By Al Sligh
The military ministry was virtually unknown until BIMI saw the need. In 1968, Dr. Jim Kennard, a pastor of a Japanese speaking church in Okinawa, who was also working with the military, invited BIMI missionary Brother Bob Elzey to come and start a military church in Okinawa.
In May of 1968, Brother Elzey and his family arrived in Okinawa and started Maranatha Baptist Church. The first services were held in the living room of Brother Kennard’s home. They then rented a building in Oyama, Okinawa, a few hundred feet from the main gate of Futenma Marine Air Base. The building consisted of three floors and Brother Elzey was able to rent the top two floors for the work.
The church, Maranatha Baptist, grew at a fast pace. Soon after, three houses were rented behind the church to accommodate the large crowds who were attending. The church grew rapidly especially since it was the only Independent Baptist military church on the island at that time. When Brother Elzey returned to the states to take another ministry, Dr. Kennard became pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church.
Dr. Kennard took the church to a greater height after obtaining a larger building to house the church body. The church grew to over seven hundred in a short period of time. Dr. Kennard saw the need of having a Baptist school and immediately went to work to establish the Maranatha Baptist Academy, which was the first K-4 through 12 Baptist school in Okinawa. Under Dr. Kennard’s leadership, the church soon grew to become the largest church on the island. Larger buses were purchased for the bus ministry and routes were expanded as well.
Dr. Kennard served as pastor of the Maranatha Baptist Church until he returned to the US where he later became the first Military Director for Baptist International Missions, Inc. He has served as Military Director for the past 26 years. There are 22 churches presently pastored by BIMI missionaries throughout the world. Although many bases have closed, others have opened, and BIMI’s military ministry is still reaching and training as many people for Christ as before.
The military church has many unique challenges. One of the main challenges happens during the summer months when some churches lose half of their congregations due to the rotation of troops and dependants. Generally most military personnel transfer every two or three years. The rotation of most troops happens in the summer when schools are not in session. It is not unusual for a church to lose one-third of its members during a rotation. Of course, unmarried military personnel may rotate to another base at any time of the year. Another issue that the military church may have is the transfer of military members to another base, which may be hundreds of miles away, for one or two months. Sometimes personnel are called to leave in a moments notice. So, if that person has a job in that church, then someone must be able to take their place.
Since there is constant rotation, it is necessary for a basic discipleship, training program to be in effect at all times. Most church members are taught how to win a person to Christ and are encouraged to go on visitation several times each week. Sunday morning is truly a special time in the military church, since many guests invited by military members attend on Sunday mornings. So, there is quite a bit of excitement to see who comes and who gets saved. The military church is truly an exciting church.
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The military ministry was virtually unknown until BIMI saw the need. In 1968, Dr. Jim Kennard, a pastor of a Japanese speaking church in Okinawa, who was also working with the military, invited BIMI missionary Brother Bob Elzey to come and start a military church in Okinawa.
In May of 1968, Brother Elzey and his family arrived in Okinawa and started Maranatha Baptist Church. The first services were held in the living room of Brother Kennard’s home. They then rented a building in Oyama, Okinawa, a few hundred feet from the main gate of Futenma Marine Air Base. The building consisted of three floors and Brother Elzey was able to rent the top two floors for the work.
The church, Maranatha Baptist, grew at a fast pace. Soon after, three houses were rented behind the church to accommodate the large crowds who were attending. The church grew rapidly especially since it was the only Independent Baptist military church on the island at that time. When Brother Elzey returned to the states to take another ministry, Dr. Kennard became pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church.
Dr. Kennard took the church to a greater height after obtaining a larger building to house the church body. The church grew to over seven hundred in a short period of time. Dr. Kennard saw the need of having a Baptist school and immediately went to work to establish the Maranatha Baptist Academy, which was the first K-4 through 12 Baptist school in Okinawa. Under Dr. Kennard’s leadership, the church soon grew to become the largest church on the island. Larger buses were purchased for the bus ministry and routes were expanded as well.
Dr. Kennard served as pastor of the Maranatha Baptist Church until he returned to the US where he later became the first Military Director for Baptist International Missions, Inc. He has served as Military Director for the past 26 years. There are 22 churches presently pastored by BIMI missionaries throughout the world. Although many bases have closed, others have opened, and BIMI’s military ministry is still reaching and training as many people for Christ as before.
The military church has many unique challenges. One of the main challenges happens during the summer months when some churches lose half of their congregations due to the rotation of troops and dependants. Generally most military personnel transfer every two or three years. The rotation of most troops happens in the summer when schools are not in session. It is not unusual for a church to lose one-third of its members during a rotation. Of course, unmarried military personnel may rotate to another base at any time of the year. Another issue that the military church may have is the transfer of military members to another base, which may be hundreds of miles away, for one or two months. Sometimes personnel are called to leave in a moments notice. So, if that person has a job in that church, then someone must be able to take their place.
Since there is constant rotation, it is necessary for a basic discipleship, training program to be in effect at all times. Most church members are taught how to win a person to Christ and are encouraged to go on visitation several times each week. Sunday morning is truly a special time in the military church, since many guests invited by military members attend on Sunday mornings. So, there is quite a bit of excitement to see who comes and who gets saved. The military church is truly an exciting church.
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Having a burden to encourage independent Baptist missionaries throughout Germany during the Christmas season, Dr. Tom Lancaster, the pastor of Rhein River Baptist Church in Mannheim, Germany began what seemed at the time a small venture. Little did anyone realize the blessing that God would bestow upon this burden that began in 1997. At the first Christmas banquet that Rhine River Baptist Church hosted, there were approximately seventy-five missionaries and their families in attendance. Pastor and Mrs. Lancaster had no plans beyond that first banquet. However, there were so many positive comments made from missionaries that they decided to host another banquet the next year… and the next. On December 1 -3, 2006, the church hosted its ninth annual Missionary Christmas Retreat with over 250 independent Baptist missionaries, from fourteen countries in Europe and two from the States, and their families present.
Pastor Lancaster has said of the people of this great military mission’s church, "They have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints." A relatively small group of military families and a few nationals, host, prepare for, finance and carry out an event that would normally take a large church to perform. One of the things that the missionaries in attendance have said is that they are humbled by these giving people honoring and caring for them with such servant’s hearts.
Picture, if you will, missionaries driving to Rhein River Baptist Church and being greeted by a soldier (officer and enlisted) in full dress uniform, complete with medals – some having recently returned from a war zone, who assist them in getting their vehicle parked. The missionaries are then directed to the auditorium of the church that has been transformed into a beautiful banquet hall. The banquet is prepared and served by the people of the church with one intention – to encourage the missionaries. While the adults are enjoying their banquet with a delightful program, beautiful music and spirit-filled preaching, their children and teenagers are enjoying their own programs in other parts of the building. One of the highlights of the banquet is honoring one missionary family in recognition of their faithful service. Finally, gifts that have been purchased by the people of Rhein River Baptist Church are presented to the entire family. The missionaries choose to stay over for the entire weekend, joining Rhein River Baptist Church in their Sunday worship Service.
This special missions project is financed through offerings received each service in a five gallon jug placed in the front of the church. The children and adults alike line up to drop their money into the jug during the offering time. Many missionaries in Europe have said that this Missionary Christmas Retreat is the highlight of their year. But according to Pastor Lancaster, the amazing thing is that this retreat is the highlight of the year for the people of Rhein River Baptist Church and has given them a heart for missions and missionaries.
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Pastor Lancaster has said of the people of this great military mission’s church, "They have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints." A relatively small group of military families and a few nationals, host, prepare for, finance and carry out an event that would normally take a large church to perform. One of the things that the missionaries in attendance have said is that they are humbled by these giving people honoring and caring for them with such servant’s hearts.Picture, if you will, missionaries driving to Rhein River Baptist Church and being greeted by a soldier (officer and enlisted) in full dress uniform, complete with medals – some having recently returned from a war zone, who assist them in getting their vehicle parked. The missionaries are then directed to the auditorium of the church that has been transformed into a beautiful banquet hall. The banquet is prepared and served by the people of the church with one intention – to encourage the missionaries. While the adults are enjoying their banquet with a delightful program, beautiful music and spirit-filled preaching, their children and teenagers are enjoying their own programs in other parts of the building. One of the highlights of the banquet is honoring one missionary family in recognition of their faithful service. Finally, gifts that have been purchased by the people of Rhein River Baptist Church are presented to the entire family. The missionaries choose to stay over for the entire weekend, joining Rhein River Baptist Church in their Sunday worship Service.
This special missions project is financed through offerings received each service in a five gallon jug placed in the front of the church. The children and adults alike line up to drop their money into the jug during the offering time. Many missionaries in Europe have said that this Missionary Christmas Retreat is the highlight of their year. But according to Pastor Lancaster, the amazing thing is that this retreat is the highlight of the year for the people of Rhein River Baptist Church and has given them a heart for missions and missionaries.
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By Jeff Alverson
Chuck Truitt, missionary pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Ansbach, Germany, has engaged in a wonderful opportunity of ministering to wounded troops coming out of Iraq to Landstuhl, Germany. Once, sometimes twice, a week, he makes the three hour trip to help these young men and women who have been in the war zones fighting for our country. Chuck takes them German chocolates, gives copies of his book, "Pop a Yellow Smoke," which tells of his tour of duty in Vietnam when he served in the USMC, and gives them a Gospel witness. God has given him the privilege of leading many of these woonded troops to christ. Please pray for this ministry and if you want to help it (it is an extra expense for Brother Chuck) you can send your contributions to BIMI and designate for "Chuck Truitt – wounded soldier fund."
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Chuck Truitt, missionary pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Ansbach, Germany, has engaged in a wonderful opportunity of ministering to wounded troops coming out of Iraq to Landstuhl, Germany. Once, sometimes twice, a week, he makes the three hour trip to help these young men and women who have been in the war zones fighting for our country. Chuck takes them German chocolates, gives copies of his book, "Pop a Yellow Smoke," which tells of his tour of duty in Vietnam when he served in the USMC, and gives them a Gospel witness. God has given him the privilege of leading many of these woonded troops to christ. Please pray for this ministry and if you want to help it (it is an extra expense for Brother Chuck) you can send your contributions to BIMI and designate for "Chuck Truitt – wounded soldier fund."
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The BIMI European Military field conference held in Rota, Spain March 26-28 was a great success. Our missionaries serving in Europe as well as some from USA attended. Both Dr. Kennard and Dr. Alverson were able to attend.
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Dr. James Kennard (Director of Military Ministries, BIMI)—Over the past few months, Dr. Kennard has visited many different churches in order to present the military ministry to new churches and report to supporting churches. He is extremely happy he has the opportunity to present the BIMI Military ministry around the world. In a recent prayer letter, he requested special prayer for the military missionaries that are reporting to their supporting churches as well as new missionaries on deputation to gain support.
Dr. Jeff Alverson (Assistant Director of Military Ministries, BIMI)—Dr Alverson recently returned from Germany where he spent several weeks working with the military churches and visiting with missionaries. He has promised some special personal Breaking News for the next GI Banner edition.
The Griffin Family—In April of 2007, Brother Bill Griffin and his wife, Gwen, will have been missionaries with BIMI for 39 years. They first went to Japan, learned the language, and spent several years laboring as missionaries among the Japanese. He then became pastor of the Yokosuka Baptist church where he labored for several years until he returned to the U. S. due to his wife’s illness. Since then he has served as supply pastor for the Military Ministry of BIMI. Recently, Brother Griffin was asked to lead another program. Brother Griffin now serves as BIMI’s Enrichment Director. He and his wife have taken the responsibility of the Enrichment Program for BIMI missionaries. Please pray for them as they begin this new ministry.
The Hornbeck Family (Germany)—The Hornbeck’s are doing a fine job in their church in Europe. They are quite busy in their work there. John is teaching the new convert class and both are involved in the soul-winning program among the military and their dependants.
The Monteith Family (Northern Japan)—The Monteiths, who have three daughters, are in the process of adopting a Japanese boy. After the adoption is final, he will have the name Hudson Caleb Yoshito Monteith. They are planning to be on furlough during June – August 2007. Please contact BIMI if you are interested in having them visit your church during this time.
The Navato Family (Okinawa, Japan)—Ed and Elvie Navato were able to lead fifty souls to the lord during 2006. They are currently teaching a weekly marriage and family enrichment Bible class that has been very successful.
The Simensen Family (Germany)—Larry and Phyllis report they are assisting in starting the Heritage Baptist Church in Kaiserslautern, Germany which is growing at a rapid rate.
The War Family (Mayport, Florida)—The Wars report that many lives have been changed because of the preaching of the Word. Since organizing in May 2006, Freedom Baptist Church has had seventy-five professions of faith along with twenty-seven baptisms.
The Ron Parrot Family (Relief)—Brother Parrot has been faithful to the relief work ministry for some time now. He and Barbara have been BIMI military missionaries since 1972.
The Sage Family (Yokosuka, Japan)—Mark and Stephanie Sage report the work is going well in Yokosuka, Japan, where they work with the U. S. Navy. Please pray for Stephanie as she has had health problems. Specifically pray that they will see more progress as to finding the root cause of Stephanie’s stroke/infarction.
The Heneise Family (Germany)—The military base where the Heneises now minister for the Lord is scheduled to close upon the return of their troops from Iraq. With a heavy heart, the Heneise’s have begun to make official plans for the church’s closure. Mother’s Day is scheduled to be the final service. They are praying for the Lord’s direction in their life. Please pray with them regarding their future ministry for our Lord.
The Steve Nutt Family (Okinawa City, Japan)—Steve and Frankie report that 322 people were saved during the year of 2006. They are grateful to their supporting churches for making it possible for them to be in this ministry. Their goal for 2006 was one soul saved a day. Although they did not quite meet the goal they are praising the Lord and have the same goal for 2007.
The Pierce Family (Heidelberg, Germany)—The Pierces have recently returned from furlough and have settled into their new place in Heidelberg, Germany. Harold and Karin are planting and watering while God is giving the increase as they are seeing many new visitors among their singles and young couples. Pray for them as they serve the Lord through the Lighthouse Baptist Church.
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Dr. Jeff Alverson (Assistant Director of Military Ministries, BIMI)—Dr Alverson recently returned from Germany where he spent several weeks working with the military churches and visiting with missionaries. He has promised some special personal Breaking News for the next GI Banner edition.
The Griffin Family—In April of 2007, Brother Bill Griffin and his wife, Gwen, will have been missionaries with BIMI for 39 years. They first went to Japan, learned the language, and spent several years laboring as missionaries among the Japanese. He then became pastor of the Yokosuka Baptist church where he labored for several years until he returned to the U. S. due to his wife’s illness. Since then he has served as supply pastor for the Military Ministry of BIMI. Recently, Brother Griffin was asked to lead another program. Brother Griffin now serves as BIMI’s Enrichment Director. He and his wife have taken the responsibility of the Enrichment Program for BIMI missionaries. Please pray for them as they begin this new ministry.
The Hornbeck Family (Germany)—The Hornbeck’s are doing a fine job in their church in Europe. They are quite busy in their work there. John is teaching the new convert class and both are involved in the soul-winning program among the military and their dependants.
The Monteith Family (Northern Japan)—The Monteiths, who have three daughters, are in the process of adopting a Japanese boy. After the adoption is final, he will have the name Hudson Caleb Yoshito Monteith. They are planning to be on furlough during June – August 2007. Please contact BIMI if you are interested in having them visit your church during this time.
The Navato Family (Okinawa, Japan)—Ed and Elvie Navato were able to lead fifty souls to the lord during 2006. They are currently teaching a weekly marriage and family enrichment Bible class that has been very successful.
The Simensen Family (Germany)—Larry and Phyllis report they are assisting in starting the Heritage Baptist Church in Kaiserslautern, Germany which is growing at a rapid rate.
The War Family (Mayport, Florida)—The Wars report that many lives have been changed because of the preaching of the Word. Since organizing in May 2006, Freedom Baptist Church has had seventy-five professions of faith along with twenty-seven baptisms.
The Ron Parrot Family (Relief)—Brother Parrot has been faithful to the relief work ministry for some time now. He and Barbara have been BIMI military missionaries since 1972.
The Sage Family (Yokosuka, Japan)—Mark and Stephanie Sage report the work is going well in Yokosuka, Japan, where they work with the U. S. Navy. Please pray for Stephanie as she has had health problems. Specifically pray that they will see more progress as to finding the root cause of Stephanie’s stroke/infarction.
The Heneise Family (Germany)—The military base where the Heneises now minister for the Lord is scheduled to close upon the return of their troops from Iraq. With a heavy heart, the Heneise’s have begun to make official plans for the church’s closure. Mother’s Day is scheduled to be the final service. They are praying for the Lord’s direction in their life. Please pray with them regarding their future ministry for our Lord.
The Steve Nutt Family (Okinawa City, Japan)—Steve and Frankie report that 322 people were saved during the year of 2006. They are grateful to their supporting churches for making it possible for them to be in this ministry. Their goal for 2006 was one soul saved a day. Although they did not quite meet the goal they are praising the Lord and have the same goal for 2007.
The Pierce Family (Heidelberg, Germany)—The Pierces have recently returned from furlough and have settled into their new place in Heidelberg, Germany. Harold and Karin are planting and watering while God is giving the increase as they are seeing many new visitors among their singles and young couples. Pray for them as they serve the Lord through the Lighthouse Baptist Church.
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Missionaries of the Day
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Richard & Patty Comer - CENTRAL AMERICA
Brian & Jamie Cone - THAILAND
Richard & Elizabeth Conrad - JAPAN
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Richard & Patty Comer - CENTRAL AMERICA
Brian & Jamie Cone - THAILAND
Richard & Elizabeth Conrad - JAPAN
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.
