Sammy Simmons, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, Ill., and current president of the Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA), announced March 21 he will relocate to Georgia to serve as Send Relief National Project Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB).

Simmons has served 10 years at Immanuel and is in his second one-year term as IBSA president. In his role with NAMB, he will plan and lead mission trips in coordination with churches, local associations and state conventions. Simmons told his church the relocation will also allow his family to care for family members in Georgia. His last Sunday at Immanuel will be April 11.

“I want you to know, church, that my family and I, we deeply, deeply love you,” Simmons told his church. “And I still believe that the best days that God has planned for this church are ahead. God is not done using you to impact the 26,000 that are lost in our county who do not know him.”IBSA Vice President Heath Tibbetts, pastor of First Baptist Church in Machesney Park, will complete Simmons’ term as president.