By Dr. James Kennard
A celebration is in order for Mayport, Florida. For years something has been lacking in this area. While there are numerous churches in the area, there has not been a concerted effort close to the base to reach the thousands of sailors and coast guard stationed at this location.
Freedom Independent Baptist Church now exists, specifically with these service men and women in mind, for the purpose of carrying out the Great Commission. On May 7, 2006, the doors were opened for the first time. I was personally impressed by all I saw and heard while I was present at this momentous occasion.
As one might imagine, much hard work went in to preparing for this day. Missionaries Chris and Lou Anne War led the way as 35 members of their sending church (Putuxant Baptist Church in Maryland) arrived a week earlier for the purpose of canvassing the area with a welcome for all to come and worship. Their hard work and commitment to be a part of this monumental occasion paid off with rich dividends.
There were 58 visitors on this day, in addition to the group from Maryland, a total of 95 altogether. So much planning and hard work went in to making this day possible, and it was truly exciting to see the immediate results. This first service was the organization service, with the roll open for the first month, in which all who joined would be considered charter members. Now the sailors, airmen, and marines stationed at Mayport, and those passing through, will have a ministry specifically designed to meet their spiritual needs.
Baptist International Missions, Inc. is proud to be a part of this great work, and we look forward to all God is going to do as we partner together for the work of the Kingdom. As our young men and women of our armed services are deployed and reassigned globally, there is great anticipation as to the impact that Freedom Independent Baptist Church is going to have in their lives. Now, when a sailor or marine is transferred into the Mayport area, sending pastors will have a church near the base to recommend. In addition, as Freedom Independent Baptist Church co-ops with BIMI, Pastor War will have churches that he can recommend as his people are reassigned to the four corners of the world.
Please rejoice with me and please continue to remember Pastor War and his family as they faithfully serve Christ in Mayport, Florida. Join with me in prayer for this great work, and pray that many lives will be changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our hope and prayers are for God to impact the lives of thousands as He tarries His return.
Editor’s Note: Freedom Independent Baptist Church organized with 26 charter members. At this writing, they have had more than 55 professions of faith and more than 15 baptisms.
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A celebration is in order for Mayport, Florida. For years something has been lacking in this area. While there are numerous churches in the area, there has not been a concerted effort close to the base to reach the thousands of sailors and coast guard stationed at this location.Freedom Independent Baptist Church now exists, specifically with these service men and women in mind, for the purpose of carrying out the Great Commission. On May 7, 2006, the doors were opened for the first time. I was personally impressed by all I saw and heard while I was present at this momentous occasion.
As one might imagine, much hard work went in to preparing for this day. Missionaries Chris and Lou Anne War led the way as 35 members of their sending church (Putuxant Baptist Church in Maryland) arrived a week earlier for the purpose of canvassing the area with a welcome for all to come and worship. Their hard work and commitment to be a part of this monumental occasion paid off with rich dividends.
There were 58 visitors on this day, in addition to the group from Maryland, a total of 95 altogether. So much planning and hard work went in to making this day possible, and it was truly exciting to see the immediate results. This first service was the organization service, with the roll open for the first month, in which all who joined would be considered charter members. Now the sailors, airmen, and marines stationed at Mayport, and those passing through, will have a ministry specifically designed to meet their spiritual needs.
Baptist International Missions, Inc. is proud to be a part of this great work, and we look forward to all God is going to do as we partner together for the work of the Kingdom. As our young men and women of our armed services are deployed and reassigned globally, there is great anticipation as to the impact that Freedom Independent Baptist Church is going to have in their lives. Now, when a sailor or marine is transferred into the Mayport area, sending pastors will have a church near the base to recommend. In addition, as Freedom Independent Baptist Church co-ops with BIMI, Pastor War will have churches that he can recommend as his people are reassigned to the four corners of the world.
Please rejoice with me and please continue to remember Pastor War and his family as they faithfully serve Christ in Mayport, Florida. Join with me in prayer for this great work, and pray that many lives will be changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our hope and prayers are for God to impact the lives of thousands as He tarries His return.
Editor’s Note: Freedom Independent Baptist Church organized with 26 charter members. At this writing, they have had more than 55 professions of faith and more than 15 baptisms.
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By Jeff Alverson
In recognition of BIMI employee, Brother Ernie Fritz and his love for the military, he was recently given a more "hands on" ministry in Military Missions as the mission gave him the title of Honorary Military Missionary. He has already been active in presenting the Military ministries in a number of churches. His activity helps us in spreading this most needed ministry in our area local churches. Please pray for this new "extra curricular" activity for Ernie and Cynthia.
Brother Ernie trusted Christ as Savior in April 1966. He later attended Tennessee Temple, Florida Baptist and Grace Baptist Colleges. He has served as associate pastor, youth director and bus director.
His burden for the military came twelve years ago when he and his wife were looking for his father’s military history. They both knew that many men died for our freedom, yet many of these men were bound by sin. It is their desire to help reach many of our military with the Gospel of Christ. Would you please pray for brother Ernie and his wife, Cynthia.
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In recognition of BIMI employee, Brother Ernie Fritz and his love for the military, he was recently given a more "hands on" ministry in Military Missions as the mission gave him the title of Honorary Military Missionary. He has already been active in presenting the Military ministries in a number of churches. His activity helps us in spreading this most needed ministry in our area local churches. Please pray for this new "extra curricular" activity for Ernie and Cynthia.
Brother Ernie trusted Christ as Savior in April 1966. He later attended Tennessee Temple, Florida Baptist and Grace Baptist Colleges. He has served as associate pastor, youth director and bus director.
His burden for the military came twelve years ago when he and his wife were looking for his father’s military history. They both knew that many men died for our freedom, yet many of these men were bound by sin. It is their desire to help reach many of our military with the Gospel of Christ. Would you please pray for brother Ernie and his wife, Cynthia.Return to Top
Pictured here is Janice Hutsky, a mother of six that home schools her children, and along with her husband Paul teaches a Teen Sunday School Class at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Heidelberg Germany. Janice spent 12 years in the Army and left active duty to stay at home and raise her children. What is so unusual about this mom is what she has done in the past. While in the army she was a member of the Golden Knights Parachute Team and has made over 2700 parachute jumps…all successful praise God! After doing this she became a pilot and flew helicopters, CH-47, for the Army and was later deployed to Iraq for Desert Storm/Desert Sheild in the early 1990’s. By the way she also taught last year and survived teaching the church’s "Pee-Wees" in their "Patch the Pirate" program. Janice best sums everything up..."There is nothing more in this life I could want that I don’t already have: a personal relationship with God, a great husband, the opportunity to home school our children, a wonderful church to serve in, and the good health to accomplish these things." Return to Top
By Al Sligh
Military Missions of BIMI is interested in reaching all U.S. Military worldwide. In order to do this, we need every born-again military member’s input as to where the military troops are located, both stateside and overseas, temporary or permanent, in order to investigate their need.
We are unable to locate many of these military bases or groups because of our lack of knowledge concerning these matters. We do not solicit information concerning the location of military bases or groups that are of a secret military nature.
We desire to start churches or Bible studies in these areas so that we can reach more military for our Lord. Your help in this situation will certainly be appreciated.
If you have knowledge of large or small groups without a Gospel witness, please contact Dr. James Kennard or Dr. Jeff Alverson at BIMI Military Missions, P. O. Box 9215, Chattanooga, TN 37412 or E-Mail Jim Kennard or E-Mail Jeff Alverson
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Military Missions of BIMI is interested in reaching all U.S. Military worldwide. In order to do this, we need every born-again military member’s input as to where the military troops are located, both stateside and overseas, temporary or permanent, in order to investigate their need.
We are unable to locate many of these military bases or groups because of our lack of knowledge concerning these matters. We do not solicit information concerning the location of military bases or groups that are of a secret military nature.
We desire to start churches or Bible studies in these areas so that we can reach more military for our Lord. Your help in this situation will certainly be appreciated.
If you have knowledge of large or small groups without a Gospel witness, please contact Dr. James Kennard or Dr. Jeff Alverson at BIMI Military Missions, P. O. Box 9215, Chattanooga, TN 37412 or E-Mail Jim Kennard or E-Mail Jeff Alverson
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Dr. James Kennard (Director of Military Ministries, BIMI) Dr. Kennard is still recovering from knee surgery he had this summer. His brother, Charles Kennard, passed away on October 5, 2006. Please pray for the Kennard family.
Dr. Jeff Alverson (Assistant Director of Military Ministries, BIMI) Since his wife, Jenny, went home to be with the Lord, it has truly been a lonely time for him. His daughter, a pastor’s wife, lives in Indiana. So, he certainly needs our prayers at this time.
The Matt Olsen Family (Avino, Italy) Matt and Diane Olsen now have a new church building in Italy. Since their arrival several years ago, the church has met in a rented building directly across from another church. Oftentimes Brother Olsen would invite people to attend their services only to find out that they attended the other church. In this new location they will be able to reach people who are not attending church. Now the church will be able to move forward for the Lord in their new location.
The Harold Pierce Family (Deputation – Germany) Dr. Harold and Jenny Pierce, missionaries to the military in Germany are happy to announce the arrival of their daughter, Jenny Grace. Jenny Grace was born on June 28, 2006, weighing 5 lbs. and 10 oz. The Pierces have completed their furlough and have arrived back in Germany to resume their ministry there.
The Warren Webster Family (Yokota, Japan) During the summer several people were saved and followed the Lord in believer’s baptism. Brother Webster’s son David, his wife Charise, and their daughter were able to spend some time with Brother Webster and Joyce. Grandfather and Grandmother Webster were elated to have their family on the mission field with them.
The Gary Craft Family (Kaiserslautern, Germany) Brother Gary and his wife, Karen, held their first service in their new work, Heritage Baptist Church, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The Crafts advertised the new church for two weeks before their new service. Their first service had 58 in attendance. We are expecting great things from this work. Please pray for the Crafts and this new ministry.
The Chuck Sligh Family (Grafenwoehr, Germany) The Slighs are happy to announce that they have their new church building. It is the first building outside of the main gate of the Army Base in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The building still must undergo inspection. The building was built in an area where three bombs exploded during World War II. Please pray that everything will go well with the testing.
The Steve Nutt Family (Okinawa City, Japan) Maranatha Baptist Church in Okinawa Japan had a summer camp with 68 youth in attendance. Please pray for several members of this military ministry who are deployed in places of danger. In September the church finished a great missions revival with Dr. James Ray where many hearts were stirred for missions.
The Lee Osborn Family (Yigo, Guam) After three years of searching for available land to build a church, the Osborns have located two acres of land for sale located only two minutes from the main gate of Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. Approximately 8,000 U. S. Marines are scheduled to be stationed there along with the 6,000 Naval and Air Force personnel currently assigned there. Please pray that Freedom Baptist church in Yigo, Guam, will be able to purchase this land and build a good church for the glory of God. If you can help with this "Priority Project", as it is called, designate if as the Guam Land Project account #642.
The Williamson Family (Construction) The Williamsons spent nine months in Japan working on buildings in Yakosuka, Nagano. They then flew to Okinawa to work on buildings in a Christian camp. They are awaiting now to depart for Germany to assist Chuck Sligh in renovating the building in Graffenwohr.
The Mark Sage Family (Japan) Remember to pray especially for Stephanie’s family as she just recently lost her father. Mark and Stephanie have just completed their first year in Yokosuka, Japan and the Lord has done great things thus far.
The Rick Bonds Family (USA) They have just started a new church in Del Rio, Texas near the Airbase. Pray much for this new and needed endeavor to reach the military there.
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Dr. Jeff Alverson (Assistant Director of Military Ministries, BIMI) Since his wife, Jenny, went home to be with the Lord, it has truly been a lonely time for him. His daughter, a pastor’s wife, lives in Indiana. So, he certainly needs our prayers at this time.
The Matt Olsen Family (Avino, Italy) Matt and Diane Olsen now have a new church building in Italy. Since their arrival several years ago, the church has met in a rented building directly across from another church. Oftentimes Brother Olsen would invite people to attend their services only to find out that they attended the other church. In this new location they will be able to reach people who are not attending church. Now the church will be able to move forward for the Lord in their new location.
The Harold Pierce Family (Deputation – Germany) Dr. Harold and Jenny Pierce, missionaries to the military in Germany are happy to announce the arrival of their daughter, Jenny Grace. Jenny Grace was born on June 28, 2006, weighing 5 lbs. and 10 oz. The Pierces have completed their furlough and have arrived back in Germany to resume their ministry there.
The Warren Webster Family (Yokota, Japan) During the summer several people were saved and followed the Lord in believer’s baptism. Brother Webster’s son David, his wife Charise, and their daughter were able to spend some time with Brother Webster and Joyce. Grandfather and Grandmother Webster were elated to have their family on the mission field with them.
The Gary Craft Family (Kaiserslautern, Germany) Brother Gary and his wife, Karen, held their first service in their new work, Heritage Baptist Church, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The Crafts advertised the new church for two weeks before their new service. Their first service had 58 in attendance. We are expecting great things from this work. Please pray for the Crafts and this new ministry.
The Chuck Sligh Family (Grafenwoehr, Germany) The Slighs are happy to announce that they have their new church building. It is the first building outside of the main gate of the Army Base in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The building still must undergo inspection. The building was built in an area where three bombs exploded during World War II. Please pray that everything will go well with the testing.
The Steve Nutt Family (Okinawa City, Japan) Maranatha Baptist Church in Okinawa Japan had a summer camp with 68 youth in attendance. Please pray for several members of this military ministry who are deployed in places of danger. In September the church finished a great missions revival with Dr. James Ray where many hearts were stirred for missions.
The Lee Osborn Family (Yigo, Guam) After three years of searching for available land to build a church, the Osborns have located two acres of land for sale located only two minutes from the main gate of Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. Approximately 8,000 U. S. Marines are scheduled to be stationed there along with the 6,000 Naval and Air Force personnel currently assigned there. Please pray that Freedom Baptist church in Yigo, Guam, will be able to purchase this land and build a good church for the glory of God. If you can help with this "Priority Project", as it is called, designate if as the Guam Land Project account #642.
The Williamson Family (Construction) The Williamsons spent nine months in Japan working on buildings in Yakosuka, Nagano. They then flew to Okinawa to work on buildings in a Christian camp. They are awaiting now to depart for Germany to assist Chuck Sligh in renovating the building in Graffenwohr.
The Mark Sage Family (Japan) Remember to pray especially for Stephanie’s family as she just recently lost her father. Mark and Stephanie have just completed their first year in Yokosuka, Japan and the Lord has done great things thus far.
The Rick Bonds Family (USA) They have just started a new church in Del Rio, Texas near the Airbase. Pray much for this new and needed endeavor to reach the military there.
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Missionaries of the Day
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Jennifer R Scarfi - VANUATU
Michael & Christine Schrimshire - ENGLAND
Andrew & Jill Schultz - ZAMBIA
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Jennifer R Scarfi - VANUATU
Michael & Christine Schrimshire - ENGLAND
Andrew & Jill Schultz - ZAMBIA
Military Director
Dr. James & Gail KennardRead more about the Kennards.
Email: Dr. James Kennard
He can be contacted through the BIMI office
(423) 344-5050.
Assistant Military Director
Jeff & Joyce AlversonRead more about the Alversons.
Email Jeff Alverson
He can be contacted through the BIMI office
(423) 344-5050.
