Compelled beyond
“If there’s one person within walking distance, we can grow by one.” That’s the motto of Pastor Larry Lyons and Chelsea FMC (MI). They’d like to reach 10,000, and are well on their way — at home and abroad.

Chelsea FMC moved one of its services into an old high school building eight years ago and now stands poised to Full Story...

Called to love
It was springtime in Phoenix: wildflowers everywhere and Saguaro in bloom. Phoenix Light and Life Church stood at a turning point. Should they move to the suburbs to attract the affluent, or stay put and minister to the masses? After fervent prayer and soul searching Pastor Duff Gorle and his flock decided to stay. They weren’t quite sure who they were going to help, but they were ready to do so. Full Story...

Africa's heart

Michael Ibanga, superintendant of the South Central Conference in Nigeria, Africa, led his people in establishing the Free Methodist Orphanage and Disabled Rehabilitation Center after the Lord called him to take up the burden for this disenfranchised group. “Society and even the church pays less attention to these people created by God, just as we are,” Ibanga says.

The facility, constructed on property purchased by the FMC, includes classrooms, hostels and offices. “Help us bring these unfortunate ones together, show them God’s love and prepare them for the kingdom,” says Ibanga, in a direct appeal to the denomination for financial and prayer assistance. For more information, contact Ibanga at mibasco2001@yahoo.com.

The beauty and the beast
A seaside town in the bottom left-hand corner of England, Penzance is surrounded by picture-postcard beaches of golden sand — the perfect place for surfers, sunbathers and vacationers. But just beneath the surface lies a beastly reality: Penzance is a hotbed of drug abuse, teen pregnancies and occult activity. Thankfully, five years ago God brought Light and Life FMC to Penzance. Full Story...

Silver serving
Warm Beach Christian Camps & Conference Center celebrated its silver anniversary — 50 years of offering individuals and families an incredibly beautiful backdrop for their outdoor adventures and special times with God.

Known less formally as Warm Beach Christian Camp, the Stanwood, WA, acreage serves the FM denomination and Full Story...

Saddlebag sustenance

click on the image to read an excerpt.

Written for bikers by bikers, Psalms for Bikers includes a taste of what God has to say in the first 50 Psalms. The book encourages, inspires and challenges readers to become better people, bikers and children of God. Designed with travel in mind, the book is readily tucked away in a saddlebag and easily accessible at every rest stop along the road.

Authors Marty and Debbie Edwards have served in Christian ministry during their 30+ years of marriage. While pastoring Lamb’s Fellowship FMC (Murrieta, CA) in the late 90s, Marty purchased his first Harley-Davidson and the couple quickly became hooked on riding. It wasn’t long before a group of close friends joined them and began finding opportunities to use their machines to help others. In 1999, Black Sheep: Harley-Davidsons for Christ was born, and new chapters quickly formed nationwide. To learn more visit www.BlackSheepHDFC.org.

Today, Marty devotes all his time to public speaking and the development of Black Sheep HDFC; Debbie works as a registered nurse. They have two adult sons, Jonathan and Gabriel.

Graciously using their gifts
We’ve all heard it: spiritual gifts are given individually for building up the body corporately. At Elwood City FMC (PA), members are bringing these scriptures to life, lovingly drawing their community to Jesus.

Recovering alcoholic Dan Glover first received Christ after praying with an FM pastor. Then in 1990, he rededicated himself Full Story...

What a witness!
Pastor Paul Walter of Galion FMC is serving concurrently as superin-tendent of the Ohio Conference. His appointment is part of the conference’s philosophy — everyone involved in leading the conference should also be serving in local church leadership.Full Story...

Faces from War

Central Christian College of Kansas drama professor Chris Gates has written Faces from War, a production that weaves World War II recollections of interviewed veterans (including Gates’ grandfather) into a narrative that brings back memories and tugs heartstrings. Veterans and their spouses were admitted free of charge to February performances on campus; the local (McPherson) American Legion requested a special performance for a regional meeting/rally later this spring. Pictured here: Gates and his son Sean in a scene from the play.

Back to basics
Pastor Doug Bailey of Salem First FMC (OR) has just completed his thesis — on consumer theology and the way many contemporary American churches embrace the consumer metaphor, treating God and His blessings as commodities. Bailey says that in order to overcome consumer culture immersion, the church must focus on spiritual formation, teaching people how to experience God in the midst of Full Story...