By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

NASHVILLE — For 17 years pastor Breonus Mitchell has preached to his congregation at Greater Grace Temple Community Church in East Nashville that they need to rely on faith in God to get them through the pain and suffering of life.

Now, the Tennessee Baptist pastor is having to put into practice what he has preached for so long. [Read more…]

By Connie Davis Bushey
News Editor, Baptist and Reflector

KINGSPORT — When Gerry Frazier saw a report on Susie Edwards of the Baptist and Reflector staff last year and her struggle with cancer, she made a note.

Soon Edwards was receiving cards and gifts from Anne’s Sisters of Indian Springs Baptist Church here explaining the group’s cancer support ministry. [Read more…]

Baptist and Reflector

BRENTWOOD — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches are being cautioned of a scam that has targeted churches.

At least one known TBC church has been victimized.

In June the church received in the mail the “2014 Annual Minute Form for Tennessee Corporations.” Instructions called for the church to complete the form and return it with $125, which the church did. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

North Carolina congregation returns to Tennessee to say thank you, share gospel

Editor’s Note: Christians are not immune from tragedy and suffering. This issue of the Baptist and Reflector contains several articles and columns of how churches and individuals handle tribulations while at the same time bringing honor and glory to Jesus Christ. We encourage you to pass this issue along to others after you are through it. We have even included the plan of salvation on page 4.

DANDRIDGE — It’s safe to assume that Oct. 2, 2013 will forever be etched in the memories of members of Front Street Baptist Church in Statesville, N.C. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

OLIVER SPRINGS — Living by faith has been a way of life for the members of Beech Park Baptist Church here since 2004.

That was the year the church stepped out in faith and bought an old strip mall for future expansion — with less than $1,000 in the bank.

The mall was located about three-and-a-half miles from where Beech Park had been located since 1904, recalled Pastor Robbie Leach. [Read more…]

By Connie Davis Bushey
News Editor, Baptist and Reflector

LINDEN — “This building is a work of love … by a bunch of people,” said Tim Bearden last Saturday as the new Worship Center of Linden Valley Baptist Conference Center was dedicated. The service drew about 350 people.

“In my life I’ve never done anything like this,” reported Bearden, who oversaw the construction of the building. He is senior manager, Tennessee Baptist Convention conference centers. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

BRENTWOOD — When Randy C. Davis left the pastorate of First Baptist Church, Sevierville, in 2010 to become the executive director/treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Convention he had no expectations as to the ease or difficulty of the task he was undertaking.

As he enters his fifth year at the helm of the TBC, Davis noted the last four years “have been one of the richest spiritual journeys of my life.” [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

SPRINGFIELD — The reality of people going hungry is not confined just to larger cities.

In fact, it may even be worse in rural counties and communities, said Pastor Steve Freeman of Grace Baptist Church in Springfield.

There’s not as much benevolent aid available in the non-metropolitan counties, Freeman observed. [Read more…]

Baptist and Reflector

BRENTWOOD – Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed a total of $2,178,362 through the Cooperative Program in June.

For the year-to-date, Tennessee Baptists have given $22,345,002 through the CP giving channel to fund missions and ministry opportunities in the state, nation, and around the world. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

NASHVILLE — For at least one week in Nashville, barriers caused by race and religion were torn down as 117 children of diverse backgrounds came together to sing and learn musical skills.

At least 10 countries were represented at the International Music School held June 16-20 at Tusculum Hills Baptist Church in Nashville.

Children at the event, which was sponsored by several Nashville-area churches, launched the Children’s Freedom Choir and presented their first concert at the conclusion of their week-long school. The choir included children of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and other or no religious backgrounds. [Read more…]