Category: Uncategorized

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.”

Norma Jean Heath
August 28, 1936 – July 5, 2020

Mrs. Norma Jean Heath passed into the presence of her LORD on Sunday, July 5th.  Mrs. Heath was born on August 28, 1936.  She married Dalton Heath on August 29, 1962.

Mrs. Norma was a Registered Nurse. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, and gardener. She faithfully served the LORD alongside her husband in Liberia, West Africa, as well as in pastoral and Christian school ministries in the US.  She loved to read and study her Bible and had an extensive ministry teaching ladies. When the LORD called them back into missionary service, they joined WWNTBM and spent over 20 years serving in Micronesia and the Pacific. Eventually, they returned to the mainland, where they continued serving in a representative and recruitment role.

The Heaths have one daughter, Andrea, who is married to Paul Milner. They have two grandchildren, Bradley and Summer. (The Milners also served as missionaries with WWNTBM for many years, and Bro. Paul was a member of our Board of Reference.)

Proverbs 31:10-12  “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

Condolences may be sent to Bro. Heath at [email protected],
and to the Milners at [email protected].

Several young people in our missions family are graduating this spring. Please be in prayer for them as they make transitions in their lives and seek the Lord’s will concerning future plans.

Beryl David has completed her 12th year of school and is seeking the Lord’s will regarding future studies. Beryl is the daughter of Charles and Abigail David, who serve in India.

Colton Lee will graduate from Ambassador Baptist College with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Evangelism degree. He will travel on a short-term trip to Madagascar in May, and then begin work as the staff evangelist for Camp Joy in Wisconsin.

Deborah Howell will graduate from high school with the Abeka Homeschool graduates at Pensacola Christian Academy. She will enroll at Pensacola Christian College this fall to study Computer Science and Software Engineering. Deborah is the daughter of Lewis and Kim Howell, who minister in New Zealand.

Garrett Conley will graduate from Ambassador Baptist College with both a Graduate of Theology and a Bachelor of Biblical Studies in English Bible Studies degree. He will travel on deputation this summer and will leave for Ireland later this fall.

Hannah Quinlan will graduate from high school this spring. She will work for a year while she saves money to attend Pensacola Christian College, where she plans to study nursing. Hannah is the daughter of Sean and Tammy Quinlan, who minister in Guam.

John Mark Zimmer will graduate from Bob Jones Academy this spring. He plans to study Computer Science at Bob Jones University this fall. John Mark is the son of Mark and Diane Zimmer, who serve in Yap.

Stephen Grove will graduate from Bob Jones University in May with a degree in International Studies. He will be taking a missions trip to Germany this spring. Please pray that the Lord will use this trip to confirm His plans for the future. Stephen is the son of Michael and Nancy Grove, who serve in New Zealand.

Stuart Renfrow will be graduating from high school this spring. He plans to enroll in the diesel mechanic program at Johnston Community College this fall. Stuart is the son of Mike and Priscilla Renfrow. Bro. Renfrow pastors the Trinity Baptist Church in Wilson, NC, and serves on our Board of Reference.

Whitney Bourdess has finished high school. His family will travel to SC for a graduation ceremony on May 19, then he will return to serve with his parents until the Lord gives other direction for the future. Whitney is the son of Leslie and Amy Bourdess, who minister in Alaska.

Many of you are making preparations to come home on furlough this year, some for the first time. Following are some tips that can assist you in making a smooth transition. Please let us know if there is any way we can assist you with your plans.

• You may want to consult with your tax preparer before purchasing tickets, as your date of travel will affect your ability to claim the Foreign Income Exclusion.
• Family Week always begins on the third Monday of June. Be sure to put this on your calendar and schedule your travel dates so you can attend. This year’s meeting will be in Shelby, NC.
• Prayer cards can easily be designed and ordered in advance, so they are ready when you arrive in the US. Please be sure to supply the Office with 20-30 copies of your new card.
• You may wish to update your support estimate prior to returning to the US so that you have current information to provide to your supporters. We recommend that support estimates be updated at least once every four years, or as you see changes in your family and ministry.
• You may wish to review your Housing Allowance to be sure it is adequate to cover any needs while you are in the US, especially if you will be renting a home during your furlough.
• Be aware that some financial report items will be different when you are in the US. For example, if you will be driving a vehicle not owned by you, there are different recordkeeping requirements. Meals and lodging will also be affected. We recommend that you read over at least the sections of the manual dealing with vehicle expenses and travel prior to returning to the US, so you are familiar with these items.
• Be aware that your ministry expenses on the field will be very different from what they are on furlough. In addition, you may begin receiving love offerings from churches you visit on furlough, which may increase your overall income. We recommend adjusting your estimated tax payments to allow for these changes.
• Be sure to contact your insurance company to ensure that you will be covered while in the US.
• Be sure to bring all receipts and financial paperwork with you, so that there is no delay in submitting your reports while on furlough.
• While you are in the US, you may wish to consider updating your will and updating any Powers of Attorney or other legal forms. Our staff members are notary publics and may be able to assist you with some aspects of this if you will be in our area during your furlough.
• Be sure to schedule some time to rest and relax. Don’t push yourself and your family to the point of burnout!
• Please be sure to let the Office know in advance of your travel plans!

Bro. Keith Klaus (missionary to Germany) shared this devotional on Uplift, our weekly podcast. We trust it will be a blessing to our entire missions family. It is taken from a series of messages he has recently preached in his church on “Questions God Asks of Man.”

God always asks questions not for information, but to get mankind to respond to Him. (Genesis 16:1-6)

The story begins with a promise from God to Abraham. Initially, Abraham simply took God at His Word and believed that He could and would do something special. However, as time went on and they had no son, Abraham and Sarah did what most of us do. We think on God’s promises and identify the “problems” with His plans. There is no indication that Sarah believed God as Abraham had. So as she thought of the “problems,” she also presented her own solution. From a human perspective, her solution worked – at least initially. God often does allow our solutions to work, even if they go against His plan. But, those solutions often have consequences that we are not prepared to deal with.

As trouble grew between Hagar and Sarah, Sarah chose to blame Abraham. Abraham put the responsibility back on her to find another solution to the current crisis, and Sarah chose to respond with harshness. The result was that Hagar fled from home.

Enter God. He finds Hagar in the desert and asks her two critical questions. “Where are you coming from?” and “Where are you going?”

The first question God ever asked Adam was, “Where are you?” But here, He already knows where to find Hagar. He knew she was in a place of turmoil. God asked Jacob, “What is your name?” but here He called Hagar by name because He wanted to have a personal conversation with her.

There are two other instances in Scripture where God asks, “Where did you come from?” Both times He was addressing Satan in Job 1:7 and 2:2. A similar question is recorded when Christ met Nathanael, and Nathanael asked Christ, “Where did you find me?” Of course, Christ knew where Nathanael had come from–Christ had seen him before Philip had called him.

These two questions are applicable to those on deputation or in missions! We focus often on where we came from, whether we list our home country, or our home state, or the last meeting we were in before we arrived at the current location.

The second question, “Where are you going?” is equally important, but notice that Hagar did not answer the second question. She focused on the first. There was much she could have said. She focused on the pain. She was engaged with the current problems she faced and was overwhelmed with the burden. Perhaps she intended to return to Egypt. If that was the case, there is good chance she did not even know how to get there. There was a slim chance she, as a pregnant woman alone in the desert, would survive the trip.

We too must identify where we are coming from. Think of where God has brought you. Understand the history of how He has led you to this point. But then, as with Paul, you must look forward. Put the past in the past and press forward.

Hagar did not answer the second question. All she knew was that she decided to leave her troubles behind. Every decision brings results. Her decision put her in a desert alone, perhaps unaware of where she actually was at the moment. Abraham and Sarah’s decisions had affected her plans. Our decisions will affect others as well.

We may find ourselves, like Job, in a situation where we don’t know what is happening. Yet God always knows! (Job 23:10) Job was comforted when he realized that he didn’t need to know the answers, so long as he knew that God knew! God takes an interest in you as well!

Notice the angel’s response to Hagar: “Return. Submit.” Probably nothing He could have said would have been more discouraging. He told her to go back to a place of difficulty and humble herself before her harsh authority.

God does call us to go. Those of us in missions focus on always going and moving towards future ministry. But now came a call to go back, and stay in a hard place. Plant your feet. Obey. Let God use the time to sand off the rough edges and work His plan. Yet, that call did not come without a promise!

The Lord had heard Hagar. He promised to bless her! Even though the long term, still ongoing consequences of Abraham and Sarah’s decisions has resulted in much turmoil throughout the world, we must not lose hold of the fact that Ishmael’s birth was a blessing from God to Hagar and a fulfillment of God’s promise to her.

We can rest in knowing that when God calls us to stay in a difficult place He promises to be with us, and He will keep His promise and use those difficulties to perfect His will in our lives.

If this devotional has been a blessing to you, please contact Bro. Klaus and let him know!

Below are some excerpts from William Carey’s “Form of Agreement” written in October 1805. Carey and his colleagues agreed to these eleven tenets over 200 years ago. It is amazing how their commitments were foundational to their ministries, and these principles still guide us today. 

The Redeemer, in planting us in this heathen nation, rather than in any other, has imposed upon us the cultivation of peculiar qualifications. Upon these points we think it right to fix our serious and abiding attention.

• First. In order to be prepared for our great and solemn work, it is absolutely necessary that we set an infinite value upon immortal souls; that we often endeavour to affect our minds with the dreadful loss sustained by an unconverted soul launched into eternity.
• Secondly. It is very important that we should gain all the information we can of the snares and delusions in which these heathens are held. By this means we shall be able to converse with them in an intelligible manner.
• Thirdly. It is necessary, in our intercourse with the Hindoos, that, as far as we are able, we abstain from those things which would increase their prejudices against the Gospel. Those parts of English manners which are most offensive to them should be kept out of sight as much as possible. [For example,] we should avoid every degree of cruelty to animals.
• Fourthly. It becomes us to watch all opportunities of doing good. We are apt to relax in these active exertions, especially in a warm climate; but we shall do well always to fix it in our minds, that life is short, that all around us are perishing, and that we incur a dreadful woe if we proclaim not the glad tidings of salvation.
• Fifthly. In preaching to the heathen, we must keep to the example of Paul, and make the great subject of our preaching, Christ the Crucified. It is a well-know fact that the most successful missionaries in the world at the present day make the atonement of Christ their theme.
• Sixthly. It is absolutely necessary that the natives should have an entire confidence in us, and feel quite at home in our company. To gain this confidence we must on all occasions be willing to hear their complaints; we must give them kindest advice.
• Seventhly. Another important part of our work is to build up, and watch over, the souls that may be gathered. A real missionary becomes in a sense a father to his people.
• Eighthly. It is only by means of native preachers that we can hope for the universal spread of the Gospel throughout this immense continent. We think it our duty, as soon as possible, to advise the native brethren who may be formed into separate churches, to choose their pastors and deacons from their own countrymen.
• Ninthly. It becomes us also to labor with all our might in forwarding translations of the sacred Scriptures in the languages of Hindoostan. The establishment of native free schools is also an object highly important to the future conquests of the Gospel.
• Tenthly. That which, as a means is to fit us for the discharge of these laborious and unutterably important labours, is the being instant in prayer, and the cultivation of personal religion. Let each one of us lay it upon his heart that we will seek to be fervent in spirit, wrestling with God, till He famish these idols and cause the heathen to experience the blessedness that is in Christ.
• Finally. Let us give ourselves up unreservedly to this glorious cause. Let us never think that our time, our gifts, our strength, our families, or even the clothes we wear, are our own. To keep these ideas alive in our minds, we resolve that this Agreement shall be read publicly, at every station, at our three annual meetings, viz., on the first Lord’s day in January, in May, and October.

From The Life of William Carey, D.D. by George Smith (London: John Murray, 1885).

World Wide Missionary List 2016

Click the link above to download a PDF of the current list of World Wide missionaries.

Note: You will need to login to SecureCloud in order to view this document.  Once you have logged in, click on Files Shared, then Headquarter Happenings, then “World Wide Missionary List 2016”. This step protects people with WWNTBM in restricted access fields.