TENNESSEE BAPTIST ASSISTANCE CONTINUES

By Connie Davis Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector GATLINBURG — Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (TBMB) leaders are grateful for the quick response, both financially and with physical assistance, following the wildfires which struck the Smoky Mountains in late November. What’s more, help will continue in the months to come, leaders agreed. “I am thankful […]

GATLINBURG FIRE SUSPECTS ELICIT SYMPATHY

By David Roach Baptist Press GATLINBURG, Tenn. (BP) — The arrests of two teenagers in connection with deadly wildfires in and around Gatlinburg, Tenn., have provoked expressions of sadness from three local Southern Baptist congregations that lost buildings in the blaze. The three Gatlinburg churches — Roaring Fork Baptist Church, First Baptist Church and Banner […]

TBC GATLINBURG FIRE RELIEF

The Gatlinburg fires caused widespread devastation in Sevier County with upwards toward 2,000 homes and businesses affected. Tennessee Baptist Convention President Steve Freeman offers a challenge to contribute $20 toward the Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief effort. Please visit TNDisasterRelief.org/contributions. TBC Gatlinburg Fire Relief

‘IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG HAUL HERE’ IN GATLINBURG

By Connie D. Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector GATLINBURG — On day nine following the horrific wildfires, residents are finally being allowed to visit their homes in damaged areas, reported Wes Jones, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief specialist. They have to come back out every night. Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner said that On Thursday, Dec. 8, […]

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Baptist and Reflector The outpouring of support and help in the wake of the Sevier County (Tenn.) fires has been extraordinary. Many have asked how they can help, and here are some suggestions from Wes Jones, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief specialist.

GATLINBURG FIRES CREATE CHALLENGES

Tennessee Baptists find ways to minister in Sevier County By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector SEVIERVILLE — Though homes, businesses, and churches in Sevier County are in ruins, residents of the area know it could have been much worse. “Had it not rained the night of the fire (Nov. 28), Sevier County would not […]

SEVIER COUNTY CHURCHES WILL REBOUND

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector GATLINBURG — Though the wildfires that swept through the community Nov. 28 destroyed or damaged three Baptist churches, leaders are not discouraged. Of the three churches affected by the fire, Roaring Fork Baptist was completely destroyed, losing its sanctuary and all of its other buildings. Pastor Kim McCroskey […]

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE GATLINBURG FIRES

By Randy C. Davis TBC Executive Director Dear Tennessee Baptists, You no doubt know of the devastating news this week coming out of Gatlinburg and Sevier County. As someone who called that area home for 20 years, it has been especially gutting to me to hear the reports. Jeanne and I have so many friends […]