I praise God for the selfless efforts of this family in local church ministry for so many years. I also thank the Lord for their recent response to the call of God to become missionaries with Evangelical Baptist Mission. I believe that the Lord has uniquely prepared them to do great things for Him wherever He may lead them.

The Fitzsimmons' visits to Carver Baptist Bible College and Institute have had a positive impact on them, and I am praying that God would confirm their decision to serve Him on this urban field in a faculty and perhaps staff position. The students have voiced obvious appreciation for Pastor Fitzsimmons' demonstrated abilities in the classroom during their recent visit, and those of us who would be his colleagues appreciated his academic excellence in handling the Word of God as our chapel speaker. Everyone cannot minister effectively in an urban setting such as ours. Our discussions have revealed that they are not a respecter of persons, and that they can labor for the Lord on this field with compassion as well as competence.

The staff has made Dean and Martha aware of the faculty and staff losses we've suffered over the last few years. Carver's commitment to Christian education in the urban environment has never been greater; however our reduced staff and faculty has reduced our ability to provide many of the needed courses and staff services that a quality school must provide. Because we don't pay salaries in an effort to keep tuition low (assuring that no student who wants Biblical training is denied it), we depend on missionaries like them to volunteer.

Because we train and educate pastors, church planters and lay workers, Dean's ministry in pastoring would technically continue in some measure. I would trust and pray that they would be able to convince enough supporters to partner with them in this change in their ministry. I will pray earnestly that the hearts of all of you, who understand the need to overcome the racial legacy as it has affected the pulpits in urban America, will be moved and sense their heart for this unique ministry.

Please partner with the Fitzsimmons' family and with Carver. I pray that God would lead you to provide prayer and financial support for them so that they might be able to begin the work soon.

Dr. Le Roy Randolph

President, Carver Baptist Bible College & Institute