By Dr. James Kennard
Her life was a velvet bridge by which many came to know Christ or were strengthened in their faith and walk with the Saviour. The true mark of a Christian is their yieldedness and willingness to sacrifice all for the Lord. The life of Jenny Pitman Alverson was no exception. Her earthly life, though cut short due to cancer, was full and complete. She walked a path that so many dare not trod, in order to follow the direction of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Jenny met her husband, Dr. Jeff Alverson, while attending Tennessee Temple University. She was in preparation for her role in the kingdom of God. For the next twelve years, she and Jeff served the Lord in pastoral roles. Later, God led them in the direction of worldwide missions, where they spent the next twenty-one years serving in the military ministry.
For the past thirteen years, she has called the Chattanooga area her home where she has been an active member of Victory Baptist Church. She and her daughter, frequently called upon to sing and play musically, were beloved by all those in attendance there. Her participation in regular church activities was an inspiration to all who knew her.
This was not the extent of her influence however, as she stood beside her husband in his role as the Assistant Director of Military Missions worldwide. Dr. Alverson supported the efforts of Baptist International Missions, Inc., with regard to Military Missions, and Jenny stood firmly by her husband’s side. She encouraged Jeff up to the day she died. Many would agree that their connections with BIMI were enhanced by the life and testimony of Jenny Alverson. Her support made it possible for Dr. Jeff Alverson to work in harmony with myself and the missionaries of the Military Ministry. We worked harmoniously together for the cause of Christ, and Jenny’s involvement was invaluable.
While we who are left here on earth acknowledge our grief and sorrow at her passing, we must be quick to focus on the reality of her death. Can you imagine those first few moments in eternity? As she fell into the arms of her Saviour, she no doubt said, "Abba Father." He no doubt said, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Welcome Home."
What is the measure of a life? The measure of a life is its content. The life of Jenny Pitman Alverson was and is marked by love. She loved all those she came into contact with, and displayed the love of Christ to all those that needed the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ. While we mourn her passing, let us rejoice at her life fulfilled by the cause of Christ.
On a personal note, she had a conversation with my son recently. He called to be a blessing to her by telling her that he was praying earnestly for her. What resulted was consistent with her life. She ended up blessing him. She informed him that she and her husband pray for him daily, and that she cared very deeply for him.
What is a measure of a life? It is content. The life of Jenny Alverson was full of love and devotion. That is why so many came from many miles away to honor her life. Three separate services were held to commemorate her. As far away as Germany, people mourned her death but celebrated her faith. She was finally laid to rest in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
We can find the gravestone that was placed at the head of her grave, but we cannot find the soul of Jenny Pitman Alverson, unless we look upward. Heaven is her home and her dwelling place. If she were able to speak to us today, she would, no doubt, encourage us in our faith. She would compel us to measure the quality of our lives by their content. And so, her life was not lived in vain. We have all benefited by our relationship with this dear Saint of God.
Director’s Note: A memorial fund has been established in honor of Jenny Alverson which will be used for the military ministry. Contributions can be sent to BIMI military fund account #642 designated for Jenny Alverson memorial fund.
Send to BIMI P. O. Box 9215 Chattanooga, TN 37412.
Editor’s Note: Jenny courageously fought this battle with cancer for three years and eight months. After four different kinds of chemotherapy and five rounds almost non-stop plus the alternative treatments in Michigan, the Lord took her Home. One pastor said it well when he said that she finally won her battle with cancer.
Jenny had a will to live unlike anything I have ever seen. Even during those final hours as she hovered between life and death, time and eternity it was obvious that in her flesh she wanted to stay with her family she loved so much. Anita, Jon, Melissa and I gathered around her bed and sang hymns of heaven and home. Although she could not speak, we could see her lower lip move as she tried to sing with us. Then we told her we loved her, thanked her for being a good wife and mother and told her that we would surely miss her but if Jesus was calling that we understood, that it was alright to go on Home and we would see her again over there. A tear came to her eye and ran down her face. Shortly afterwards, as we stood by and held her hand, she checked out and immediately checked in on the other side.
We miss her greatly but we will see her again on the shores of Glory. Until then we will keep on keeping on in the service of our Lord.
Thank you all for your expressions of sympathy and outpouring of love.
Jeff Alverson
Special Note: You can view a slide presentation of Jenny on our website at www.militarymissions.com.
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Her life was a velvet bridge by which many came to know Christ or were strengthened in their faith and walk with the Saviour. The true mark of a Christian is their yieldedness and willingness to sacrifice all for the Lord. The life of Jenny Pitman Alverson was no exception. Her earthly life, though cut short due to cancer, was full and complete. She walked a path that so many dare not trod, in order to follow the direction of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Jenny met her husband, Dr. Jeff Alverson, while attending Tennessee Temple University. She was in preparation for her role in the kingdom of God. For the next twelve years, she and Jeff served the Lord in pastoral roles. Later, God led them in the direction of worldwide missions, where they spent the next twenty-one years serving in the military ministry.
For the past thirteen years, she has called the Chattanooga area her home where she has been an active member of Victory Baptist Church. She and her daughter, frequently called upon to sing and play musically, were beloved by all those in attendance there. Her participation in regular church activities was an inspiration to all who knew her.
This was not the extent of her influence however, as she stood beside her husband in his role as the Assistant Director of Military Missions worldwide. Dr. Alverson supported the efforts of Baptist International Missions, Inc., with regard to Military Missions, and Jenny stood firmly by her husband’s side. She encouraged Jeff up to the day she died. Many would agree that their connections with BIMI were enhanced by the life and testimony of Jenny Alverson. Her support made it possible for Dr. Jeff Alverson to work in harmony with myself and the missionaries of the Military Ministry. We worked harmoniously together for the cause of Christ, and Jenny’s involvement was invaluable.
While we who are left here on earth acknowledge our grief and sorrow at her passing, we must be quick to focus on the reality of her death. Can you imagine those first few moments in eternity? As she fell into the arms of her Saviour, she no doubt said, "Abba Father." He no doubt said, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Welcome Home."
What is the measure of a life? The measure of a life is its content. The life of Jenny Pitman Alverson was and is marked by love. She loved all those she came into contact with, and displayed the love of Christ to all those that needed the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ. While we mourn her passing, let us rejoice at her life fulfilled by the cause of Christ.
On a personal note, she had a conversation with my son recently. He called to be a blessing to her by telling her that he was praying earnestly for her. What resulted was consistent with her life. She ended up blessing him. She informed him that she and her husband pray for him daily, and that she cared very deeply for him.
What is a measure of a life? It is content. The life of Jenny Alverson was full of love and devotion. That is why so many came from many miles away to honor her life. Three separate services were held to commemorate her. As far away as Germany, people mourned her death but celebrated her faith. She was finally laid to rest in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
We can find the gravestone that was placed at the head of her grave, but we cannot find the soul of Jenny Pitman Alverson, unless we look upward. Heaven is her home and her dwelling place. If she were able to speak to us today, she would, no doubt, encourage us in our faith. She would compel us to measure the quality of our lives by their content. And so, her life was not lived in vain. We have all benefited by our relationship with this dear Saint of God.
Director’s Note: A memorial fund has been established in honor of Jenny Alverson which will be used for the military ministry. Contributions can be sent to BIMI military fund account #642 designated for Jenny Alverson memorial fund.
Send to BIMI P. O. Box 9215 Chattanooga, TN 37412.
Editor’s Note: Jenny courageously fought this battle with cancer for three years and eight months. After four different kinds of chemotherapy and five rounds almost non-stop plus the alternative treatments in Michigan, the Lord took her Home. One pastor said it well when he said that she finally won her battle with cancer.
Jenny had a will to live unlike anything I have ever seen. Even during those final hours as she hovered between life and death, time and eternity it was obvious that in her flesh she wanted to stay with her family she loved so much. Anita, Jon, Melissa and I gathered around her bed and sang hymns of heaven and home. Although she could not speak, we could see her lower lip move as she tried to sing with us. Then we told her we loved her, thanked her for being a good wife and mother and told her that we would surely miss her but if Jesus was calling that we understood, that it was alright to go on Home and we would see her again over there. A tear came to her eye and ran down her face. Shortly afterwards, as we stood by and held her hand, she checked out and immediately checked in on the other side.
We miss her greatly but we will see her again on the shores of Glory. Until then we will keep on keeping on in the service of our Lord.
Thank you all for your expressions of sympathy and outpouring of love.
Jeff Alverson
Special Note: You can view a slide presentation of Jenny on our website at www.militarymissions.com.
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By Al Sligh
On September 1, 2005 missionary Mark Sage and his family arrived in Yokosuka, Japan to pastor the Yokosuka Baptist Church. Upon his arrival he became aware of three problems with the church building. First, the building was too small for the congregation. Secondly, the building had no baptistry. Last of all, there were no parking spaces available for those attending the church. The church building was located about nine blocks from the main gate with only street parking spots available. The men were required to move their cars every hour in order to keep from receiving parking tickets.
The church committed by faith to be in a new building within three months. The Lord honored the request and immediately gave them an old warehouse. The warehouse was converted into a church building along with fourteen parking spaces. Dr. James Kennard, BIMI’s Military Director, contacted Brother Dave Williamson and Brother James Ludeking, who have helped build several military churches overseas, to see if they would go to Japan and help Brother Sage. They agreed and went immediately, along with their wives.
Within three months the building, located only four hundred meters from the base’s main gate, was complete. Their first service was held on New Year’s Day. God is truly good and always open to the prayer of His children.
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On September 1, 2005 missionary Mark Sage and his family arrived in Yokosuka, Japan to pastor the Yokosuka Baptist Church. Upon his arrival he became aware of three problems with the church building. First, the building was too small for the congregation. Secondly, the building had no baptistry. Last of all, there were no parking spaces available for those attending the church. The church building was located about nine blocks from the main gate with only street parking spots available. The men were required to move their cars every hour in order to keep from receiving parking tickets.
The church committed by faith to be in a new building within three months. The Lord honored the request and immediately gave them an old warehouse. The warehouse was converted into a church building along with fourteen parking spaces. Dr. James Kennard, BIMI’s Military Director, contacted Brother Dave Williamson and Brother James Ludeking, who have helped build several military churches overseas, to see if they would go to Japan and help Brother Sage. They agreed and went immediately, along with their wives.
Within three months the building, located only four hundred meters from the base’s main gate, was complete. Their first service was held on New Year’s Day. God is truly good and always open to the prayer of His children.
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Chuck Sligh Family (Grafenwoehr, Germany) - Return and Loss: Two of our soldiers have recently returned from Iraq. We welcomed them with a sustained, well-deserved, standing ovation, yellow ribbons and a hero’s welcome. How wonderful it is to have them back home safely with us! Sadly, one of them will be leaving with his family to his next duty station in Mississippi. Buddy was our first convert here and became a founding member of Grace Baptist Church. His wife has been one of the most creative Children’s Church teachers I have ever known. They have been such a blessing to this ministry, and they will be sorely missed.
Navato Family (Okinawa City, Okinawa) - Soul Stirring Praises and Prayer Requests: Thank you for your prayers. Brother Ed’s hypertension medicine has arrived! He also turned his back on most "sugary goodies" and fatty foods. He has also revived his Marine Corps exercises. His blood pressure is now under control. Ed preached at the Father and Son Camp and enjoyed a special time with his son Eli. Pray for Elvie; she will be involved in the Ladies’ Retreat. Pray for provision and safe travel as we attend Edelyn’s graduation at West Coast Baptist College and her wedding a few days afterwards in May 2006.
Dr. James Kennard (Director of Military Ministries, BIMI) - I have just returned from a very fruitful trip to Germany. I was able to be in a number of the churches and also was able to be present for our Military Missionary Field Conference. This was attended by all of our missionaries who were not on furlough. We heard testimonies from the missionaries and also heard great messages from the Word of God. I was really encouraged by all of the work being done by our missionaries. They are some of the most faithful servants I have ever known. Many of the members of their churches were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. When this happens, they have the responsibility of looking after the wives and children of these troops. This they have done very faithfully.
The Hornbecks (Mannheim, Germany) - Bill came to me in December and asked if I would go to the Darmstadt community with him to do some soul winning and invite people to come to church; he had never done this before. Saturday, January 7, 2006, was a very cold, dreary day to start passing out tracts. I thought we would not see many, if any, out that day. After two hours, we had several promising prospects. In one family, a grandma and two young boys committed to come. The next day, Grandma Carol was saved and baptized. January 8, 2006, was "Pack-a-Pew Sunday" and we had Carol and her grandsons along with another family coming. By the end of the month, God blessed us with five families that had come from the Darmstadt area.
Steve and Frankie Nutt (Okinawa City, Okinawa) - In our last prayer letter, we informed you that the military has announce that some time in the future they will be moving 7,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam. We have since learned that the Japanese are pushing to close all bases south of Camp Foster. The Japanese news says they plan to build a horse race track at MCAS Futenma and a casino at Camp Kinser. However, we realize this will take awhile, and there will be many souls saved and lives changed before these camps are turned over to the local government.
The Simensens (Mannheim, Germany) - Eight weeks ago a young German boy by the name of Markus was saved and baptized. During the missions conference he responded for full-time service. A week ago he gave testimony of how God is working in his life. The following day he lost his job. Two days later I took Markus to Mannheim for a job interview. There were sixty-nine others being interviewed for the same job. The following day he was notified that the job was his and the pay was 400.00 Euro more than his previous job. Since his surrender, he attends all of our services, goes soul winning and volunteers to help wherever he is needed. Eight weeks ago he entered a Bible preaching church, for the first time, scared and unsure. Now he is saved and planning to attend Bible College. Please pray for Markus that he will remain faithful to God’s calling.
Rick and Jackie Bonds (Del Rio, Texas) - I was able to preach at the prison just outside of Del Rio. In this jail all of the inmates are Mexicans that have come into the country illegally. I had to preach through an inmate interpreter to them. I preached about the Love of God that sent Jesus Christ to the cross. Praise the Lord, three of the thirty-seven present received Christ as their Savior. After that service, we still had about an hour to be with them. We began to allow them to ask questions, and many of them wanted to know about eternal salvation. I was able to preach a second sermon regarding God’s promise to keep us by his power for all of eternity.
The Monteith Family (Japan) - Since our last report, I have had the privilege of baptizing Joe, Matt, Kelly, Jason, Braylan, and Terane. We are continuing to see people understand the importance of salvation, baptism, and fruitful membership in the local church. Our recent soul winning training was well attended and many of the people speak often to me of those to whom they are witnessing.
The Lanes (Sardinia, Italy) - Praises:
1. Thirty-nine in attendance
2. Natasha’s salvation
3. Seventeen first time visitors in the last two months
4. Italian class completed
5. Dahl’s salvation
6. Salvation of Alexis and Olivia
7. Good health
8. God’s blessing for our first year
9. God’s protection
10. God’s provision
11. Ladies to teach the children while Charlene is gone.
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Navato Family (Okinawa City, Okinawa) - Soul Stirring Praises and Prayer Requests: Thank you for your prayers. Brother Ed’s hypertension medicine has arrived! He also turned his back on most "sugary goodies" and fatty foods. He has also revived his Marine Corps exercises. His blood pressure is now under control. Ed preached at the Father and Son Camp and enjoyed a special time with his son Eli. Pray for Elvie; she will be involved in the Ladies’ Retreat. Pray for provision and safe travel as we attend Edelyn’s graduation at West Coast Baptist College and her wedding a few days afterwards in May 2006.
Dr. James Kennard (Director of Military Ministries, BIMI) - I have just returned from a very fruitful trip to Germany. I was able to be in a number of the churches and also was able to be present for our Military Missionary Field Conference. This was attended by all of our missionaries who were not on furlough. We heard testimonies from the missionaries and also heard great messages from the Word of God. I was really encouraged by all of the work being done by our missionaries. They are some of the most faithful servants I have ever known. Many of the members of their churches were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. When this happens, they have the responsibility of looking after the wives and children of these troops. This they have done very faithfully.
The Hornbecks (Mannheim, Germany) - Bill came to me in December and asked if I would go to the Darmstadt community with him to do some soul winning and invite people to come to church; he had never done this before. Saturday, January 7, 2006, was a very cold, dreary day to start passing out tracts. I thought we would not see many, if any, out that day. After two hours, we had several promising prospects. In one family, a grandma and two young boys committed to come. The next day, Grandma Carol was saved and baptized. January 8, 2006, was "Pack-a-Pew Sunday" and we had Carol and her grandsons along with another family coming. By the end of the month, God blessed us with five families that had come from the Darmstadt area.
Steve and Frankie Nutt (Okinawa City, Okinawa) - In our last prayer letter, we informed you that the military has announce that some time in the future they will be moving 7,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam. We have since learned that the Japanese are pushing to close all bases south of Camp Foster. The Japanese news says they plan to build a horse race track at MCAS Futenma and a casino at Camp Kinser. However, we realize this will take awhile, and there will be many souls saved and lives changed before these camps are turned over to the local government.
The Simensens (Mannheim, Germany) - Eight weeks ago a young German boy by the name of Markus was saved and baptized. During the missions conference he responded for full-time service. A week ago he gave testimony of how God is working in his life. The following day he lost his job. Two days later I took Markus to Mannheim for a job interview. There were sixty-nine others being interviewed for the same job. The following day he was notified that the job was his and the pay was 400.00 Euro more than his previous job. Since his surrender, he attends all of our services, goes soul winning and volunteers to help wherever he is needed. Eight weeks ago he entered a Bible preaching church, for the first time, scared and unsure. Now he is saved and planning to attend Bible College. Please pray for Markus that he will remain faithful to God’s calling.
Rick and Jackie Bonds (Del Rio, Texas) - I was able to preach at the prison just outside of Del Rio. In this jail all of the inmates are Mexicans that have come into the country illegally. I had to preach through an inmate interpreter to them. I preached about the Love of God that sent Jesus Christ to the cross. Praise the Lord, three of the thirty-seven present received Christ as their Savior. After that service, we still had about an hour to be with them. We began to allow them to ask questions, and many of them wanted to know about eternal salvation. I was able to preach a second sermon regarding God’s promise to keep us by his power for all of eternity.
The Monteith Family (Japan) - Since our last report, I have had the privilege of baptizing Joe, Matt, Kelly, Jason, Braylan, and Terane. We are continuing to see people understand the importance of salvation, baptism, and fruitful membership in the local church. Our recent soul winning training was well attended and many of the people speak often to me of those to whom they are witnessing.
The Lanes (Sardinia, Italy) - Praises:
1. Thirty-nine in attendance
2. Natasha’s salvation
3. Seventeen first time visitors in the last two months
4. Italian class completed
5. Dahl’s salvation
6. Salvation of Alexis and Olivia
7. Good health
8. God’s blessing for our first year
9. God’s protection
10. God’s provision
11. Ladies to teach the children while Charlene is gone.
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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 Email Jim Kennard or 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 Email Jim Kennard or Jeff Alverson.
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Missionaries of the Day
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Scot C & Katie Daku - AMERICAN SAMOA
Paul J & Wendy Daku Jr - FIJI ISLANDS
James & Dawn Daley - INDONESIA
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Scot C & Katie Daku - AMERICAN SAMOA
Paul J & Wendy Daku Jr - FIJI ISLANDS
James & Dawn Daley - INDONESIA
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.
