Around Mission Northwest and ABC-USA

FBC Eureka received $10,000 from OGHS to provide relief or ten families who lost their homes in the fires that raged through West Kootenai last August/September. Mission Northwest churches pitched in as well bringing the total to $15,510. This is another excellent example of the blessing that comes with being a part of a larger denominational family. These Mission Northwest churches pitched in additional finances: FBC Kalispell ($500), FBC Eureka ($500), FBC ABW Eureka ($400), Cle Elum CC ($610), FBC Pocatello ($500) and Florence-Carlton ($3,000).

This year’s Leadership Tune-Up was another resounding success. Over 166 pastors, staff and church leaders gathered at Ross Point Camp in late September. Keynote speakers included the new General Secretary, Dr. Lee Spitzer; Dr. Tod Bolsinger, Dr. Mark Wilks and Rev. Corey Laughary. The topic of “Adapt: Church Leadership in a Post Everything World” proved to be timely given all the challenges that churches are facing in today’s shifting landscape. If you missed this event, all plenary sessions were recorded and are available at missionnorthwest.org/tuneup. Also, consider reading “Canoeing the Mountains” by Tod Bolsinger if you have not yet done so. It’s a fantastic read.

ABHMS continues to receive OGHS dollars to help rebuild homes and churches in Puerto Rico. The need is great and numerous churches have been demolished requiring major repairs or rebuilding. "Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing Puerto Rico" is ABHMS' multi-year initiative established to respond to the need Maria left behind. ABHMS has set a goal of raising $1 million dollars in the next six months to continue the work we have begun there. There are 113 ABC related churches and 9 missions that compose the Region of ABC Puerto Rico. Most of the churches were severely damaged by Hurricane Maria and will need repairs and/or rebuilding.

Dr. Lee Spitzer, General Secretary for ABC, has appointed two new Associate Executive Ministers. Rev. Marsha Scipio will serve as Associate General Secretary for Missional Initiatives and Partnerships, and Rev. Dr. Kevin Walden will serve as Associate General Secretary for Congregational and Pastoral Effectiveness. Announced during the Board of General Ministries meetings at the Crowne Plaza in King of Prussia, Pa., Scipio and Walden will join the Office of the General Secretary Ministry Team in January 2018. To support the efforts of the Office of the General Secretary, designated gifts may be earmarked to OGHS or through United Missions Basics.

Paul Burnham, Sr. is now serving as the Transitional Pastor at FBC Castleford, ID.

Terry Oliver is serving as the Transitional Pastor at FBC Sunnyside, WA. Rev. Tim Pettey resigned from the church last August due to health challenges associated with his battle with melanoma. Please continue to pray for Tim, his wife Janette and their children.

Dick Sipe is serving as the Transitional Pastor at Chinese Baptist Church Seattle. He started in August 2017.

Dave Griewe has orchestrated a strategic merger between New Life Bible Fellowship in Caldwell, ID and The River in Eagle, ID. As a result the congregation is growing and there is new excitement in the new church that has formed.

Rev. Bill Hale has been called as the new pastor at FBC Kelso, WA. Bill and his family will be moving from Colorado Springs and we warmly welcome them to the Mission Northwest family.

Friendship House in Billings, MT continues to grow and expand its ministries to South Billings with amazing success. Rev. Matt Lundgren has led the ministry to quadruple its budget, expand its staff and reach more children and families in the name of Jesus. To learn more about this neighborhood action ministry that is nothing less than outstanding go to their web site and learn more. www.friendshipmt.org

Big Sky Area churches gathered at FBC Hardin, MT over the dates of October, 27-28.  50 people were in attendance and the Hardin congregation were great host. Dr. Jeff Johnson brought several dynamic keynote messages. Jae Stockton and Gregg Snelling, both with International Ministries, conducted missions workshops. Additional workshops were presented by Patti Duckworth and Charles Revis.

FBC Anacortes conducted their annual leadership training event, “Leadership  Summit”, on Saturday, November 18. Joining in with the event were sister Mission Northwest churches Church on the Rock, Oak Harbor and FBC Mt. Vernon. Dr. Revis led the group in intensive training on the topic of Church Culture.