By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] LEXINGTON — Portions of Henderson and Decatur Counties sustained scattered damage from tornadoes that struck the state on the weekend of Dec. 10. Residents of both counties, especially Decatur County, were not unscathed. Tornadoes took out the TVA lines that carried electricity into both counties.  Most of Henderson County had power restored within two days, but Decatur County was without power for

Green Hill Church and Victory Baptist combine for Christmas performance By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] MOUNT JULIET — For the most part, Baptist churches avoid the “s” word (split) whenever possible. But two Mount Juliet congregations — Green Hill Church and Victory Baptist — acknowledge that is what happened with their churches 21 years ago. Members from Green Hill left and formed Victory Baptist just a few

By David Dawson [email protected] BRENTWOOD — Gayle Haywood received two standing ovations during a recent Sunday morning service at Brentwood Baptist Church. Still, pastor Mike Glenn made it clear that no amount of applause would be sufficient to express the church’s appreciation for Haywood, who is retiring after 40 years of service at Brentwood.  “There are not many times in our lives when we get to look at greatness,” Glenn

Year-round support needed for the hurting, struggling, hungry By David Dawson [email protected] FRANKLIN — Research compiled by various organizations in recent years confirms that Americans are far more likely to support charities and non-profit groups during the holidays than at any other time during the year.  One published report, by NeonOne, showed that nearly one-third (31 percent) of all donations/giving to the non-profit sector occurs around the holidays. Another report

Baptist and Reflector HUMBOLDT — Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes broke ground Nov. 30 for its first ministry in West Tennessee — Baptist Village-Humboldt. Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes was founded by the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 1974 to develop a residential ministry for senior adults. In 1989, TBAH was given the additional assignment of providing residential care for adults with exceptional needs. Today, TBAH has two group homes for adults with

Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptists disaster relief units have been dispatched across the state to provide assistance to those affected by the tornadoes and straight line winds that tore across Tennessee and several nearby states during the early morning hours of Dec. 11.  The storms resulted in dozens of deaths and numerous injuries.  One DR team team — a quick response unit — is now stationed in Samburg,

Baptist and Reflector LEXINGTON — Rock Hill Baptist Church is a rural congregation that has been averaging between 60-70 people in worship since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, according to pastor Richard Bray. Bray noted that the church’s missions committee led the congregation to participate in the Christmas Backpack Ministry in August but they did not begin preparing the backpacks until September, at the same time the church was

STUDENTS TAKE BIBLE COURSES DURING SCHOOL By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] LAFOLLETTE — Students at Campbell County High School in LaFollette are taking Bible courses for academic credit during school hours — and it is perfectly legal. The courses are offered through Released Time Bible Education (RTBE), a unique program which allows students to attend off-campus Bible classes during the school day.  The biblical instruction is provided

Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — At least one Tennessee Baptist church was destroyed following tornadoes and straight line winds that tore across Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee during the early morning hours of Dec. 11, leaving behind dozens of deaths and numerous injuries. Bethpage Baptist Church in Kenton was leveled by the tornado. (Full story HERE). The storm tore apart the church’s gym and fellowship hall. The sanctuary remained