By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] TOWNSEND — For years Chilhowee Area Ministries (CHARM) has been a fixture in the resort community of Townsend in East Tennessee. But CHARM does more than just share the gospel in local campgrounds, according to directors Steve and Sandra Monroe. “We are a part of the community,” the couple stressed. The Monroes have been involved in CHARM, a ministry of Chilhowee Baptist

Church Hill pastor Gary Gerhardt retiring after 38 years of ministry By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] CHURCH HILL — Members of First Baptist Church, Church Hill, have heard their pastor Gary Gerhardt reference “the dash” for 38 years. The “dash,” according to Gerhardt is the period of time represented by the dash on a tombstone between a person’s date of birth and death. In other words, the

By David Dawson [email protected] FRANKLIN — In addition to creating smiles on Christmas morning, the true impact of the Christmas Backpacks ministry often extends well beyond Dec. 25.  In some cases, in fact, the impact literally lasts for eternity.  Since its inception, the ministry — which provides backpacks filled with toys, clothes and other items to children in low-income families — has served as a gateway for children to come

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] DELLROSE — Like many churches throughout Tennessee, Wheelerton Baptist Church in Giles County was hit hard by COVID-19 last year. Just the year before, the church, with the assistance of deacon Keith Bennett and others, guided the church through a construction project that doubled the size of Wheelerton’s facilities. For the most part, the church did not get to enjoy the new