Special Forces — Sheridan, MI

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

Over the years we have had some wonderful weeks here at Beth Haven Baptist Church. We thank God for Pastor Crowell and the people of BHBC. They love the Lord and love souls. It is always a blessing to labor with these folks. This year the week somehow seemed the best one yet! The week was amazing! First, there were … Read More

Special Forces — South Haven, IN

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

I always love being with Pastor John Allen in South Haven, IN. We have had the opportunity to be there several times over the years. They have built a wonderful new auditorium and we appreciated the spirit of God’s people there. On Sunday afternoon a young man was riding a bike. One of the co-captains on our team invited him … Read More

Special Forces — Green Bay, WI

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

In the year 2000 I moved to Wisconsin and began the process of becoming a Wisconsinite. Although I am still a Bears fan (having grown up in Chicago), you find the Green Bay Packers are “huge” up here. This summer I went to Lambeau Field in Green Bay for the first time. A few weeks later I was at Bay … Read More

Special Forces Week #1 Land O’ Lakes, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

I always love coming to First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes. They have a passion for the clarity of the Gospel.  I appreciate the pastoral staff.  They are a great group with which to work.  DJ Willis is a former team member (he was captain of the Navy Seals in 2011) and he is now the youth pastor here.  … Read More

Special Forces Week #10 Bonita Springs, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

In April of 1989, a large youth event was cancelled in South Carolina where I was scheduled to preach. That night I was asked to preach at an evangelistic youth event at a local church.  During the invitation a young man named, Marty responded to the Gospel and was saved.  That Marty is the assistant pastor now at Gospel Baptist … Read More

Special Forces Week #9 Fort Walton Beach, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

Minutemen Ministries loves Pastor Mark Stevens and Calvary Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach.  The team was with Pastor Stevens years ago in Keystone Heights, FL. There are many memories of great things the Lord did there in Keystone Heights! Several times we have been at Calvary Baptist in Fort Walton Beach since Pastor Stevens has come.  This is the … Read More

Special Forces Week #8 Jacksonville, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

Several years ago the team was at Victory Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL.  It was a privilege to return.  I was encouraged with the good spirit in the church.  Their pastor, Marty Massito, just retired and you could tell the Lord used his ministry there.  He was a former Army Ranger in Viet Nam so you know which team he … Read More

Special Forces Week #7 Check, VA

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

A few months ago Pastor Warren Brown contacted me because of a burden he had to reach the young people in his county.  As a result the team came to conduct a three night rally in Floyd County, Virginia.  We held the rallies right after school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the town of Floyd near the high school.  … Read More

Special Forces Week #6 Sumter, SC

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

In 1996 the War of Special Forces was conducted for the first time for an entire tour.  The team’s second week was in Sumter, SC.  The Lord did a lot things in hearts during that week.  A few years ago I met a former student who was serving the Lord who testified of God’s working in his heart during that … Read More

Special Forces Week #5 Fredericksburg, VA

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the third time our team has had the privilege of being at Faith Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, VA. The former pastor Don Forrester, a blind man, has been used of the Lord to build Faith Baptist to what it is today. Pastor Watson Morgan is now pastor and we enjoyed working with him and his staff. The Marine … Read More