By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] NEWPORT — Not many people leave a 36-year old, successful pastorate to begin a new ministry career at the age of 69, but that’s exactly what Mike Hensley did. And, he has a simple explanation why he left Swannsylvania Baptist Church in Dandridge to become director of missions for East Tennessee Baptist Association, based in Newport. “I prayed about it and began

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] LEXINGTON — One of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board’s newest specialists has a special interest in young people ages 20 to 40, a majority of whom would be classified as “Millennials.” Why? Because at age 29, Ryan Keaton is one of them. Keaton recently joined the TBMB in the role of emerging generations specialist after serving for 11 years at First Baptist

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] CLEVELAND — New Friendship Baptist Church in rural Bradley County has always been a strong supporter of missions, said pastor Eric Atkins. Not only does the church give 12.5 percent of its undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program and 5 percent to CrossNet Baptist Association, the church sets lofty goals for the annual missions offerings — Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Annie Armstrong

Baptist Press NASHVILLE — This summer, more than 87,000 kids and students attended Lifeway camps with more than 475 summer staffers providing fun and inspiring experiences at FUGE Camps, CentriKid Camps, Student Life Camps and Student Life Kids Camps. Summer camps are spiritually edifying not just for campers; they also provide the training, experience and passion for camp staff that develop the next generation of ministry leaders. Tiffany Hudson served

Round Lick Baptist provides ministry to single mothers, widows By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] WATERTOWN — Bryan Howard grew up in a home led by a single mom so he is well aware of the struggles and issues they face. That’s why he has always wanted to be involved in a ministry geared toward single mothers and widows, but until recently he had never found the opportunity.