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 for the quick response of our disaster relief volunteers at the very start of this

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 Baptist Church — also report God’s continued work in their midst, including at least four

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

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, residents who still have homes can return and the Downtown Parkway will reopen to the

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 be here,” said Robert Nichols, director of missions for Sevier County Association of Baptists. And