Lonnie Hilton
National Director & International Vice President
Last year was another amazing year for FCF. In the midst of hurt and turmoil in the world, God has sustained us by fulfilling His Word in our midst. The fruit yielded in changed lives and ministries through your prayers, encouragement, and giving has been exceptional again. We added forty-five new credentialed ministers, three new affiliate Ministries, and two new affiliate churches.
Last year was a busy one for me. I traveled to forty-three churches and was on the road 119 days during 2009. Being with the family energizes me, and ministering the Word of God and preaching to people are a joy. Spending time with pastors is always a privilege. To see your works and speak into your lives gives me the opportunity to know you and to know your hearts. I see is a group of men and women who are dedicated to their Lord and to the vision He has given them and are building churches and ministries that minister to the Body of Christ and to a lost world.
Our FCF family came together at our annual Family Church Conference, three Regional Conferences, and multiple Relational Representative Gatherings across the country. Several of our pastors went on missions trips around the world, and some took teams from their churches to do work and ministry in faraway lands.
As we START more works, SEND out more leaders, and SUSTAIN the vision through prayer and planning together, we are establishing a future for FCF and ourselves. We are growing strong and healthy churches that desire to reach their cities, towns, and villages. As an organization we must multiply to stay strong. “Sending” is part of the mandate God has given us; it is part of our DNA.
I have said this before and I say it again: You are the reason we exist. Without you there would be no reason for us. Your life and ministry are vital to FCF and a blessing to me. Let me know how either FCF or I can help you in the year to come. We are believing that 2010 will be an amazing year, as we lean not on our own understanding but put all our trust and hope in Him. God isn’t slowing down His work or His blessings. Do not lose out.
1. Rev. Burton Sharpe - He saw many prisoners saved and filled with Holy Spirit.
2. Rev. Cissy Caulder- She started church services in her home.
3. Chaplain David Wlazlak- The original U.S. Customs Service chaplain, he was asked to go to Washington D.C. to address the station heads regarding the chaplaincy program. They asked David to submit a plan to train and appoint chaplains throughout the system.
4. FCF of Rogers, AR- At the Twenty-Fifth Frisco Fair, church members led 112 people to accept Jesus for the first time.
5. E.C. Regional Gathering- About 90 ministers attended this gathering, themed “Returning to their First Love.” A Christian comedian opened the first session where the ministers relaxed, laughed, and enjoyed this special time. The attendees enjoyed great food, fellowship, and Word.
6. Rev. Samuel Martinez- Pastor Samuel has a powerful influence in Azusa, California, through his connections with the mayor, council members, police, business leaders, and pastors.
7. Rev. Tom Undieme- Tom was delivered from death when the enemy tried to take his life through an accident, a fourth stage ulcer ready to rupture, and blood poisoning. Tom is doing fine and feeling great. Tom’s daughter Elaine was involved in a head-on car accident. She is doing great and looks as if nothing happened.
8. Rev. Kevin Alexander- FCF Affiliate Church Pastor of U-Turn World Ministries listed the following blessings in 2009:
1. More than 1,500 salvations
2. Numerous healings and deliveries
3. Fed more than 3,000 people
4. Received the following donations: Thirty-three acres; two modular buildings; ten acres with 4 bedroom home; four donated vans, and horses and livestock donated
9. Rev. Stephen Russell- This FCF Affiliate Evangelistic Ministry ministered to twenty-nine pastors from thirteen denominations and ministries.
10. Rev. Ken Hielkema- He operates a School of Ministry in Gallup, New Mexico, and started a new branch in Farmington, New Mexico.
11. Rev. Jeff Smith- He started a new church in Springdale, Arkansas.
12. Mercedes McGaffin- She was healed from celiac disease.
13. Rev. Bonnie and John Peebles- They started a church in Middletown, Delaware.
14. Rev Foy Munlin- He started a church in Fort Worth, Texas.
15. Rainbow Family Christian Center- This church had 275 salvations, 150 filled with the Holy Spirit, a 3% growth in adult membership growth, a 60% growth in youth membership, provided food to more than 3,000 people through the Community Pantry, provided food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas to 800 families and gifts to 800 children.
Many of the families fed were born again and now attend the church.
16. Christian Life Center- This church in Maryland ministered Jesus, food and clothing to 400 families.
17. FCF of Albion, New York- The pastor reports that the church is growing and has run out of room for its children’s ministry. The church is in the process of being approved by the diocese to purchase a Catholic church building.
Each praise report is a testimony of God’s faithfulness. As individuals and ministries, these people put a demand on God’s Word and promises. And God came through. Let’s remember to pray for one another, call one another, and continue to connect with one another. Relationship is in our DNA.