In Philippians 4:4, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” It is not always easy to ‘rejoice.’ Yet, it is always right. I believe that to rejoice involves being content with whatever God has done. It includes being satisfied and resting in the sovereignty of God. As believers, we rejoice in knowing that God is still in control. He is not overwhelmed by our circumstances. He is not overwhelmed by world events. He is still the one who measures the oceans in his hand and who cannot be instructed by anyone (Isaiah 40). He is still the one who never faints nor grows weary. Because of this -we can ALWAYS rejoice!
As I think back on this year, allow me to share several specific reasons why we rejoice at FBM.
- By God’s grace, souls were saved and baptized, believers were discipled, and churches were strengthened throughout 2026.
- God provided a new church van for the church plant in Misahome, Togo!
- God has continued to grow the FBM family. In the past year, Russ & Sylvia Daniels, Bob & Heidi Johnessee, Nathan & Caroline Osborne, and Seth & Dina Wick have all joined FBM. Additionally, we have added new National Partners.
- God has provided for FBM and its missionaries.
- God worked through short-term mission teams in Nicaragua and Mexico to accomplish much for His glory. He also provided scholarships that made it possible for several individuals to serve alongside these teams.
- We held our second FBM Missionary Retreat in February. It was an amazing time of encouragement and rest.
- Once again, God used the beautiful setting at Canaan Land in Western NC to encourage many who are in full-time Christian service.
- God provided so that we could send two of our missionary families for a time of debriefing. These times are invaluable in helping our missionaries process all the events that took place on their fields of service.
What about you? Are you rejoicing in the Lord right now? Take a few minutes and re-focus your mind around this thought – Rejoice in the Lord always!
As you read this newsletter, you will see several of our financial goals for 2027. I pray that you will consider partnering with us. Will you partner with us to Advance the Gospel around the world in 2027?
Canaan Land Christian Retreat (CL) is an amazing place in the mountains of Western NC. CL is entering a season of transition as Nathan (Oakie) and Caroline Osborne move into the role of Directors of Canaan Land. This past summer, CL served just over 400 full-time ministry workers and their families by allowing them to stay at CL free of charge for a time of rest. For perspective, in 2026, God graciously provided the $197,000 that was needed to operate CL. As we look towards 2027, our goal is to serve 500 full-time ministry workers and their families with an increase in operating costs to $266,000. We praise God that $212,000 has already been committed.
Seth and Dina Wick are some of our newest FBM missionaries. Ten years ago, they began working to plant a church in Southeast Asia. Today, roughly 50 people gather regularly to worship our God! Their current vehicle is badly in need of replacement.
FBM National Partner Jose Maradiaga is serving as the Director of a small Bible institute in Nicaragua. The institute currently meets in the sanctuary of a local church (pictured here). The institute would like to build a separate classroom building on the church property. The proposed building will contain three classrooms.
Work continues on CRAM (Centre Richard Allen Marshall), the camp project in Mounzou, Mali. In 2026, our focus was to continue construction of the security wall around the perimeter of the entire property. Our partners in Mali have completed 900 meters of this 7ft high concrete block wall. In 2026, God enabled us to deploy $20,000 towards this work! As we look to 2027, we are trusting God for additional funds to complete the remaining 300 meters of the wall.
In our July edition of the Rope, we shared our vision to purchase a home near our office that can be used to serve our missionaries. Our desire is to have a place where our missionaries can rest whenever they come to visit us. Our goal for this project is big- but so is our God! This is the most ambitious project we have attempted in the history of FBM. At the same time, it is humbling to see what God has done since July.
The church pictured here is Rwantsinga Acts Bible Baptist Church (RABBC) in Rwantsinga, Uganda. Our Director, Stephen Simpson, recently preached here. RABBC desires to build the Victoria Williams Surgical Center. This center will allow them to meet the physical needs of their community while also creating opportunities to share the Gospel. A partner church in the US has committed funding for construction. RABBC needs funds to purchase land adjacent to their church where the center can be built.
The Parakou church (pictured here) was formally organized earlier this year and currently averages 35-40 on a Sunday morning. They have outgrown the home where they are meeting! They are burdened to reach Muslim-background believers in their community. As they seek a more permanent home for their congregation, their first step is to purchase land.
FBM continues to partner with Ken & BJ Armstrong and Rumah Lissy Salatiga (RLS), the orphanage they run out of their home in Southeast Asia. They currently care for 10 children. Sarah Jo, the newest addition to their family, recently turned one. In 2026, over $9,600 was spent caring for the children.
We praise God for His provision for our Annual Fund in 2026. These funds are what we use to cover our regular anticipated expenses as well as any unexpected needs that arise in the lives of our missionaries. Your gifts to this fund are truly making an impact in the lives of ALL of our missionaries. We have met our goal for 2026! To God be the Glory!
