Kansas City, Missouri—On July 20, 2025, the IM board met at the National Convention, where Free Will Baptists from all across the denomination gathered. The convention theme for the year—Accept the Mission—was exactly what the board did around the conference room table.

The IM board was excited to hear of our new partnership with a non-profit organization (NGO) in North Africa to bring community development and outreach to local people groups and strengthen and expand communities of faith among Muslim-majority cultures.

Our board accepted the retirement letter from Jeff and Susana Turnbough, who have faithfully served with IM for 44 years and will be retiring at the end of September. We are grateful for their love for the people of Spain and their passion for training leaders through the ministry of the International Training Alliance, a partner of IM.

Commissioning new missionaries is always a highlight for the IM board. They commissioned Cody and Lauren Herren, ETEAM coordinators since 2023, to serve in France. Leslie Nichols, Director of Mobilization, shared, “We are incredibly grateful for the Herrens’ diligent and intentional impact on the ETEAM program in transforming it into what it is today. We are prayerfully looking forward to seeing how the Lord will use them in their next chapter of ministry in France!” Danny Gasperson, who served as Cody’s pastor for many years, stated, “Watching Cody and Lauren’s love for the Lord and others, their passion for the glory of the Lord and the nations, and their dedication to selfless ministry has been a delight. I am confident they will carry these qualities wherever the Lord leads them.”

On Wednesday evening at the missions service, Cody and Lauren, along with all our new missionaries and field workers, will be commissioned by the denomination. What an awesome experience for Free Will Baptists all over the convention center and all across the denomination to continue to send out laborers into the harvest fields!

The IM family expresses thanks for your continued faithful support and prayers for missionaries and partnerships. Thank you for accepting the mission of laboring with the Body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission!