Author: WWNTBM

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From the Memo Board: February 2021

Dates to Know

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available for US Missionaries.

February 1 – January Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

February 15 – The new 2021 MFR Template for US Missionaries will be available.

March 1 – Missionaries who typically receive their support on the 29th will receive their February funds on this day.

March 1 – January Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

March 1 – February Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

April 1 – February Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

April 1 – March Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

Family Fellowship Week

We have made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s Family Fellowship Week due to COVID-19. We believe it is the wisest and safest choice for our missions family. To celebrate World Wide’s 50 years of service, we are planning a special one-day celebration. More information on this celebration will be forthcoming as details are confirmed.

Benefits of Financial Reports for US Citizens

The Monthly Financial Report (MFR) is the tool that missionaries can use to become accountable to WWNTBM for their reimbursable expenses, rather than having all funds listed as personal earnings. Over the course of 2020, 82% of those eligible chose to submit MFRs. By doing so, they were able to reduce their 1099 Personal Earnings by a combined average of 26.27%. If you are not currently utilizing MFRs and would like information about how to begin, please contact our office.

Financial Status Report

We have uploaded a Financial Status Report to your SecureCloud account, showing figures for the fourth quarter of 2020. This is meant to show you the financial details that we have on file, such as your support estimate and the average amount of support you received this past quarter. This is the information we provide to pastors who may call about your ministry. We ask that all missionaries update their support estimate once every four years, or as their lives and ministries change. Please review this information and contact us if you have any questions.

New Baby

Gideon Josiah Brown was born on January 12. He weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. Gideon is the son of Matthew and Nikki Brown. He joins older siblings Joshua (7), Julie (5), Judah (4), and Elijah (2). The Browns are missionaries to Cambodia. Please pray for their family and ministry!

New Uplift Format

We have recently changed our Uplift format! Starting in February, Uplift will become a weekly pre-recorded podcast only and available at any time on our Uplift website, uplift.wwntbm.com. Board Members David Landers, Fred Daniel, Jr., and Gene Krachenfels, along with Bro. John O’Malley will take turns hosting the podcast each week. We hope you find the conversations uplifting and challenging. The introductory episode for this new format can be found here.

Each quarter, we will provide a fellowship Zoom call for our mission family. We will communicate the dates and times to you at a later point.

You can subscribe to the podcast at uplift.wwntbm.com and receive emails or notifications when a new episode airs. The username is wwntbm and the password is gospel. All past episodes of Uplift will continue to be available on the site. You will find many encouraging devotionals and practical sessions.

We recently recorded a video that will show you how you can listen and subscribe to episodes of Uplift. Click here to view that video.

Continue to watch Headquarter Happenings for links to the latest episodes!

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We Are Here to Assist You

Often we are asked, “Whom do I contact when I want to get answers to my questions?” If you have a question about a specific area, these are the individuals who can best assist you.

Donations you received:
Brittany Morrow – [email protected]
Rebekah Tolley – [email protected]

Transfers or Funds spent from your accounts:
Please use the Signal App (704-750-9493) to request funds, or call our office on the main phone number.
For questions, you may contact one of these ladies:
Kim O’Malley – Signal Number 704-974-1008
Rebekah Tolley – Signal Number 704-750-9493

Monthly Financial Reports – US Missionaries:
Please use the email address [email protected] to submit financial reports or receipts.
For questions, you may contact one of these ladies:
Naomi Torberson – [email protected]
Hannah Brenneman – [email protected]

Monthly Financial Reports – NRA Missionaries:
Please use the email address [email protected] to submit financial reports or receipts.
For questions, you may contact one of these ladies:
Laura Cmaylo – [email protected]
Naomi Torberson – [email protected]

Prayer Letters:
Please use the email address [email protected] to submit all correspondence related to your prayer letters or address changes.

Quarterly FNPO Reports:

Please use the website https://secure.wwntbm.com/quarterly-reporting/ to submit the report and related bank statements.
For questions, you may contact one of these ladies:

Naomi Torberson – [email protected]
Laura Cmaylo – [email protected]

Kim O’Malley manages the entire office. Our entire Staff exists to serve you and your needs. Each staff member has a specialty, but all will serve all of your needs. Your calls and emails are never a burden. We exist to help you as you serve the Lord. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your needs.

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The Homegoing of Josefina Sanchez

Josephina Sanchez

June 8, 1951 – December 7, 2020

Josefina L. Martinez Blanco Sanchez was born on June 8, 1951, in Barcelona, Spain.   She trusted Christ as her Savior at the age of 15, and later married Alejandro Sanchez on December 26, 1971.  They had two children, Damaris and Samuel.
When the LORD began working in Bro. Sanchez’s heart about the ministry, Mrs. Fina testified that she “felt peace and knew it was the answer.  Since that time, it has been my goal to serve the Lord by helping in my husband’s ministry, and to be a God-filled wife and mother.” The Sanchez family came to the United States, where they attended Foundations Bible College.  They then returned to Spain, where they served in a pastorate for several years.  They also served in Christian camps and colleges, as well as in a printing ministry.
During this time period, they became acquainted with several World Wide missionaries serving in Spain.  The LORD led them to join WWNTBM in 1997, and they returned to the US to raise support to enable them to start churches throughout Spain.  They were sent out by Trinity Baptist Church in Wilson, NC, which at the time was pastored by Robert Winstead, a founding board member of WWNTBM.
Mrs. Fina was actively involved in teaching ladies and young people.  A favorite ministry each summer was to serve in the kitchen at camp.  She is remembered for her quick smile and sweet spirit.  In addition to her other responsibilities, she was the primary caregiver for their handicapped son, Samuel.
On December 7, Mrs. Fina passed away peacefully at home, and was ushered into the throne room, there to enjoy the presence of her LORD for eternity.  She is survived by her husband Alejandro, daughter Damaris (& Nathan) Kirkpatrick, son Samuel, and eight grandchildren. Please keep the Sanchez family in your prayers.
“The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face;”
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From the Memo Board: January 2021

Dates to Know

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

January 4-5 – The Office will be closed for staff training.

January 8 – Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 13 – All missionaries will receive their final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2020.

January 20 – Please check your Tax Info Status Report on SecureCloud and contact us by January 20 if any details need to be changed concerning how we will handle your tax paperwork.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available.

February 1 – January Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

February 15 – The new 2021 MFR Template for US Missionaries will be available.

March 1 – January Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

March 1 – February Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

June 21-24 – Family Fellowship Week in Kinston, NC.

SecureCloud Packets

At the end of each month, we scan any mail that has come to the Office and place it in your SecureCloud folder. This would include check stubs for all bills paid by the office, as well as any cards or correspondence from donors. Please be sure to check SecureCloud periodically, especially once you receive the notice that December packets have been uploaded, as many missionaries have received Christmas cards and letters which are available to you there.

January Income Totals

During a typical month, we close the books on the 25th, and any checks received after that date are posted to the following month. Due to receipting requirements, we cannot do this in the month of December. As a result, please be aware that your December support total may be higher than normal, while your January support total may be lower than normal. Please be sure to plan ahead for this!

Housing Allowances for 2021

Housing allowances previously in place have automatically rolled over to the new year. Missionaries who are ordained are eligible to have a housing allowance in place, which can provide certain tax benefits. If you did not have a housing allowance in 2020 and would like to have one for 2021, or if you have questions regarding this, please contact our office.

New Excel Template for US Missionaries

A new Excel template for the year 2021 will be available on February 15. This will give us time to review the need for any possible updates. January financial reports will be due on March 1. Should you wish to complete your January report before the new template is available, you are welcome to submit it on the 2020 template.

New Mileage Rate

Beginning on January 1st, the IRS mileage rate has decreased to $0.560 per mile for business/ministry miles. This change will be reflected in the new Excel template for 2021.

New Tax Form This Year for US Missionaries

The IRS has created a new type of 1099 Form.  In the past, World Wide issued a Form 1099-MISC.  This year, we will issue Form 1099-NEC.  This stands for Non-Employment Compensation.  It is our understanding that this should not affect the manner in which you file your taxes.  It will only affect the form that you receive from us.  Your tax preparer can assist you if you have questions in this area.  Tax forms will be available on SecureCloud by February 1, 2021, and the originals will also be mailed on that day.

New Baby

Congratulations to Stephen and Julie Knickerbocker on the birth of Korben Asher.  He was born on December 7.  He weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces and was 18 inches long.  Korben joins older sisters Alina (4) and Kezia (2).  Please pray for the Knickerbockers and their ministry in Burkina Faso.

Uplift Podcast

The following recordings were recently published on uplift.wwntbm.com. You may access the site by entering the username: wwntbm and the password: gospel. These recordings for our missions family contain the Uplift calls in their entirety, including prayer requests and challenges to our missionaries. We hope they will encourage your heart.

Be A Light by Ted Daub

Why Paul Refused to Quit by Mike Renfrow

The Prosperity of the Wicked by Jeremy Lockhart

Don’t Forget Your Spouse! by Terri Moore

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The Homegoing of Ruth Ann Arthurs

Ruth Ann Arthurs

September 16, 1937 – November 27, 2020

Ruth Ann Williams Arthurs was born in Portsmouth, OH on September 16, 1937.  She was the daughter of Edward and Annabelle Young Williams. While attending Bob Jones University she met Dave Arthurs, and they were married on September 1, 1962.

The Arthurs served for some time with TransWorld Radio Ministries. They ministered on Bonaire, one of the Netherlands Antilles islands in the Caribbean; on the island of Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean; and in the country of Swaziland, in southern Africa, before spending several years working in a radio ministry on the island of Guam. The Arthurs joined WWNTBM in October of 1982, and they served for several years in the World Wide Office in New Bern, NC.

In December of 1987, the Lord led them to Pohnpei, where they began working with the Calvary Baptist Church and School. In addition to beginning the Calvary Radio Station on Pohnpei, they were used of the Lord to help start radio stations on the islands of Chuuk, Majuro, and Yap, as well as in Africa.

Ruth Ann continued the radio station ministry after the passing of her husband in 2013 until she was able to turn it over to the Eibens in 2015.  Although she retired from active service at that time, she remained a vital source of encouragement, counsel, and support for the ministries in Pohnpei.  She was an active member of Bethel Calvary Baptist Church in Taylors, SC.

On Friday, November 27, Ruth Ann left behind her robe of flesh and entered the presence of her Savior, where she was reunited with her husband.  She is survived by her daughter, Denise Arthurs of Taylors, SC; and her sister, Judy Bolin of Columbus, OH.

Plans are being made for a memorial service, to be held in South Carolina at a future date.  We will keep the World Wide family informed of details as they are made available.  Condolences may be sent to Denise Arthurs, 2 Bond Street, Taylors, SC 29687, or by email to [email protected].

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. . . . Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

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From the Memo Board: December 2020

Dates to Know

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

December 13 – All prayer letters mailed through prayerletters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 17 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Christmas or the end of the year.

December 20 – All prayer letters submitted solely through MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them by the end of the year.

December 21-25 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

January 4-5 – The Office will be closed for staff training.

January 8 – Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 13 – All missionaries will receive their final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2020.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available.

June 21-24 – Family Fellowship Week in Kinston, NC.

December Support

Please contact us via Signal by December 17 if you would like funds in your account before Christmas. Final December support distributions will be made on January 13 for all missionaries, regardless of their regular pay date. Contacting us by December 17 will enable us to schedule your funds around bank closings and holiday hours. Should you have an emergency need after December 18, you may contact our staff at the following numbers:

Kim O’Malley: 704-974-1008
Naomi Torberson: 704-692-7237

January Income Totals

During a typical month, we close the books on the 25th, and any checks received after that date are posted to the following month. Due to receipting requirements, we cannot do this in the month of December. As a result, please be aware that your December support total may be higher than normal, while your January support total may be lower than normal. Please be sure to plan ahead for this!

2020 Graduates

Congratulations to those in our missions family who have graduated in recent months!

Clarisse Gilliam graduated from Pimlico State High School on November 20. Pray for her as she seeks the Lord’s will for the future. Clarisse is the daughter of Kelly and Becca Gilliam, our missionaries in Australia.


Seth Folkers graduated with his Masters in Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary in August. Bro. Folkers and his family serve in Cameroon. Pray for them as they return to the field in December.

New Baby

Congratulations to Stephen and Anelly Villarreal on the birth of Timothy Jeremiah. He was born on November 25, weighing 7 lbs., 15 oz. and measuring 21.25 inches long. Timothy joins his older brother Stephen, Jr. (2.) Please pray for the Villarreals as they are on deputation to go to Mexico.

Uplift Podcast

The following recordings were recently published on uplift.wwntbm.com. You may access the site by entering the username: wwntbm and the password: gospel. These recordings for our missions family contain the Uplift calls in their entirety, including prayer requests and challenges to our missionaries. We hope they will encourage your heart.

Clarifying Your Message Over the Phone by Duey Whitfield

Go Forward by Mike Gali

Waiting for Results by Al Lorenzo

Do the Right Thing by Stephen Sorrel

Transitioning to the Field by David Landers

Things to Remember in Difficult Times by Markie Bullock

Flexible in the Spirit by Bill Wingard

God With Us by David Price

Get Out of the Shallows by Chris Swiatocho

International Medical Insurance

We recently became aware of two international medical insurance providers. If you would like to learn more about these providers, please see the information below.

Azimuth Risk Solutions LLC
Azimuth Risk Solutions heath insurance offers three types of medical insurance: short-term travel, extended major medical, and simplified issue. Rates vary depending on age and deductible of choice. You can check out the types of insurance and rates Azimuth provides on their website at https://www.azimuthrisk.com.

Cigna Global
Cigna Global insurance plans combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover, with the flexibility of optional additional modules, allowing you to build a plan that’s right for you. You can view their plan options and rates on their website at https://www.cignaglobal.com/international-medical-insurance.

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From the Memo Board: November 2020

Dates to Know

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

November 11 – Most US Banks will be closed for Veterans Day.

November 20 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Thanksgiving.

November 26-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

December 13 – All prayer letters mailed through prayerletters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 17 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Christmas or the end of the year.

December 20 – All prayer letters submitted solely through MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them by the end of the year.

December 21-25 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

January 8 – Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 13 – All missionaries will receive their final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2020.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available.

Mileage Guidelines for US Missionaries

A recent conversation with our CPA revealed our guidelines for mileage have been broader than the IRS allows for business/ministry deductions. Our procedures manual currently indicates that mileage to and from the church for non-ministerial functions such as mowing the grass or upkeep on the building is not allowed as ministry by the IRS, as it is considered ‘charitable miles’ rather than business/ministry-related. However, our manual also indicates that mileage to and from the church for ministerial activities (outside of regular services) such as counseling, Bible studies, etc., can be listed.

We have learned the IRS stipulates: “Transportation costs which may be deductible include trips for hospital and nursing home visits, attendance at conferences, or other church business. However, trips between the minister’s personal residence and the church are considered nondeductible commuting expenses.” Please note this clarification and be sure to consider this when submitting financial reports. This change will primarily affect those US Missionaries on the field, as those on deputation or furlough are primarily traveling for meetings or conferences.

Christmas Prayer Letter Services

If the office assists in mailing your prayer letters through PrayerLetters.com or PrayerLetters.com and MailChimp, please send us your information by December 13th for your recipients to receive it before Christmas. If we assist with your MailChimp emails only, please get us your information by December 20th in order for your recipients to receive them by the end of the year. Please be aware that letters received in our office after these days may experience delays due to the holidays. Please plan the timing of your letters accordingly, and contact the office if you have any questions. Thank you!

January Income Totals

During a typical month, we close the books on the 25th, and any checks received after that date are posted to the following month. Due to receipting requirements, we cannot do this in the month of December. As a result, please be aware that your December support total may be higher than normal, while your January support total may be lower than normal. Please be sure to plan ahead for this!

Upcoming Financial Reports for US Missionaries

Please prepare now to ensure that your year-end financial reports are submitted on time. October reports are due December 1, November reports are due January 1, and December reports are due January 15. If it is possible for you to submit reports before the due dates, that would greatly assistant our staff. Please note, it is fine to submit a report without waiting for the Line 1 income figure. We can add that for you as needed. Reports should be submitted to [email protected]. Please be sure to include all receipts for expenses $75 and over at the same time you submit your report so there are no delays in processing. Thank you for your help in these areas.

New Baby

Congratulations to Trevor and Sabrina Deneau on the birth of Felix Lou Deneau. He was born on November 1, weighing 7 lbs, 7 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. He joins older brothers Emrys (3) and Theodore (2). Please pray for the Deneaus as they are on deputation to go to Italy.

Uplift Resource

We recently added a new page on the Missionary Orientation School site train.wwntbm.com. Uplift recordings having to do with various topics such as Deputation, Missionary and Family, Prayer Letters, etc. have been categorized and linked on this page. If you are in need of encouragement in a certain area, we hope that this resource will be a blessing to you!

Uplift Podcast

The following recordings were recently published on uplift.wwntbm.com. You may access the site by entering the username: wwntbm and the password: gospel. These recordings for our missions family contain the Uplift calls in their entirety, including prayer requests and challenges to our missionaries. We hope they will encourage your heart.

Something Worth Waiting For by Mike Ward

God is in Control by David Landers

Forward March by Guy Grenade

Guarding a Glad Heart by Gabe Eiben

That Which is Shaking You is Shaping You by Adrian Hendricks

Time Management and Organization by Jeremy Kobernat

Hold On! by Charles David

Clarifying Your Message in Prayer Letters by Duey Whitfield

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From the Memo Board: October 2020

Dates to Know

October 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

October 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

October 12 – Most US Banks will be closed for Columbus Day.

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

November 11 – Most US Banks will be closed for Veterans Day.

November 20 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Thanksgiving.

November 26-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

December 13 – All prayer letters mailed through prayerletters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 17 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Christmas or the end of the year.

December 20 – All prayer letters submitted solely through MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them by the end of the year.

December 21-25 – The office will be closed in celebration of Christmas.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

January 8 – Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 13 – All missionaries will receive their final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2020.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available.

Medicare Enrollment

We have recently learned that US individuals who fail to sign up with the Social Security Administration for Medicare benefits at least three months prior to their 65th birthday may owe a monthly late penalty for the rest of their years while they are on Medicare. If you are nearing your 65th birthday, we recommend that you click here to learn more. We are not sure how Medicare benefits affect individuals overseas. However, if you are in the US, you may wish to look into supplemental insurance coverage to help with medical needs not covered by Medicare. If you do not already have a company or agent for insurance, please let us know and we can send you contact information for companies who may be able to assist you.

Financial Report Reminder

As we enter the last quarter of the year, thoughts turn to year-end tax procedures. Many people begin thinking of last-minute deductions that will affect them. For our US Missionaries, if you anticipate making large ministry purchases and you desire the purchase to be a deduction in the year 2020, you may wish to make the purchase by the end of November. Because of the way our 1099s are calculated, December expenses are “reimbursed” out of January income, so the tax benefit on your 1099 would actually be considered a 2021 reimbursement. Regardless of when the purchase is made, you will still receive a tax benefit. However, we wanted you to be aware of these deadlines as you plan your expenses over the next few months.

Please keep in mind the due dates for financial reports. With the holidays approaching it is easy to let these slip past, but our CPA has encouraged us we need to keep to the due dates, per IRS regulations. The best situation is for you to report all ministry expenses through WW, thus providing the fullest tax benefit. If you do not submit an MFR on time, you can still submit it on your personal taxes on a Schedule C. If you are not currently submitting financial reports we suggest you consider this option. If you have questions about this, please contact Naomi Torberson.

Celebrating 50 Years

In 1971, God brought to fulfillment the dream He had planted in Bill Wingard’s heart to start a missions agency. That same year, Calvary Baptist Church of New Bern hosted the first annual Family Fellowship Week. The Lord willing, June 21-24, 2021, New Testament Baptist Church of Kinston will co-host the 50th Family Fellowship Week, along with Calvary of New Bern. The week will celebrate the completion, rather than the beginning, of our 50th year of service. Mark your calendars and make plans now to attend!

Uplift Podcast

The following recordings were recently published on uplift.wwntbm.com. You may access the site by entering the username: wwntbm and the password: gospel. These recordings for our missions family contain the Uplift calls in their entirety, including prayer requests and challenges to our missionaries. We hope they will encourage your heart.

Hard Days, Hurting Days, Humble Days by Jeremy Kobernat

Christ’s Righteousness by Josh Wagar

Deputation Email Using MailChimp by Kevin Taylor

God Provides by Matthew Rose

Christ is All I Need by James Grandinetti

Meekness by Jonathan Earnhart

A Chance to Reassess by Ken Sparks

Bible Translation by Steve Zeinner

Being Real on Deputation by Jacob McKinney

Success or Failure? by Ghassan Haddad

Where is Your Focus? by Daniel Fetter

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From the Heart of a Missionary: September 2020

Disappointments
by Lou Ann Keiser

I will never forget how disappointed I was when I saw Plymouth Rock. My impression from history books was that it would be an outcropping, a large rock—like Gibraltar. But, it wasn’t. Our family walked over to it, looked down from the railing, and it was only a stone. To be fair, it’s a big stone and probably weighs a few tons. Stamped with 1620, it’s thought to be the same one the Pilgrims saw.

I was dumbfounded. This is it? Okay, let’s move on. Why even include this rock in the history books?

For an entirely different reason, I was disappointed with the site of Custer’s Last Stand at Little Big Horn—the great battle between the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho Native American tribes against the Seventh Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. Legend has it that only one army man survived. They were entirely outnumbered, and it was a sad day.

My disappointment, however, was in the signage. At the time of our visit, there were some fine granite monuments, detailing the happenings during the battle from sites that overlook the battlefield. It’s a desolate, hilly place. One can easily picture the action.

One of these monuments divided the words as needed in order to fit its tapered shape: TR-OOPS and BESIE-GED were two of the hyphenating gems we noted, carved with care into the beautiful gray granite. My family was cracking up. I am sure General Custer felt worse than “oops” when he perceived the multitude surrounding him.

We quoted “Bessie-Jed” the remainder of our trip. It was funny but disappointing that the stone carver wasn’t more familiar with rules for syllable divisions. It’s amazing that the National Park Service actually put up those stones without correcting them. TR-OOPS, for sure!

All of us have been disappointed at one time or another—and not only with stones. We might be disappointed in people and circumstances.

My father used to sing a song, “There’s No Disappointment in Jesus.”*

“There’s no disappointment in Jesus,
He’s more than my tongue can tell;
His love is so sure and so steadfast,
His friendship divine will not fail.
Chorus:
There’s no disappointment in Jesus,
He’s all that He promised to be;
His love and His care comfort me everywhere;
He is no disappointment to me.”

When everything around us is crazy—as it is now—Jesus never changes. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This means that the same God who created the world, parted the Red Sea and dried the path, led His people with a column of fire and cloud, and then sent His Son for us is the same God we know today.

That same Jesus who healed the sick, raised the dead, read men’s thoughts, and cast out demons is with us today.

There is no disappointment in Jesus. He’s perfect. He loves you. He saves. He rescues. He’s a refuge for us. We can call out, and He actually translates our prayers to God. He acts as a lawyer, representing us to God. He cares.

I don’t know what you face today. Whatever it is, you can run to Jesus. There is no disappointment in Him.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

*by John C. Hallett, 1940.

If this article has been a blessing to you, let Mrs. Lou Ann Keiser know here. Disappointment first appeared on Lou Ann’s blog in May 2020. 

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From the Memo Board: September 2020

Dates to Know

September 7 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Labor Day.

October 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

October 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

New Staff Member

Mrs. Hannah Brenneman joined the WWNTBM office staff on Monday, August 17, 2020. She and her family recently moved to Marion, NC, where her husband Daniel is pastoring the Maranatha Baptist Church. The Brennemans have three children: Alec (13), Ariana (9), and Ava (5). As an office assistant, she will review and communicate with you about your monthly financial reports. She will also help schedule you for our online missions conference and Uplift. Her email address is [email protected]. We are excited to have her as a part of our staff! Click here to watch an interview with Bro. O’Malley.

New Baby!


Selicia Leseli Ortiz was born on August 24. Her name means salt and light, and she is the daughter of Rolando and Hannah Ortiz, who minister in Mexico. The Ortizes have three other children: Azelia (6), Viana (5), and Amadeo (2). Selicia is the granddaughter of Fred Jr. and Beth Daniel.

Notice from the IRS about 2019 Tax Returns

If a taxpayer mailed a check with or without a tax return, it may be unopened in the backlog of mail the IRS is processing due to COVID-19.

Any payments will be posted as the date the IRS received them rather than the date the agency processed them. To avoid penalties and interest, taxpayers should not cancel their checks and should ensure funds continue to be available so the IRS can process them.

To provide fair and equitable treatment, the IRS is providing relief from bad check penalties for dishonored checks the agency received between March 1 and July 15 due to delays in this IRS processing. However, interest and penalties may still apply. See www.irs.gov/payments for options to make payments other than by mail.

Uplift Podcasts

The following recordings were recently published on uplift.wwntbm.com. You may access the site by entering the username: wwntbm and the password: gospel. These recordings for our missions family contain the Uplift calls in their entirety, including prayer requests and challenges to our missionaries. We hope they will encourage your heart.

We had several problems with the Uplift audio files over the past several months. Many of these were recorded at the end of 2019/beginning of 2020. Thankfully, we were able to get the audio sorted out so that we could share these times of encouragement and idea-sharing with you.

A Great Burden by Jim Davidson

I Feel Alone by Josh Wagar

Biblical Leadership by Joel Dickens

Reasons to be Thankful by Gene Krachenfels

Fear Not by Daniel Fetter

The Birth of Christ and Revival by Edgar Feghaly