First Baptist Church, Gatlinburg, held its annual “Gather at the River” service on July 16 (see photo on the right). The church baptized 16 new believers. “We have other baptisms throughout the year but this river gathering has grown to be one of our most special,” said pastor Nick Moore. Assisting Moore with the baptism of a new believer are Bryon Fortner, left, youth minister, and Colin Campbell, center, pastoral intern.
Verdad en Amor Baptist Church, the only bilingual Southern Baptist church in Jefferson City, joined two other Jefferson County Baptist Association churches — East Ridge and Piedmont — for a joint baptism service on July 9. (See photo on the left). The three churches baptized seven new believers during a bilingual service led by Waldhys Rodoli, pastor of Verdad en Amor, standing, right center. Pastors Tom Sartain of East Ridge and Robert Neal of Piedmont and director of missions John Pinkston also participated in the service.
