Special Forces Week #8 – Frederick, MD

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

Pastor Kent Ramler is no stranger to “The War.” As a teenager he traveled with one of the early teams. In his college years, he traveled with the team as a team captain. He also grew up at the Marquette Manor Baptist Church where “The War” was birthed. It was great to be at Pastor Ramler’s church in MD. The … Read More

Special Forces Week #7 – Greenville, NC

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

On our way to this week of ministry in Greenville, NC, we stopped by Parker’s, a famous eastern BBQ restaurant. If you have never been to this part of the country, you probably have never had the likes of Eastern Carolina BBQ. Most of the team liked the BBQ, but we all liked the week of ministry even more. There … Read More

Special Forces Week #6 – Deltona, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

Ten years ago the Minutemen Evangelistic Team came to Deltona, FL for the first time to conduct the War of Special Forces at Deltona Christian School. We soon found out that Deltona is a great place for this ministry. There are teens everywhere to recruit. Each year we have had great attendance and this year was no exception. Our high … Read More

Special Forces Week #5 – Greer, SC

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the first time the War of Special Forces had ever been to Calvary Christian School in Greer, SC. Pastor Turner followed his dad as the pastor here. He was a student in a class my brother John taught years ago when Pastor Turner was in high school. The students were into the week from the start. The Rangers … Read More

Special Forces Week #4 – Tampa, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the fourth time the team has been at Westgate Baptist Church. Each time has been a blessing and this year was no exception. During the school day, the students were very attentive and responsive during chapel. One young man surrendered to preach. He was excited about it. Many of the students got things cleared up with God and … Read More

Special Forces Week #3 – Fort Pierce, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the second visit to Faith Baptist Church and School in Fort Pierce, FL. The first visit was in 2011. Mr. Scott Birt is the principal there. Over the years I have had the privilege of being in some of the schools in which he has ministered. It was good to be with him again. He is doing a … Read More

Special Forces Week #2 – Land O’ Lakes, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

In 1990 our team was in Spanish Fort, AL and conducted The War in a small church in that area. Besides having a great week, we also met Dave Nichols, who at that time was a student in college. Since that time we have been with Dave several times when he was a principal in Stuart, FL. A few years … Read More

Special Forces Week #1 – Jacksonville, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

In 1997 the team came to West Meadows Baptist Church and Academy for the first time. Since that time we have had the privilege of coming here several times. Pastor Bruce Armstrong has been faithful serving the Lord on the outskirts of Jacksonville and has become a good friend over these years. There were quite a few new students at … Read More

Special Forces Week #11 – Orlando, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

I believe the first time we came to Tabernacle Baptist Church was in 2000. Each time we have had wonderful opportunities of ministry. Pastor Steve Ware has a heart for the teens in his school. We caught immediately that there were several new students and Pastor Ware was burdened for them. The team took advantage of some great recruiting opportunities … Read More

Special Forces Week #10 – Bonita Springs, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the second time the team has been to Gospel Baptist Church to conduct the War of Special Forces. The first time was in 2006. The team also first came to this church and conducted The War in 1996. The church is aptly named – Gospel Baptist Church. They really take the getting of the Gospel to their community … Read More