Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.- (Acts 13:1-3 NASB)
A New Sending Church
Since God provided the local church to disseminate the gospel, it is important for missionaries to have a solid sending church. As I said in an earlier communication, the church is the dwelling place of God, a launching pad for ministry and the protector of the Truth.
For almost a quarter of a century, Trinity Baptist Church of Concord, New Hampshire has been the Edmondsons‘ sending church. During that time, Trinity was active in helping us develop the ministry in Boston. Their assistance included finances, manpower, encouragement, and prayer among many other blessings. We are so thankful for their sacrificial ministry to us and to the world in Boston.
Over the last year, Trinity has been reviewing our change of location and have concluded we no longer fit within the parameters of their missionary policies. So earlier this year, they informed us that in June of 2022, they will cease being our sending church. At the same time, we will no longer receive missionary funds from Trinity.
Of course, we are disappointed, but we are not bitter. Trinity has been a fantastic sending church and we, in turn, have tried to be faithful missionaries and a blessing to Trinity. Trinity owes us nothing except to love us, and we know they do. If you would like to read a letter of recommendation, which Trinity provided, you may click here .
Thankfully, the Lord has provided a new sending church that will be a positive step forward for the Boston and Beyond ministry. The church which we helped form in Boston, The International Baptist Church an orthodox Christian association, has unanimously voted to become our sending church. Pastor Toby Stevens sent me this text after the vote, “Dear Bill and Deb—The IBC voted unanimously to partner with you as your sending church. With much love for you—Toby”
Having the IBC become our sending church keeps us tied closely to the place where the Boston and Beyond ministry began and will help us to work closely together in the future. Even now we are mentoring an intern together, online, and this summer we are jointly hosting a mission team from Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary.
After waiting on the Lord, praying, and studying the Word of God, the plan for leading the Boston and Beyond ministry while living in Iowa is coming together. I know you can’t wait to get yet another Edmo communication, but be patient, you may have to wait a week🙂.
—Bill and Deb
The Next Communication: The Ministry Plan