ser- Church and mother of Westerville Pastor Paul mon from our pastor. The candlelight service OWAC State Meeting our state meeting will take place on Thursday June 19, 2014. Etterling had a shoulder replacement Nov. 18th was a perfect way to begin Christmas events! Please note our new meeting time 1 PM. This is to allow our ladies travelling from and is now home recovering. We want to wish all of you a very happy and far away an opportunity to have better traveling time. Our meeting will take place at healthy New Year! Heritage FWBC in Heritage Hall and we will be rearranging the schedule a little. We Brother David Orrell from the Gahanna FWB Eugene Crouch, Pastor hope the ladies really enjoy these changes. Church had his stomach removed in November. Angela Steitz, Reporter He is now home and doing very well. OWAC Retreat Our OWAC fall retreat is moving! The date is still October 10-11, GAHANNA (CORNERSTONE) 2014 but our location is different. We know that many of you absolutely loved Redeemer Pastor Don Hix had major back sur- Happy New Year From Gahanna! gery Nov. 25th at Riverside Hospital in We had a very busy holiday Season. The ladies Heartland as did our officers however they continued to raise the rates of their facili- Columbus. He came through the surgery very auxiliary prepared 34 Thanksgiving food bas- ties we decided it was best to try something new this year. Our retreat will be held at well and is now home recovering. kets for families who needed a little extra help the Holiday Inn in Mansfield, OH. As we near closer to time more information will this year. These same families received a be communicated to you. Please watch for this information as deposit and final Sister Pauline Pack had knee replacement sur- Christmas food basket. Our congregation is amount due dates will change as well. While it may not be what we thought God had gery Nov. 27th at Riverside Hospital. She is the very generous when it comes to helping those in planned for us, He always provides. And there’s a pool!! Our theme for the retreat oldest attending member at Woodstock Free need. God has blessed us immensely. We also is “When God has another plan…” with a theme verse of Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto Will Baptist Church. had an Angel Tree that was decorated with 67 me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou know- tags that represented a child in those families est not.” KJV. I am looking forward to what God has to say to me through this Sister Loretta Pack, wife of former deacon which received food baskets. Bob Pack from the Heritage FWB Church is The church Christmas dinner was Dec. 14th. theme. Don’t forget our speakers will be Elizabeth Hodges, WNAC Executive being treated for cancer. This was a special time to fellowship and enjoy Secretary and Jonda Patton, KY WAC State President. great food with our brothers and sisters. But, Sister Terry Dutton, wife of Evangelist most of all, to celebrate Christ, the true meaning OWAC 2019 National Convention Remember the 2019 National Convention will Freddy Dutton had knee replacement surgery of Christmas. be held in Ohio!! It will be here before we know it. The National Convention costs Dec. 4th. She is now home recovering. Our Christmas program was Sunday evening, about $20,000. Keep this in mind if each member of a WAC group gave $29 a year Dec. 22nd. The children did a wonderful job for the next 5 years the convention would be paid in full or if each WAC group gave Sister Icie May, longtime member of the North expressing what Christmas is all about. Thanks $2.41 a month for the next five years the convention would be paid in full FWB fell and fractured her pelvis Dec 7th. She to the ones that worked so hard to make this a was taken to the St. Ann's Hospital in blessed evening. Westerville. Kyle Coakley is going on a mission trip to Your sister in Christ, Costa Rica January 23-30th. His school, Liberty Jessica Musetti, OWAC Secretary Rev Wandell Toney from the Rosedale Christian Academy, is joining Impulse Missions Church has suffered a heart attack. He is now to finish building a church and provide Bible dlelight service.It was a bit of heaven here on play. recovering School for the local children. Please pray for earth. We have been blessed to have Bro. Justin The two I told you in the last letter that had Kyle and his family as he travels for the Lord to Walk fill in for us when Pastor Mike could not been saved were just baptized, Blake Forsythe Rev. Forest Dyer, representative of FWB help spread his Gospel. be there. To all of you that have shared your tal- and her little boy Jaylan. Praise the Lord for the Family Ministries had surgery Dec. 18th. He is Please remember the members in our congre- ents with us; we say thank you. You have people still wanting to be obedient to the Lord. now home recovering. gation who lost loved ones this year. Remember blessed us. Yours in Christ. the ones in hospitals and nursing homes. Now as we take steps into the "New Year", we J.C. Muranahan, Pastor Brother Mitch Marshall from the McGuffey God bless and prayers for a prosperous 2014! pray that all things will be done for the glory of Barb Shaw, Reporter Church had cancer surgery on Dec. 18th. Do Curtis Booth, Pastor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. remember him in prayer. Bonnie Justice, Reporter Mike Mounts, Pastor CANAAN LAND (CAPITAL CITY) Cecelia Lundy, Reporter Happy New Year! Pastor Shawn preached last UNITY (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) HARRISON (PORTER) Sunday on the Good Samaritan. He challenged We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. Here we are again, just as in years passed, at FAIRVIEW (NORTHERN OHIO) us to look for others to help in the coming year, It is hard to believe that 2013 is coming to an the beginning of a "New Year". As we begin Hello from Fairview. like the Samaritan did. Luke 10:37b "Go and end. We’ve had a wonderful couple of months 2014, our prayer is that God will find ways to Good news, our pastor and his family have do thou likewise." He suggested we make his reflecting on how God has blessed us over the use us to spread His gospel to the lost people of sold their house in Ironton, so no more driving our resolution for the year. Who can you help? past year and celebrating the birth of Christ. We this world. That He will continue to bless our back and forth every week. Thank you Lord! The WAC group had a great bazaar in also baptized two – praise the Lord! This past little church in the bend and that we, in turn, In the last letter we were hoping to finish December and raised $1,300.00 for the building year we enjoyed a revival, singings, a great would be a blessing to those round about us. remolding the church in time for homecoming. fund. The youth are planning a Valentine week of VBS and many other exciting events. The past year seems to have gone by so fast, With the Lord's help and the cooperation of the Banquet on February 15th. Unity FWB is so richly blessed. that it is hard to recall special images. We were church people we were able to accomplish this. Friend Day is March 23rd. The Parsons will November 3rd we enjoyed the Spirit-filled blessed once again this year to exceed the goal The church looks great and boy was our home- be singing. Come join us! singing of Wade Spencer. He sang beautifully we had set for the World Missions Offering. We coming awesome. The Lord was there in a Sister Lottie Duncan passed away in and the service was wonderful. We also enjoyed pray that our small contribution will help those powerful way, it was attended by about 140 December. She missed by her family and a few songs by the Sword Family that evening! called to the missions field to reach the lost people. The food was great, then we were back friends. She fought a good fight and kept the Our Christmas dinner was held Dec. 7th. The around the world and that God will ultimately in church for a two o'clock evening service. It faith. Our prayer list is long and the needs are annual ‘12 Days of Christmas’ was also per- get all the glory. We have been blessed this year was a special way to spend a special Sunday. great, but God is able to take care of them all. formed by volunteers chosen (or lovingly nom- to have had the Rejoice Ministry Team visit We had a fall hayride, it was a good time for Looking forward to a new year and all the inated) by the pastor! The evening was filled our church; and as always their music was a young and old alike. We also enjoyed a things God will accomplish at Canaan Land! with great food and wonderful fellowship. great blessing. We were also blessed to have Thanksgiving and a Christmas dinner. Vicky Shawn Beauchamp, Pastor Cathy Crawford joined us Dec. 8th. We Joy Henderson with us for our Christmas can- Nelson worked with the kids on a Christmas Barbara Chaffin, Reporter OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 16

Welch College Hosts 101 Visiting Students for Fall 2013 Welcome Days Evangelist One hundred one prospective students representing 17 states attended Fall 2013 Welcome Days November 7-9, at Welch College, according to Debbie Mouser, director of enrollment Mike Blanton services.

The 70 young ladies and 31 young men who visited the cam- Available for services, pus attended classes and chapel and interacted with current Welch students. Seniors, parents, and sponsors also met with President Matt Pinson during a revivals and campmeetings! Friday morning reception. The visiting students toured the campus, enjoyed a time of comedy and entertainment with area (614) 871-2795 youth minster Jon Forrest, and closed out the night cheering on the Welch College Flames bas- ketball teams and playing dodgeball.

Exit evaluations completed by visiting students indicated that for well over half, this marked their Mike Blanton and Evidence first visit to Welch College. The students praised the hospitality and helpfulness of the Welch College faculty, staff, and students during their visit. available to sing at your church!

Mrs. Mouser said, “I was very pleased with the number of visitors on campus for Welcome Days and am thankful we had the opportunity to present Welch College to them. This marks the highest Pastor. He is a 1987 graduate of Welch College and holds a M.A. degree in Business Science from number of visiting students for a Fall Welcome Days in quite some time. We look forward to future Trevecca Nazarene University. Before his current position at Donelson, he served as children’s pas- correspondence with these students, parents, and sponsors as they consider this important step.” tor, and prior to that as a youth minister in Missouri.

Welch College will host Senior Days February 6-7, 2014 and Spring Welcome Days April Chris Talbot is a 2012 graduate of Welch College. He now serves as the Minister of Students at 17-19, 2014. For more information, contact the Enrollment Management Office at Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in [email protected]. Ministerial Studies at Grace Theological Seminary and is a regular contributor to the Helwys Society Forum, http://www.helwyssocietyforum.com.

Welch College Vice President for Institutional Advancement David Williford will speak Sunday night to open the conference. Mr. Williford joined the Welch College staff in 2002 after 27 years of successful pastoral ministry, including several years as Promotional Director for Florida Free Will Baptists. He is a 1979 graduate of Welch College. He also completed an M.A. in Pastoral Studies at Welch and additional graduate study at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

President Matt Pinson said, “This is shaping up to be one of our best conferences ever. We have an excellent slate of speakers preaching and leading breakout sessions on the most important topic we must consider: the gospel and its implications for private and public life. All are invited to come and join the conversation.”

Two Welch College Professors Receive Doctorates

Welch College professors Ian Hawkins and Barry Raper have both completed defense requirements FORUM 14/Bible Conference to address the topic of “The Gospel for Life” for their doctoral dissertations and officially received their degrees, according to Dr. Greg Ketteman, provost. Welch College will host its annual FORUM/Bible Conference March 9-11. The event will be held on the campus of Welch and will focus on the theme “The Gospel for Life.” Through plenary and Ian Hawkins is the Biology and Science Department Program Coordinator at Welch College. He breakout sessions, speakers will address the implications of the gospel for evangelism, discipleship, began his tenure as professor in 2006. He successfully defended his two-part dissertation on April Christian living, ministry, and public ethics. 14, 2013. Part one of his dissertation was entitled, “Virtual versus Hands-on Laboratories: Which is Best for Electrochemistry?” and part two was entitled, “Synthesis of Aurones Using a Deep The event promises to be engaging and informative with a wide range of highly accomplished Eutectic Solvent.” He received the Ph.D. in Math and Science Education from Middle Tennessee speakers set to address this important topic. The featured speakers this year will be Ajith Fernando State University at the school’s August 2013 Commencement. and Dr. Russell Moore. Barry Raper is the Program Coordinator of the Youth and Family Ministries Department at Welch Ajith Fernando, internationally acclaimed speaker and author, is the teaching director of Youth for College and pastor of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church in Ashland City, Tennessee. He graduated Christ in Sri Lanka. Prior to his current position, Mr. Fernando served as the National Director of from Welch in 1999 and returned as a member of the faculty in 2006. He received his Doctor of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka for 35 years. A graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary, he is a vis- Ministry in Biblical Spirituality on May 17, 2013. The topic of his dissertation was “Teaching iting lecturer at Colombo Theological Seminary and is the author of 15 books published in 20 lan- Biblical Meditation as a Means to Transformative Prayer to Students at Welch College.” guages, including Jesus Driven Ministry and Sharing the Truth in Love: How to Relate to People of Other Faiths. He is actively involved in a grassroots ministry to reach the urban poor in his area Dr. Ketteman said, “Dr. Ian Hawkins and Dr. Barry Raper embody the very best about the faculty with the gospel. Mr. Fernando will speak several times over the two-day conference. at Welch College. While these godly men have carried heavy loads throughout their respective doc- toral programs, their courses have reflected serious academic depth, breadth, and excellence in ped- The event will also feature Dr. Russell Moore, who will speak on Monday. Dr. Moore is President agogy. We are thankful for their examples of diligence and humble service, and we congratulate of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, a post he assumed after many them on completion of their programs.” years as vice president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Moore is the author or editor of five books, including The Kingdom of Christ and Tempted and Tried. Highly respected as an Professor Emeritus Leroy Forlines to Address Japanese Free Will Baptist ethicist and cultural commentator, Dr. Moore brings fresh, well-informed perspective to the topic National Convention of the implications of the gospel. Leroy Forlines, professor emeritus of Welch College, has been invited to speak at the Japanese Four outstanding Free Will Baptist ministers will also address conference attendees. Free Will Baptist National Convention set to take place in Spring 2014. While many details are still to be finalized, Forlines and his wife Fay will travel to Japan where he will speak three times to Dr. Jeff Manning has been the senior pastor of Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, North convention attendees. Carolina since 1991. A 1986 Welch College graduate, Dr. Manning serves on the Board of Free Will Baptist International Missions and also teaches as an adjunct faculty member in expository preach- This invitation comes directly from Japanese Free Will Baptists who have also expressed interest ing at Welch College. He earned his D.Min. in expository preaching in 2002 from Southern Baptist in having Forlines’ books translated. Theological Seminary. His blog can be found at http://www.jeffmanning.org/blog/. The Forlineses request your prayers for health and strength for the lengthy trip and that the Holy Jeff Nichols recently celebrated twenty years of service on the ministry staff of the Donelson Spirit will prepare the hearts of the Japanese Free Will Baptists and others who will be in atten- Fellowship, a Free Will Baptist church in Nashville, Tennessee, where he now serves as Executive dance. OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 17

WESTERVILLE (FRANKLIN) Happy 2014 from the Ohio Youth Conference! evening, our youth group sang Christmas car- Hello from Westerville to all our brothers and We would like to take this opportunity to thank the churches of Ohio for ols. Dec. 18th, the youth had their Christmas sisters in Christ. We would like to announce that their continued support in 2013. A few things to keep in mind in 2014: party. On December 22nd, we had a special can- we have a new assistant pastor. Bro. Mike dlelight service. Sammons and his family have been attending February 2 – Ohio Youth Sunday – We hope you will take this On Nov. 10th, Bro. Jim Owens’ brother passed our church for quite some time now. We are away. On Dec. 25th, our dear member Sister Sunday to really focus on your youth and let them know how important blessed to have them and hear Bro. Mike bring Amanda Beatty lost her beloved sister, Mary they are to the Lord’s work. us some good messages. Summers. Dec. 27th, Bro. Rick McCormick, a Things are very busy here at Westerville. The dear member of our church lost his battle of March 21 – OYC Competition Entry Deadline – Please have your competition entry Master's Men had a soup and salad luncheon cancer. Services for Brother Rick were held forms postmarked or emailed by this date to make sure we have time to process everything and one Sunday after the a.m. service with lots of Dec. 30th. Bro. Rick was blind and had brain get back to you with any questions. Please send your entries to: good soup! But the soup that won the most cancer but our Almighty Savior gave him the Deanna Price votes was a potato soup made by Gary Sargent. ultimate healing by calling him home to 2720B Dogwood Ridge Road We also had lots of good salads, deserts that Heaven. He isn’t suffering anymore and his new Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 were enjoyed by all. eyes are beholding the splendors of Heaven. Email: [email protected] The WWAC cooked and served a Please remember these three families in your Please make sure you are referring to the most current Competition, available from Randall Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 22nd at the prayers. Please still remember Brother Ted House through the Ambassador Bookstore. Ronald McDonald House. A group of our ladies Tomlinson in your prayers as he continues to and children traveled to New York to visit battle Lou Gehrig’s disease. We deeply admire Amanda and Tim York. Those going on the April 5 – OYC Competition – Heritage FWBC - Registration begins at 9:00 am. Brother Ted; he is an inspiration to our church weekend trip were Frances and Kylie Etterling , Competition begins at 10 am. OYC will once again provide lunch. This year’s NYC theme is: with his dedication. Sherry, Lauren and Caleb Brazzell, Lucie and “Authentic” Psalm19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be accept- As always, please keep our church, our pastor, Tim Patterson. On the way they stopped in able in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” We look forward to seeing every- Rev. Lester McMahan and clergy, Rev. Bill Ashtabula to visit Lori Byers and her family. one there! Alford in your prayers that we may always be On Dec. 15th, the Berean Believers had their found doing God’s will. May God bless and annual Christmas dinner. We also celebrated our June 1 – OYC Scholarship Applications due – Applications and more details will be keep you until we meet again. teacher's birthday - the one and only Dave made available later this year. Remember, Ohio youth that participated in OYC Competition in Lester McMahan, Pastor Castle. We had a nice dinner enjoyed by a nice age category D and are, or will be, attending any Free Will Baptist college are eligible to apply. Debra LaCourse, Reporter crowd. Our Christmas program was on Winners will be announced at the State Meeting in June. Congratulations to our two 2013 December 8th and was wonderful. It was titled scholarship recipients Tia Reed and Hannah Price! FOREST VALLEY (FRANKLIN) "A Christmas Tree" done by our Wednesday Happy New Year from our family to yours! Pioneers and Oasis Clubs. The children worked June 27 – OYC Friday Evening Youth Services – Heritage FWBC. We are pleased to announce that we have a very hard to make it so wonderful, but not with new deacon at Forest Valley, LeRoy Smith. We out their director Sue Carney and all her July 27-30 – National Association of Free Will Baptists – Fort Worth, Texas. are excited about his new role in our church and helpers. God bless them all! They had their We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for our state in the New Year! his continued faithfulness and dedication to our annual calendar sale with good results. family. Do remember the Springer family whose NEW HOPE (CENTRAL OHIO) different times. The young people and Junior Many in our congregation continue to grieve daughter, Jen passed away Dec. 16th. Happy New Year from New Hope! We are Church groups presented two different for those who have recently gone on to be with Pray for James Stevens who had surgery and looking forward to what the Lord has in store Christmas plays the Sunday evening before the Lord: Madeline Lykins, Louraine Preston, Terry Cupoli who has cancer. Continue to pray for us this coming year. As we look back over Christmas. The Christmas Eve service was a and our previous pastor, Mike Stokes. We will for us and we will pray for you and yours. 2013, we are so thankful for His many blessings beautiful way to celebrate the birth of the King miss their presence, but are sure in the promise Paul Etterling, Pastor to us. of Kings and Lord of Lords. that they have found peace. “Therefore the Grace McKinster, Reporter In November, we held a special Veteran’s Day Finally, Pastor Jim McComas, has accepted redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come Service where we recognized and honored vet- the Position of "Director of Church with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy NORTH WOODBURY (TRINITY) erans from our community and our church. It Revitalization" in the Home Missions shall be upon their head: they shall obtain glad- Praise the Lord --God Is awesome! was a great service! We had many visitors who Department at the National Association of FWB ness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall Our little church is busting at the seams with came to join us. Afterward, we had a meal to in Nashville. For the Canaan Church family, flee away.” Isaiah 51:11 love, kindness, peace, joy and giving. As we fellowship with our guests. On Nov. 24, mis- this is a difficult time. We are confident, how- Del Wallace, Pastor approach this new year we can't help but praise sionary Cathy Crawford was with us. She ever, that God will be using our pastor in anoth- Kristen Fitzsimmons, Reporter the Lord for this past year, even though we have shared her burden for the people of France. Our er position that will allow him to reach even had heart aches and trials but through it all the pastor has encouraged us to not forget the peo- more people for Christ. In this new position, he UNION (PINE CREEK) Lord gave us the victory! ple Cathy has told us about. We are including will be traveling across the U. S., Canada, As we close out the year 2013, we have much In November we hosted the Trinity them in our weekly bulletin to pray for these Mexico, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, to reflect on and to praise God for. Union has Conference and the Lord truly blessed. The people who need to meet our Savior. preaching, teaching, and promoting church indeed been abundantly blessed by our church could hardly hold those in attendance. Our special Christmas services were held on growth and the mission and ministries of the Heavenly Father. We were also blessed with the Pearly Gates to Dec. 22nd. The choir, under the direction of Home Missions Department. In our denomina- We started our Christmas season with an minister in song and Bro. James Baldwin Diane Harris, did an outstanding job of telling tion, we recognize the critical need to focus on amazing concert by Abby Paskvan. New to us brought forth God word. We were able to give the story of Jesus through song. The evening revitalization of our churches and we are com- this year, we were blessed to welcome and thor- nine Thanksgiving meals out to families that candlelight service was especially nice with mitted to praying diligently for him in this new oughly enjoy the Christmas music of three local were in need. sharing of testimonies and Christmas Cards. ministry area. high schools select choirs. Also, thanks to the The Lord continues to bless. We have had sev- Afterwards, nearly two dozen of us went carol- As you know, filling the pastoral shoes of a generosity of our board, we shared in a wonder- eral saved and some have rededicated there ing in the community. With other churches in man of God like Pastor McComas is extremely ful and delicious catered Christmas dinner. lives! Our youth is as strong as ever. They our community our church helped provide food difficult. Please pray for us as we seek the Thank you to Odie and Karen Lawhun for gra- adopted several families for Christmas and they baskets for some families in Valley Township. Lord's will in the weeks to come. ciously volunteering their time and energy to also put on a play that had the true meaning. Until next time, may God richly bless you and James R. McComas, Pastor once again coordinate the annual Christmas They showed how easy it is to get saved and yours! Lisa R. Justice, Reporter Food Basket drive. Because of their efforts and accept the Lord in your heart just to believe, George Grice, Pastor the incredible kindness of our church family, we repent and confess. It is as simple that! Lena Grice, Reporter FAITH (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) were able to provide children’s Christmas pres- We had Mark Allen Chapman singing to add Greetings from Faith FWB Church. Nov. 3rd, ents and food baskets to many local families. to the blessing of that day. We would like to CANAAN (CAPITAL CITY) Bro. Dale Channels preached to us the inspired Thank you to Cathy Porter, Crystal Conn, and thank the ladies of the church for always help- The end of the year is always an incredibly Word of God. Nov. 17th, Sunday evening, Sister Heather Hall for their tremendous work and ing out, being there and making food when ever busy time of outreach, ministry and fellowship Cathy Crawford visited and fascinated us with dedication in once again directing the children’s needed. at Canaan. We rejoiced to see seven babies her missionary work in France while presenting Christmas play. All who had the privilege to Now as we see the New Year approaches we dedicated and seven folks baptized. Our slides. She also writes and distributes tracts and attend were truly blessed by the magnificent stand and await to see what the Lord has in Assistant Pastor, Travis McKenzie saw the other literature in France. Please remember performances of our children. store. Please pray for Sis. Donna Steelman, Bro. need to launch a Master's Men Chapter at the Sister Cathy and her missionary work in your We are looking forward to an even better and Tony Franklin, Bro. Burgess Achers, Sis. Gloria church. Our Canaan Caring Cans for Christ prayers. In Nov. our church sponsored its annu- more successful 2014. Please pray with us that Livingston and Sis. Christeen Franklin who ministry distributed 141 Thanksgiving meals al City Mission Coat Drive and Harvest for we can continue to grow and be the New have health complications. God bless each and for families in three different counties. Hunger Drive. Testament Church that our Lord has called us to everyone of you in the New Year! The Christmas season at Canaan is always a Dec. 14th, Saturday evening, our church had be. Rob Ratcliff, Pastor very special time. The Celebration Choir pre- its Christmas Dinner, a great time we had in Chris Oiler, Pastor Heather Ratcliff, Reporter sented the Cantata "Bethlehem Morning" two Christian fellowship. Dec. 15th, Sunday Lisa LeMaster, Reporter OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 18

February 7th will be our bimonthly Senior State-Wide Luncheon at 12:30pm. All seniors 55 and over, January 23-25 Ohio Men’s Retreat at the Heartland Retreat Center, Marengo, Ohio living in our area are welcome to join us for a lunch and fellowship. Central Ohio God bless! Mike Simpson, Pastor February 1 Trinity Conference meeting at Rosedale FWB Laura Simpson, Reporter March 1 Woodstock, March for Jesus Revival, 6 PM, Russell Street, Pastor March 8 Franklin Conference Mission Service meeting at Columbus First, Tim McKnight, Pastor HIGH STREET (NORTH & WESTERN) March 15 OWAC Women’s Day 9:15 AM-2:30 PM, Westerville FWB Church Happy New Year to all of our sister churches! This past year the Lord blessed and we were able to have a basement rail lift chair installed! Also an outside lift to raise wheelchairs to the Northern Ohio main floor level vs a wheelchair ramp. We were January 11 Cuyahoga-Lorain Conference meeting at Unity, Eugene Crouch, Pastor also able to have our parking lot repaved. A spe- February 15 Northern Ohio Conference meeting at White Oaks, Danny Dickerson, Pastor cial "thank you" to Brother Mike Jones for his April 12 OWAC Women’s Day 9:15 AM-2:30 PM, Unity FWB Church leadership through these projects. We are thankful for our new converts and their upcoming baptism and for those who have Southern Ohio taken up membership with us. Bro. Kenny January 11 Southern Ohio Conference meeting at Dogwood Ridge FWB, Emil Cartee, Pastor Hopson has been set aside to become a deacon January 25 Jackson Conference meeting at Glenroy in our church. February 1 Lawrence Conference meeting at New Buckley Road, Kenny Ball, Pastor We had a New Year's Eve Service with pray- ing, singing, testimonies and preaching of God's For Ohio Free Will Baptists Will Baptists Free Free Ohio Ohio For For February 8 South-Central Conference meeting at First Chillicothe, Mitch Salyers, Pastor Word. Following the service we observed the February 8 Pine Creek Conference meeting at Scioto, Dan Widdig, Pastor Lord's Supper with communion and feetwash- Coming Events Events Coming Coming May 24 OWAC Women’s Day 9:15 AM-2:30 PM, Porter FWB Church ing. Having had a blessed time last January at the Ohio Men’s Retreat, some of our men are attending again this year! Western Ohio Praise the Lord for His many blessings! January 11 Tri-State Conference meeting at Lighthouse, Elsmere, Ky, Bobby Courtney, Pastor James Webb, Pastor and Reporter

HAMILTON GLADES (PORTER) SWAUGER VALLEY (PINE CREEK) Happy New Year from the Hamilton Glades Financial Crisis in Our International Mission Department As the song says “Even in the valley….God is FWB Church! We've seen a lot of changes in Good!” The Lord continues to be so good to all the past year and praying for good things in the of us here in the valley! God continues to pro- upcoming year. To All Ohio Pastors and Churches vide wondrous blessings to our Swauger Valley I believe it's been awhile since our church has family. We thank Him and praise Him for the reported by letter so I'll attempt to catch every- Our International Mission Department’’s financial situation has reached “Crisis Mode.” souls saved and those who have rededicated one up in a compact version. New pastor, Jim Dummitt was put in as inter- They have plunged over $500,000 in the “red” for 2013. The primary determinant in theirs hearts to the Lord since our last report! The Christmas season often comes with much im pastor in March and voted in officially in the present situation is the gradual, but consistent, decrease in monthly income. While June 2013. We had a successful VBS in July and it appears the decrease has plateaued, they are still averaging a disparity of over reflection on the precious and wondrous gift God gave the world. Our Christmas program enjoyed the FWB fellowship revival at Harrison $55,000 a month between income and expenses. They must begin to see an upward this year, “Reflections”, provided a beautiful FWB in August. trend in monthly contributions to overcome this deficit. display of God’s work in each of our lives in We just finished and enjoyed our Christmas both the day to day blessings and care He gives play, “The Gatekeeper.” On the global scale, they had a $6.7 million operational budget for 2013, but all indica- and in amazing answers to special prayers. At We have seen souls saved and had baptisms,and tions show their income will not exceed $6 million. It should be noted that their the end of the program we rejoiced as prayers seen members added. We have mourned the spending did not reach budgetary limits. This “red” number would be much higher if were answered as a precious soul came to know death of former pastor Roy Chaffins wife, Carol and in turn celebrated the marriage of our the home and field staff had not practiced frugal spending. the Lord. What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas! youth leader Jarrod Mullins to his beautiful bride, Lacey. In light of this huge shortfall, they had to make serious budgetary cuts. They made sig- One of our special prayers was answered Dec. 27th with a new bundle of joy named Samuel Please pray for our little church in the corn- nificant reductions in the following areas: for John and Teresa Jolly. We look forward to field, that we will continue to do the Lord’s will this New Year and are excited to see what God in this New Year and always. § Office personnel has for us to do for Him and what blessing He Jim Dummitt Pastor has in store for all of our lives. Jenny Dummitt Reporter § Office operational expenses

§ Field budgets (including ministry cuts at all levels)

§ Partnership budgets (Panama, Cuba, Central Asia, etc.), and

§ Field personnel

As you can see, that these cuts have greatly affected the overall mission work of our denomination. See article Board Makes Difficult Decisions on Page 14.

I want to encourage you to see what you can do as a church to help the International Mission ministry by regular monthly support. The World Mission Offering is great, but it does not completely fund our international mission work. This is our work that the Lord has given us. What will we do?

You can give your support to the International Mission Department through the Ohio Togetherway Plan, 7554 Slate Ridge Blvd. Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 MOUNT STERLING (TRINITY) Our church is growing in the Lord. The last conference we had 38 present and we had 12 of our young people there to support our church. They are such a blessing and a joy. They are helping one another in the Lord. We have had a number saved. It has been a real blessing. The ladies auxillary sold cook books for a fundraiser and they have done very well. Our Christmas play was a success. Sister Gerri put on the play with the help of Sister Marilyn. The ladies and men of the church did such a great job! We have really been blessed by our ladies of the church. We have had several births this past year. In the last year we have had some members of our church who have passed away. They will be missed. Densil Wright, Pastor Rose Miller, Reporter

LOCKBOURNE (TRINITY) Greetings from Lockbourne FWB. We send our love to everyone and a prayer for a blessed and prosperous New Year. We have had a wonderful year at Lockbourne and are so grateful to the Lord that He has pro- vided opportunities for us to serve Him in vari- ous ways. Our church reached out to children in need this Christmas. We were so blessed to be able to provide gifts to about 70 children. May the Lord bless everyone that provided gifts to these precious children. We had our annual Christmas dinner after Sunday morning service December 15th. As you can imagine, there was plenty of great food and we got to meet friends and family members that we hadn’t met before. We had a good time fellowshipping and playing games. Most of all we felt the love of God in our presence. We were treated to a wonderful Christmas program the following Sunday evening. We had a living Christmas tree and the adults sang beautiful songs that told of God’s love for humanity and how He sent His Son that blessed day to save all who would believe. The children participated in the program by portraying a live nativity as the Christmas story was told in song. It was a beautiful evening where the Lord’s presence was made real to us. We are looking forward to 2014 with great November-December 2013 November-December November-December 2013 November-December anticipation for all that the Lord will do in our homes, our churches, our communities and our nation. May we be willing vessels, ready to go where He sends and ready to speak a word about Him to a lost world. Pray for our church as we continue to labor together in the Lord. Leon Stevens, Pastor Janelle Sagraves, Reporter

GOOD HOPE (CUYAHOGA-LORAIN) We pray everyone had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to the New year. God has blessed us to see another year go by. We were able to give away baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.The children host- ed a Christmas bazaar first of Dec. It was a suc- cess and the proceeds will benefit a mission of their choice. We had a Christmas dinner and it was well attended. Our children had a Christmas play which went well, and we thank the ladies who worked with them. They are our church of tomorrow and we OHIO TOGETHER WAY RECEIPTS WAY OHIO TOGETHER OHIO TOGETHER WAY RECEIPTS WAY OHIO TOGETHER need to keep them coming and learning about Jesus. We just finished studying the parables at our Wednesday night Bible study. Our next study will be on the tabernacle. Pray for us that we can see more people come to church this year and see many saved. Jason Keith, Pastor Mary Diamond Edison, Reporter OHIOAMBASSADOR PAGE 20 Ohio Men’s Retreat

Chris Mark January 23-25, 2014 Oiler Price Heartland Retreat Center Marengo, Ohio

A great time for fellowship, relaxtion and H.B. spiritual growth! London

For more information, schedule, directions and registration forms, visit our website Shawn Del www.OhioFWB.org Beauchamp Wallace *Are You on the List?* Are you receiving the Ohio Free Will Baptist Updates? If you like to begin receiving all the Ohio FWB News, just send your email address to me at [email protected]

March 2, 2014 Let’s get behind our Ohio Mission Program!