_West Virginia youth and families flooded the grounds of McCorkle Free Will Baptist Church Saturday, April 28, for the annual Bible, Music, & Arts Festival. Students competed in events such as vocal solos, instrumentals, puppetry, and several other categories. Carl Lilly, promotional director, said "It's a privilege watching our students grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ while fellowshipping with other youth."

To view photos of the event, please click here.

Pastor Roscoe Chafin and the Victory Free Will Baptist Church in Pecks Mill, WV, (Logan Conference) welcome you to the 67th annual session of the West Virginia State Association of Free Will Baptists. Click here for more information.

Click here for a map to the church.   

After almost 15 years of ministry, the Board of Trustees of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries has agreed to allow Dr. James Kilgore to step aside as Executive Director, effective June 30, 2012.  Dr. Kilgore is making this decision because of ongoing health concerns of fatigue, neuropathy in his feet and extreme neuropathy in his hands as a result of his cancer treatments.  This decision came after much prayer and soul-searching with his family and physician and what he felt was best for the ministry to allow it to go forward.  Dr. Kilgore hopes to continue on in an advisory capacity.  He has full confidence in the Vice-Presidents and the strong administrative staff here that will carry on the work of touching hearts and lives for Christ.

Board of Trustees Chairman, Rev. Derek Bell, says, “I don’t think words can express our gratitude to Dr. Kilgore for his leadership and vision as Executive Director of Family Ministries for the past 15 years.  Though FWBFM is a state-owned ministry, it has been and continues to be a model for growth and integrity in the eyes of the entire Free Will Baptist denomination.”

It is almost impossible to list the extraordinary things that have taken place under the tenure of Dr. Kilgore.  Most importantly during his time here, 1,547 young people have come to know the Lord as their personal Savior.  Family Ministries has expanded its scope of services to include pregnant teens, babies, youth, adults and senior citizens.  Other accomplishments include increased residential programs, a revitalized foster care program, extensive renovations, the rebuilding of The Oaks after the 2001 flood, Jackson Tolle Learning Center, a residential program in Arkansas, assisted living facilities in Tennessee and Virginia, as well as an alcohol and drug program for our youth.  God has greatly blessed under the leadership of Dr. Kilgore, and much has been accomplished for His Kingdom. 

“I feel especially fortunate God gave me the opportunity to lead this ministry,” Dr. Kilgore says.  “I look back on the 15 years with a heart of gratitude for the ability to work for an organization that truly changes lives for eternity, one heart at a time.”

Dr. Kilgore and his wife, Amanda, truly believe in Family Ministries.  They rank in the top 5 for individual giving and top 10 for overall donors and supporters.  “We believe in giving back to one of the greatest ministries in the country that is making an eternal difference, and we feel strongly that it deserves everyone’s support.  I pray individuals and churches will rally around Family Ministries with their financial support and prayers to enable it to continue the great work for the Lord that happens each and every day.  No ministry is more deserving,” Dr. Kilgore states.

Rev. Bell says, “If I had to describe Dr. Kilgore in one word, it would be integrity.  The Board of Trustees looks forward to working closely with him in the future as we move forward.”

Please remember Family Ministries, Dr. Kilgore and his family in your prayers during this time of transition.  This ministry has worked hard to keep your trust and respect, and we pray you will continue to support this great work.

Carl Lilly has been named promotional director for the West Virginia State Association of Free Will Baptists. According to Moderator Earl White, “the vote to employ Brother Lilly was unanimous by all of the Executive Committee members who were present.”

Carl, and his good wife Paula, bring a wealth of experience to the job. Brother Carl was saved in 1960, ordained in 1979, and pastored the Sunshine FWB Church for 28 years. He has also served as the Chairman of the Mission Board and the Christian Education Board. The Committee, through much prayer and fasting, believes with Brother Carl’s work experience, education, and Christian service, he is God’s man for the job at this time.

Bro. Carl has a vision for the work of the Lord in the state, and is ready to get to work. Earl White went onto say “I’m sure that with the Lord’s help, Brother Carl will be an encouragement to all of our churches. His desire is that the Lord’s work will move forward for the glory of God.”

The decision of the Executive Committee will be voted on by the General Board in February, and then by the state in June.