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J U LY 2 0 - 2 3 , 2 0 2 5 • K A N S A S C I T Y, M O “Sweltering” is the only appropriate word to describe the Western Missouri heat and humidity as nearly 4,000 Free Will Baptists gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, July 20-23, for the 89th Free Will Baptist Convention. So hot, in fact, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning three days running! But the steamy weather did not hinder the spirit of the convention. Attendees enjoyed resounding worship, powerful preaching, intense discussions, new and renewed friendships, unrestrained laughter, serious business, and enthusiastic celebrations. It may have been hot outside, but the sweet worship and fellowship within gave attendees a little foretaste of Heaven. Convention Accounting Administrator Deanna Hollifield described it well: “It’s been a few years since I’ve been able to attend the convention. I didn’t realize just how much I missed the smiles, the hugs, the music, and the kindness and joy of our people. It was like a breath of fresh air.” This year, Free Will Baptists sought to “Answer the Call” God has placed upon us, both as individuals and as a denomination. Sunday morning, during a joint service with teens and adults, five high school students from Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference taught the Sunday School lesson before Aaron Pontious (MO) explored God’s command to build, plant, and seek peace when your world is turned upside down (Jeremiah 29:4-7). Sunday evening, Josh Bush (KS) challenged listeners to accept
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ONE Magazine | AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2025
the mission to which God calls them (Jonah 1). Monday, Doug Earls (MO) warned listeners that disobeying God’s call will sink you (Jonah 2). Tuesday, Shiloh Hackett (TN) encouraged the reluctant to say yes to God’s call (Jonah 3). And Wednesday, after 68 new church planters and missionaries were commissioned, Joel Teague (missionary to France) challenged Free Will Baptists everywhere to answer the call to love people the way God loves them.
TWENTY YEARS OF IMPACT The 154 volunteers participating in the annual IMPACT outreach event (held Saturday preceding the convention), demonstrated the same servant spirit and excitement as their counterparts first did 20 years ago. They came armed with Bibles, tools, and determination. In teams of two and three, they walked the streets of greater Kansas City, taking the gospel of hope to each door along the way. Why do these volunteers do it? Why endure the July heat year after year when they could visit local attractions instead, or catch up with friends over coffee or lunch? Zane Harmon (KY)