ILLINOIS FREE WILL BAPTIST APRIL 2023

NEWSLETTER
A monthly publication for Illinois Free Will Baptist families

REPORT OF 2023 STATE ASSOCIATION MEETING

Eighty delegates and visitors gathered for the 63rd annual session of the Illinois Free Will Baptist Association on
Thursday and Friday, March 16th and 17th at the Ina Church. Fifty baptisms, 65 new members and 21 deaths were noted
for the 35 churches reporting. Our churches gave over $240,000 as designated gifts and almost $132,000 into our
National Ministries.
The Ina Church hosted the meeting and provided meals and snacks for the occasion. The speakers were informational,
encouraging and challenging. We had a great report from our Misssions Board and we had several misssionaries who
gave updated reports. We appreciated all the leaders from our National Offices being with us this year.
The association voted to urge our National Associational to stand firm upholding the qualifications for ministers as
they are applied and practiced currently by Free Will Baptists. They also updated the job description of the Promotional
Secretary and heard from the Camp Board that fees for campers this year will be raised to $120.
Next year we will meet at the Victory Church, 223 Scott Troy Road in O'Fallon, IL 62269, Pastor: Jon Cannon.
For a full report of the state meeting, you may contact our State Clerk: Jason Janus <jnjanus74@gmail.com>

The offering
goes to:

Executive Office

WNAC

Free Will Baptist

Foundation

SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Board of

Retirement

Vertical Three
ARNOLD VIEW CHURCH
Pastor and Reporter: Adam Brown
As Paul wrote to the Philippian church, “grace to you and peace from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ!” We pray that our fellow brothers and sisters are doing well. We have had a
busy beginning to 2023 and it looks as if the next few months will be the same, so we praise God
for the kingdom work He is giving us.
One of the most exciting ministries our church has been involved in over the last year is known
as the Good News Club through the Southern Illinois chapter of the Child Evangelism Fellowship.
We hold a weekly meeting that closely resembles a Sunday School class after hours at the Crab
Orchard School. This past week we had 21 children attend and at least four of them expressed “Buddy” Parks
interest in knowing more about our merciful Savior. Praise God!
We are also putting the finishing touches on our basement remodel, so we have once again been able to hold our
Wednesday evening services and Sunday School classes downstairs. We are so grateful for the work of Rick Doss, Kenny
Orr, Junior Doss, and the countless other volunteers who have helped throughout the process.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge that in our last report, our long-time reporter Buddy Parks was declining in health.
Tilden “Buddy” Parks passed away on December 21, 2022. He faithfully served as Arnold View’s Newsletter reporter for
many years, but he was also a great friend and brother in Christ. While we miss him greatly here on earth, we find joy
knowing he is with his Lord and savior. Buddy faithfully and obediently served the Lord into death, and that is my prayer
for all of us- that we would abound in the work of the Lord knowing that in Christ Jesus, our labor is not in vain.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58

BLUE POINT CHURCH

Pastor Ernie Lewis I Reporter Suzanne Lewis
Our budget committee recently met to propose a budget for the next year. It was then approved at our quarterly
business meeting.
We provided free popcorn to all spectators at Senior Night for the Cisne High School basketball team. Several of our
people helped cook, bag, and distribute the popcorn. Several of our folks have enjoyed playing pickleball in the Link with
our recently purchased portable sets.
Our Link is such a blessing to us. We recently hosted a blood drive for the Red Cross in it and used the kitchen to
provide a meal to those who donated.
The Young Professionals Sunday school class, under the direction of Katie Matthews, organized a benefit dinner for
Bryce and Grace Henry in the Link. Sonny Smith prepared delicious pork loin to highlight the meal.
Kathy Hayes and Suzanne Lewis attended the Loyal Worker’s meeting at the New Hope Church and were blessed to
hear several pastor’s wives share their testimony. Several of our folks attended the Cain concert at the Central Christian
Church. Brother Ernie attended the Pastor’s Breakfast at the Bonnie Café in Mt. Vernon.
On Sunday evenings our Connect group of teens have been meeting. In the sanctuary others are viewing season 3 of
“The Chosen”.
Our Battle of the Classes/ volleyball tournament is also continuing on Sunday nights after the service.
We were blessed recently to host the Cisne High School FFA and their sponsor, Mrs. Jennifer Timm, on a recent
Sunday morning. Several from our church, including the president, Avery Smith, had parts in the service.
We offer our sympathy to the family of Candy Ray in the recent passing of her step-mother, Eva McCracken. We also
offer sympathy to the family of Earlene Spitzner upon her passing.
Bryce and Grace Henry, and son, Owen, recently welcomed their new baby girl, Eden Renee. Proud grandparents are
Kevin and Jana Henry. Eden arrived several weeks early and will be in the Carle Hospital in Champaign for a few more
weeks.

CTS COMPETITION AT INA CHURCH

APRIL 28-29
Page 2 – Illinois Newsletter – April 2023
BEAR POINT CHURCH
Pastor: Gowdy Cannon l Reporter: Mona Lappin
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” - Psalms 127:3 (NLT)… and what gifts our church has
been given! Oscar (Ozzie) Everette Mandrell was born on December 15, 2022 at 12:01 p.m. He was 8 lbs ,11 oz and 21
inches long. He is precious and has the most gorgeous head of hair...you can check out pics of him on fb.
Our other new member of just a few months...Bo Tyndall Cannon was dedicated to the Lord in a service held on
January 29th. Brother Johnny Hollis officiated while “Pa” - Mike Sample prayed a very precious prayer over this little guy.
Tears were shed over this emotional ceremony...except for Bo who was perfectly content to be passed around from dad,
to Pa and Brother Johnny. What a blessing to witness.
In other news...fried pies were made and distributed to the faculty and staff of SV on their inservice day January 2nd.
They were a hit according to rave reviews, even though it may have interfered with some New Year’s healthy eating
goals...new mercies January 3rd!
The youth sponsored a shoe drive for Missions that started in January and ran through the month of February and a
had a bake sale on February 19th.
The Bunton family hosted a Valentine fellowship on February 12th following the morning service. Such a LOVEly
service it was with a choir full of young people, followed by the very “lively” Booster Band led by Brother Justin
Mandrell. Brother John Hollis Sr. preached on this Youth Sunday even though he celebrated his 75th birthday on
February 10th...he’s still young at heart! Kelley Hicks provided a beautiful cake for the February birthdays which
happened to be a grandpa and grandson duo...Alan Hicks and Nash Powell and Brother John Hollis and Cohen. It was a
great day of food and fellowship.
Now for NEW news...Little Ozzie Everette Mandrell was dedicated to the Lord in a baby dedication service held on
March 12th. He came dressed for church in his suspenders and bow tie! As Brother Gowdy shared...he is the 4th child
and only boy of Justin and Beth Mandrell who say he has “completed “ their family. We are so blessed to have them as
part of the Bear Point family!
After the baby dedication service, the Youth held a Soup and Potato Bar to raise funds for their trip to the Nationals.
What a great day of celebration, food and fellowship.
Sister Kayla hosted a ladies Prayer and Coffee at the parsonage on March 11th. She also reports that the WAC are
finalizing plans for a Trivia Night to raise funds for the different outreach ministries they support.
The church collected gift cards to give to our college kids. I’m sure they will appreciate a free meal or coffee during
those stressful study times and to know their church family is thinking of them.
Brother Gowdy has designated March as a time to Focus on FWB Missionaries. He is featuring a different one each
week in the bulletin as well as spending time in prayer for them and encouraging financial support as well.
“And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scripture says,
”How beautiful the feet of messengers who bring good news!” - Romans 10:14,15 (NLT)

INA CHURCH
Pastor: Brad Ryan l Reporter: Katie Williams
This past month has been an exciting one for our church, with several life changes for some of our members! On
February 18th, Dillon Payne married Tara Hubbard. We are thankful Dillon has brought this sweet lady to southern
Illinois.
We had the privilege of hearing from two young men during our evening services these past few weeks. Mack Waddell
spoke on February 19th, and Evan Ryan on March 5th.
Lydia Kash married Riley Pressgrove on March 4th. Lydia has been having some serious ankle issues and we are
praying for her recovery, as well as their new life as a married couple.
Kevin and Kelly Rose welcomed their second child Laney Belle Rose on March 6th. She joins big sister Micah and we
are so happy for this sweet family!
We were delighted to have Keith and Beverly Adams join our church on March 12th.
You are all invited to our Palm Sunday production "The Shepherd and the Lamb", on April 1st at 6:00pm and April 2nd
at 10:30am.

Illinois Newsletter – April 2023 – Page 3

WALTONVILLE CHURCH
Pastor: Mark Wells | Reporter: Tyler Klamm
Happy Almost Spring from all of us at Waltonville Church. We are excited for the great weather the Lord has blessed
us with lately. Trees are in bloom and robins are flying in, we are all ready for the Spring activities. Attendance numbers
are up recently, thank the Lord for the continued growth. There are a couple new families that have started attending
services. Our food pantry continues to grow and have a bigger impact on the community. The Elders of the church have
gotten together and started a “Senior Day” once a month for all who are 55+ to get together and fellowship.
Keep praying for our members there have been a few that have come down with illness and need our continued
prayer. God has truly blessed our Church. We have had several good results and we are truly amazed by what He has
done for our congregation!
There is an Easter egg hunt for ages 0-13 scheduled for April 1st, at 10 A.M. tentatively depending on weather. It will
be moved to the 8th at the same time should April Showers decide to fall. Please pray for the roofers that should be
getting started on the roof renovation very soon. Pray for the other projects that will be done, including flooring and
termite removal.

RESCUE CHURCH
Pastor: Bryant Harris I Youth Pastor Ryan Payne I Reporter Donna Harmon
Hello from Rescue Church! Brother Bryant was blessed in February. He ended service the last Sunday of the month
with four that joined our church. That gives everyone a big blessing. Another blessing was our baptism on the 19th.
On March 12th, Brother Tyler Penn gave a very good message about family support and their ministry to international
students. I asked Brother Ryan to tell us about his youth group. He keeps them busy between the book hole and
activities. They're also happy when it's time for Brother Ryan's class.
The Rescue youth and children's program are doing great. The Children's Church has been emphasizing scripture
memorization and learning the books of the Bible in conjunction with the lessons as well. I am continually encouraged
by the growth of these younger ones. In the youth group, we have been studying Romans and watching through
apologetic series, alternating between them. Both have provoked substantial questions that demonstrate maturity in
the teens. I have been able to let one of my seniors, Zane Harmon teach a lesson recently and he continues to grow as a
teacher. I am seeing continual growth in the faithfulness and in the way the children and youth in our church think about
God. “What an awesome God we serve.”

PITTSBURG CHURCH
Pastors: Eddie Donelson, Keith McDannel and Josh Colson I Reporter: Heather Phillips
Praying all of our sister churches had a blessed March and are hoping to see the Sonshine even more as spring
approaches! Sam Churchill said, “Spring is the way you feel when you get up in the morning, the glint of sunlight on a
windowsill, the underground noise robins hear as worms work their way below the surface of a lawn. Spring is a farmer
sifting soil between his fingers. Spring is seed going into the ground; it is the laughter of children. It’s when you say,
‘Good morning,’ and mean it. It’s when God speaks and you can hear Him. Praise God for spring!”
Preparations for Easter are well under way here. We are all looking forward to the Easter week. Our annual Easter
Egg Hunt for the kids of PFWBC and community is just a few days away. We always have a great time at this outreach!
It is such a blessing to see all the smiling faces!
Resurrection Sunday is one our favorite days here. We are looking forward to our SONrise Service at 6:00 am and
breakfast to follow. Praying for this time of celebration and that God would pour out His spirit upon these upcoming
services.
Before we know it, summer will be here. Our dates for VBS are July 17-21. The theme is TWISTS & TURNS…IT’S TIME
TO LEVEL UP VBS. VBS workers and kids will need to bring their A-game for this VBS. Twists & Turns is a fantastical
celebration of games of all kinds. From classic tabletop games to video games and more, kids will play their way through
VBS while learning that Jesus guides them through all the twists and turns of their lives. They will find that even when
they mess up it’s never “game over.” Psalms 25:4 says, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.” Following
Jesus changes the game! Change what we see in 2023!
"Blessed are those who have not seen and have yet believed.” – John 20:29

Page 4 – Illinois Newsletter – April 2023

NEW HOPE CHURCH
Pastor: Larry Cook I Reporters: Jackie Capps and Kaitlyn Catron
In January, we donated school supplies we had been collecting for a few months to Ewing Grade School.
Recently our youth and their parents enjoyed a fun time at Big Splash Adventures in Indiana.
Our sister church, Bakerville, received a monetary gift from our congregation. Maxine Storey, the oldest member of New
Hope, passed away to be with our Lord on February 2nd. She was 98 years old.
Our church library has been reorganized. Twenty-two bibles and other literature were given to Love Packages.
In March we hosted the District WAC meeting at New Hope. Ladies from all local Free Will Baptist churches ladies were
invited to attend. Several of our pastors’ wives spoke at the meeting. A great time of fellowship was had by all.
May we always remember Psalms 23: 1 - "The Lord is My Shepherd. I shall not want."
We welcome Brother Larry Cook as our pastor, and we wish all our sister churches God's Blessings.

HAZEL DELL CHURCH

Pastor: Curtis Smith I Reporter: Diana Kirk
Happy Spring to everyone!
We celebrated Valentine’s Day with a party at the Bonnie Café in West Frankfort on February 17. There was a group
of 24 of us to enjoy good food, fellowship and games.
February 21st was our day to assist with Food Pantry Day at City Hall.
On February 25th, Brother Curtis, Sister Emilee and Sue Meadows attended the Randall House Kids Worship Workshop
at the Victory Church in O’Fallon.
Nine ladies from our church attended the Ladies Seminar at Grange Hall Church in Marion on Saturday, March 4th. It
was a great day of worship and fellowship with fellow sisters in Christ.
The Master’s Men group met for their monthly meeting on Sunday, March 12th. There were 9 in attendance.
Sister Alyssa Lewis is directing a choir for an Easter Cantata.
“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” - Psalm 37:5

HARMONY CHURCH
Interim Pastor: Kent Dunford I Reporter: Buffy Diefenbach
We had our annual Master's Men and Sisters of Strength Valentines Dinner at Bonnie Cafe in West Frankfort, Illinois
with 40 in attendance.
On the 12th of February, we had a couple visit our church for their First Wedding Anniversary. Cruz and Tahia Macias
were married at our Valentine's Dinner in 2022.
On March 5th, we had a surprise birthday party for Brother Kent Dunford's 75th Birthday, and everyone kept it a
secret. On March 6th, we had our monthly youth outing to Emery Bros Skating Rink in Marion, Illinois.
Our Sunday morning and evening services on Facebook are consistently viewed by between 35 and 70 people, many
of which are shut-ins and are happy to participate in church any way possible.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19

A NOTE FROM INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

Dennis and Carol Teague have returned from France. They will be Stateside for a few months to raise funds and
support for their ministry. Partner with them through giving and prayer here: http://bit.ly/42g11bt
Emily Petty shared about a vision trip opportunity to Japan! She shared, “Japan missionaries live among the second
largest unreached people group in the world. God is moving in our churches but we need more hands to accomplish all
the possibilities that are available to us. If you ask yourself, “what does a missionary do?” come on this vision trip to see
how we need more believers to live intentionally and speak the Gospel into their everyday lives.” Email Emily
(epetty@iminc.org) for more details.
Shannon Little has been Stateside caring for her mom who has had ongoing health issues. Please join us in praying for
Shannon’s mom’s healing so that Shannon can return to Japan

Illinois Newsletter – April 2023 – Page 5

 Illinois Free Will Baptist April 2023 U. S. Postage Paid
Non-Profit Org.
NEWSLETTER Bonnie, Illinois
Permit Number 1
Illinois State Association of Free Will Baptists
P.O. Box 1 Bonnie, Illinois 62816-0001

OR CURRENT RESIDENT

Note to Reporters: The deadline for articles to be published in the May Newsletter is April 15 th.
Please submit all articles to <davidshores37@gmail.com>

BENTON CHURCH
Pastor and Reporter: Phillip Kennedy
We are looking forward to Easter! Praying for our community and church services! On February 16th we had a Student
Hangout event that went really well! Pastor Phillip and Jackie attended the planning meeting for the “Ignite the Flame”
dinner on February 20th.
Our Sunday morning messages have been based on Psalm 23.
On March 3rd we had an Open Gym Night event for the community that went well! We had a great turn out. On
March 4th our ladies met and the Loyal Workers met. Jackie shared her testimony at the Loyal Workers meeting along
with some other pastors’ wives. On March 6th, Pastor Phillip attended the Pastors breakfast at the Airport in Mt. Vernon.
We had our Fellowship with the Pastor (donut day) on March 13th.
There are lots of things coming up. We are looking forward to the State meeting, Joint Church service at Hazel
Dell and the “Ignite the Flame” dinner. We are also gearing up to begin Good News Club at the Benton Grade school
again this Semester. Pray for the kids that attend. Our next open gym night is Friday, April 7th from 6p.m to 8p.m.
We are praying for your Churches as you minister in your communities and as you prepare for Easter!

A Time of Celebration!
Page 6 – Illinois Newsletter – April 2023