Missionaries Brazil Kenneth and Rejane Eagleton Brazilians at National Association and International Fellowship
On July 17th a delegation of five Brazilians representing FWB in Brasil arrived in Oklahoma City. I accompanied them and translated for this historical occasion. They came to the USA to participate in the 75th anniversary of the Department of International Missions, celebrated during the National Convention, and to participate in the International Fellowship of FWB Churches.
Over 6,200 people registered for the National Convention in Oklahoma City, including FWB from around the world. The meetings and services were moving, filled with celebration of what the Lord has done and challenging us to continue to be even more involved in world evangelism.
In the International Fellowship meeting held on the campus of Hillsdale College, immediately following the National Convention, an important step was taken for the furtherance of the gospel to the ends of the world. The Fellowship voted to set up a permanent Missions Committee which will work to promote and coordinate missionary initiatives among FWBs in countries which have traditionally been considered mission fields. I believe this will prove to be an important step in the expansion of the Kingdom. Brazilian pastor, Jeancarlo Ache, was elected chairman of this committee. I was invited to be a consultant/translator to the committee.
After the meetings were over we travelled to Nashville, TN, to visit the denominational agencies: Randall House Publications, National Offices, and Free Will Baptist Bible College. All were impressed with the structure of the denomination in the USA and all that is being accomplished. Praise the Lord for what he is accomplishing through the NAFWB in the USA! Hopefully this will be an inspiration for what can be accomplished in Brazil.
Today the Brazilian delegation flies back to Brazil. I will stay in the USA for a few more days to officiate our son Ruben's wedding. He is getting married in Wisconsin in early August. Following the wedding I will return to Brazil.
Pictures:
1-2: Brazilian delegation
3-4: in front of the National offices in Antioch, TN
5: service at the National Convention
6-7: International Fellowship meetings
8: voting delegates from different countries (1 vote per country)
9: voting delegates and official observers from each country
10: Executive committee officers (left to right): pastor Gerardo (Uruguay, outgoing president), Dr. Thomas Marberry (USA/Mexico, secretary/treasurer), pastor Kimura (Japan, vice-president), pastor Luis Felipe (Mexico, current president).
11: Feetwashing in the final service of the International Fellowship