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NEWSLETTER

January 2012

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The Pastor’s Corner

Submitted by Leonard Markham

Can you believe 2011 has come to an end? Is it me or are our calendars speeding up at a

rapid pace? If you are an average American in terms of life span, I would like for you to consider

a clock as an illustration of how many years you have left in your life. If you are twenty-two years

old, it is 8:20AM. If you are thirty-two (based on life expectancy) it is 11:20AM and you have

2,122 weeks left to live. If you are forty-two, it is 3:20PM. If you are fifty-two, it is 6:20PM and

you have 1,092 weeks to live.

The first point for all of us is whatever we are going to do with our lives we had better

get on with it because time is running out for us. The other point is if we are not going to do

something with our lives, it really does not matter how many days we have life here on earth.

So what are we going to do with 2012? How will this new year be different from last

year? How many of us would like 2012 to be better than 2011? Last year was a tough year for

some people in our church. It was a year of challenges and choices for others. For some it was a

year of change and crises. The fact is for some 2011 was a year filled with disappointment. For

others of us, we experienced a loss of a loved one. Possibly for some of us it has been a year of

failure.

The good news is January 1, 2012, we will have the opportunity to start over in life. God

brings us life in bite-sized pieces, in hours, days, and months. Every new year God says, "Let's

wipe the slate clean and let's start with a brand new year." How will 2012 be better than 2011 for

you and for the church? The key is we have to have a plan for our lives for this new year. We do

not just enter 2012 and say, "I hope it is going to be better." In Proverbs 17:24 we read, "A dis-

cerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth." For many

people that describes 2011. They headed off in many directions. This means that a discerning

man has a goal, an objective, an aim or target. He knows where he is going and how to get to

where God is leading him. Have you set any goals for 2012? Do you have a plan to achieve your

goals? Or are you just going to walk into this year and hope it is better than 2011?

Stop saying, "I can't" and start saying, "I can." Philippians 4:13 (Jerusalem Bible) says,

"There is nothing I cannot master with the help of Christ who gives me strength." So whatever we

say, can't or can, that is what will happen. Do we really believe that verse? It says there is nothing

I cannot master. That means there is nothing I am going to face in the next 365 days, no problem,

no situation, no circumstance, no hassle that I cannot manage, and I am not competent to han-

dle. "You mean, Leonard, on my own effort and in my own power?" Of course not! But, "with

the strength that Christ gives me." Remember that phrase. It says, "with the help of Christ." I am

not talking about positive thinking. I am referring to supernatural power. You are not just

psyching yourself up for the coming battle -- "I think.... I think.... I think I can....I think I can.... I

think I can..." There are some things that no matter how much you think you can, you cannot do

it. And no matter how much you think you can, you are not going to be able to do it. That is the

difference between pop psychology and Christianity. There are plenty of good self help books that

will tell you what to do. They just do not give you the power to do it. I have read some of these

books: "Here is how to be a success. First, get rid of all your bad habits." Of course! "Learn to

get along with people. . . Be disciplined and have self control." They tell you what to do but they

do not give you the power to do it.

That's why in 2012, if you want it to be different than 2011, you (we) need Jesus Christ!

As with you, I am walking confidently into 2012 because "there is nothing I cannot master with

the help of Christ who gives me strength."

The Messenger

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Church News...

Brotherhood… Submitted by Al Ott

Our next Brotherhood Breakfast will be on Saturday January 14th. Our guest speaker is scheduled to be Ed Neville. Please come and enjoy the

fellowship and listen to a special message Ed will share with us. Bring your friends, neighbors, and family. All ages are welcome and encouraged

to come. Let’s start the New Year off with a house full of guys, old and young alike.

November and December have been good months for donations for the Brotherhood. Food City has been one of our biggest supporters. On Dec.

16th, Allen Sweat, manager of our local Food City presented the Brotherhood with a check for $2,000 to help ―Race Against Hunger‖ in our

neighborhood. Allen and Food City also helped us a great deal in our Thanksgiving food drive. Randy Johnson has stepped forward and offered

to take the reins as the new Director of the Brotherhood starting the beginning of the year. Please come out and offer your support.

We realize that most of us are not 20 years old anymore (heck we aren’t even 40 years old anymore), but there are still things everyone can do to

help out. Even if you have medical issues there is still one thing you can do as long as you can interlace your fingers. Prayer is the most powerful

gift we have been given, and if you can offer your prayers for the Brotherhood and our Church you are helping in more ways than you can ever

imagine. Life is tough, we all make mistakes, we all deal with difficulties, but God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. When we fall we get up and

dust ourselves off and keep moving toward the goal. God has future plans for us and the only way to find out what they are is to stay in constant

contact with Him. You’re not alone, we all have our setbacks. Come and join us and feel the love God has given us, and be a part of a fellowship

that longs to grow stronger and closer to ―Our Father‖.

Don’t forget; mark your calendars for Saturday, January 14th at 7:30 and bring your family, and friends.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Al, Bob and the Brothers 3

The Campaign Commitment Team…

His vision, Our mission...

Submitted by: Randy & Annette Johnson

We continue to see God’s hands working in so many ways for his FFGFBC family. In December the concrete was

poured for the foundation of our new church. The steel has arrived and is currently being placed. You can see the new

steel walls from Peavine Road, what a blessing. God is pleased when his people commit to serve him and we honor

him by completing our commitments. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) says ―Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your

plans will succeed―. Our congregation has continued to lift up prayers and honor their financial support to our new

church home. TDOT has come up with a plan to help us save an additional $40,000.00 in rent which is another huge

blessing. TDOT and the building team have worked long and hard to help us with our new building and we appreciate

their commitment to this project. Our giving through November 27, is $210,275.89. From November 13, through No-

vember 27, we raised $10,266.06. We know with all of us working and praying together we will be able to accomplish

His vision, Our mission.

We are giving from the heart for God’s glory. The Commitment Campaign Team want to wish each and everyone of

you the most wonderful holiday season and all the rich blessings of our Lord Jesus as we celebrate his birth. Your

Commitment Team members are Roger & Janie Fleming, Joe & Christina Boggio, Bob & Deb Carlson, and Randy &

Annette Johnson.

WMU News... submitted by Annette Johnson

We are currently seeking someone to help with outreach . This position would include contacting new church members and inviting

the women to join WMU. If you are interested in filling this position please contact Christina Boggio 707-9275 or Annette Johnson

707-9518.

M & M’s had it’s annual Christmas Tea on December 8. Joan Britton was the featured speaker. Everyone had a wonderful time.

December 12, was the annual WMU Christmas Party. Everyone who attended enjoyed a wonderful lunch catered by Judi DuBois

& Kathy Salyer. Our speakers were Tom and Hazel Barron. We also collected 80 hats and 31 pairs of mittens for distribution to the

Crab Orchard children. Thank you to all who donated to this cause. December 13, was the annual Piece Corps Christmas potluck

and gift exchange. A great time was had by all. The Piece Corps completed their 4,073rd quilt.

Share & Care for January: Reba Fox, Barbara Branson, Dot Hutzel, Phyllis Jones, Evelyn Phillips and Barbara Rowland. The

quarterly Missions Emphasis Meeting will be held on January 19th, 2012, 6pm at Memorial Baptist church, 1858 Sparta Highway,

Crossville, TN 484-9278. Everyone from our church is welcome to attend. For more information please contact Christina Boggio

or Annette Johnson. We plan on meeting at our church and car pooling. All family members are invited and refreshments will be

served following the meeting.

Calendar of Events for January

January 2, 9:30 am M & M’s regular meeting January 9, 10:30 am WMU Regular meeting January 10, 9am Piece Corps resumes

January 19, 11am M & M’s birthday luncheon going to Manny & Isabella’s (meet at church) January 19, 6pm Missions Emphasis

Meeting, Memorial Baptist Church

Church News...

"3x3” Dinner Social Group by Christina Boggio

Our Sweets & Treats Christmas Party was again a huge success. What a change in the weather from last year!! Thanks to everyone who brought the delicious desserts and appetizers that helped make our party oh soooo delicious. And to Joyce Gover and Roscoe Cross, thanks for the wonderful Christmas music. That Mickey Mouse just keeps falling down on the job. Last but not least, the deacons who were deputized as elves did a fine job! We didn't have to make one call to Safety Patrol and as far as I know, no com-plaints for noisy disturbances were filed!! Due to the large number of members who go south for a few months during the winter, we will not have a 3x3 dinner fellowship for the months of January and February 2012. However, check your mailboxes in late Feb to find out who your dinner partners for the upcoming year will be. And for all you folks out there who are missing out on the fun, give me a call and get on our 2012 list. I promise you, you won't be sorry. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year!" Thanks, ladies, and let me know if you need anything further from me. Christina Boggio 707-9275

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From our Sunday School Directors…

We would like to start the new year off by thanking the Fairfield Glade church family for the confidence that you have in us. We do take our

responsibility as Sunday School Directors seriously and look forward to seeing the church grow and become a church that God will use for His

glory.

As we grow, we would love to see everyone engaged in a great Sunday School class. With that in mind, we will need more teachers and substi-

tutes. Please contact us if you feel a calling to be used in either of these opportunities.

Have a very happy and prosperous new year. In God’s Love . . . Ed & Shirley Neville

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Missions...

Hodges Ministry Submitted by Pat Harris

In December we had nine people that went on the trip. We sorted and packed adult Sunday School books and

boxed approximately 43,200 books. If the books are only used once, over 43,000 souls have been reached,

but the hunger to hear the word is so great overseas that each book is used several times.. Those books

might be read by 200,000! Wouldn’t you like to take part in reaching these souls?

The 2012 Schedule is:

Thursday, Friday, Saturday April 19, 20, and 21

June 21, 22, and 23

Aug. 16, 17, and 18

Oct. 18, 19, and 20

Dec 13, 14, and 15

There will be no February 2012 trip due to budgetary cuts.

To learn more about Hodges Ministries go to www.elhm.org

Our next trip is April 19,20, and 21.. The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board.

For more information call Pat Harris 707-0539

Plateau Pregnancy… Submitted by Paul Forsythe

Most all of us have heard what the needs are for the soon to be mothers and little ones that visit the Plateau

Pregnancy Services. We also know the needs and the methods used for fund raising, such as the baby bottle

campaign, etc. Sad to say, these attempts are much needed. However, some tremendous strides are in place

and growing to reach many in Cumberland County. Efforts are in order to reach a three county wide area, ad-

vising people that help is available for them.

One amazing way God has provided the PPS to reach the young people in Cumberland County is by a pro-

gram called ―Project Truth‖. The staff and volunteers of PPS go into the schools teaching the true reason why

and how God made us; explaining that our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell and to produce

children in a manner that is acceptable to God. Mentoring, in large part, helps these young people understand

that they are to go with His will. Our past experiences and growth can be a stepping stone for someone to

glean from as well.

Volunteers are needed in all areas of the PPS organization, as well as being a mentor, a listener or most impor-

tantly a servant of God; helping where help is needed most, to the lost. The Plateau Pregnancy Services needs

men and women like those in our church family.

Thank you and May God Bless You! Paul Forsythe 287-0164

Missions…

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BREAD OF LIFE… Submitted by Paul Forsythe.

Kay and I thought it would be interesting to stop, look, and listen to someone at the Bread of Life mission. What’s

there? What do they do? How do they do it? We stopped and went inside to meet someone, Larry Mays was there. A

very interesting, congenial, well informed man who works there. His duties are many and he has a real heart to help the

people who need help, food, to know the Lord, and start to get on their own feet. We talked for awhile and he asked if

we had seen the new building that was under construction across the street. ―Not the inside‖, we answered, as Ron

Brining came into the room. Consequently we crossed the street and were introduced to a large building, lots of thought

into it, for people that were needy in many areas of their lives. We found a large room to hold many beds, bathrooms,

showers, etc., plus a smaller room for the managers living quarters. We processed our way through with very knowl-

edgeable information from Ron and saw the entire building. Not sure when it will be finished as they are paying as they

grow and at this time there is no debt. This is truly a ―work of God‖.

So, what am I trying to say? Simply: the BOL ministry is a true gift that is available for men and women; who for one

reason or another, are ―down‖ at this time of their lives and truly need help. How? What kind?, etc. This ministry is

making available for people: an Ear to hear, a Passion to help get back on their feet, a Temporary roof over their heads,

Food for their body and Food For their Souls, as well as Medical help. Many items are available but not just for the

taking, as much as for giving someone an opportunity to start over in life by making something of their lives. Our Mis-

sion Board, here at FFGFBC is attempting to provide some help in assisting, through volunteers.

What can you do???? Many extras are done by volunteers that you may be able to do. Take some time someday, go

visit 281 4th Street in Crossville and see where you can help, see what is there. There is a small porch where some men

sit and talk, stop by and just talk with them, listen to them and see what the Lord can do through you for them. Try it,

you may like it! We all have time available somewhere. There are both men and women who need help and under-

standing.

Thanks. Paul Forsythe 287-0164

Peavine Care Center... Submitted by Pat Harris

I would like to thank those of you that have listened to my plea on behalf of our poor and hurting neighbors along the Peavine corridor, and have contributed paper products or cleaning supplies by placing them in the PCC box at the base of the stairwell. It is an on-going need.

They still need any brand, any color, any size:

adult diapers, baby diapers, paper towels, boxes of tissues, toilet paper,

cleaning supplies in smallish containers

We are also now collecting coupons for all of the above types of products. Please place coupons, includ-

ing recently expired coupons, in the coupon box located in the downstairs stairwell.

Any questions, call Pat Harris 707-0539 or Kathy Salyer 459-2244.

Toilet Tissue!!!

Children’s Corner...

Kid of the Month - January 2012

Name: Ronnie Rigney

Birthday: 3/20

Where do you go to school? Norwood

What grade are you in? First

What is your favorite food? Pancakes

What is your favorite color? Gold

What do you want to be when you grow up? Astronaut

What do you thank God for? Making us

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Children’s Ministries….

Submitted by Lori Allan

Happy New Year!

As we look forward to an exciting new year in Children’s Ministries, mark your calendars to

save the dates… for 2012

June 11-15, 2012 — for kids who ’ ve completed 4th through

6th grade. We will continue studying "What We Do" as a re-sult of God's work in our lives. Romans 12:1-2 gives us a great challenge as followers of Christ, so at CentriKid 2012, it's "Game On!" We will study God's work in the life of the Old Testament hero, Daniel, and learn what it means to live out our faith as God works through us. Campers will

learn to make wise choices, take a stand for their faith, and live a life of integrity. But, more than that, they will learn that those things only happen through a changed heart — the best gift we could ever receive! Join us as we catch the Olympic spirit at CentriKid 2012, "Game On... Living a Transformed Life!" We’ll be going to Lee University in Cleveland TN. Cost is $271. Scholarships are available. For more information call Lori Allan at 200-4201 or email lori617@gmail.com.

VBS 2012 is cleared for takeoff!

June 25 - 29, 2012— Vacation Bible School 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon.

For 3 year old - 6th grade kids.

Transportation is available.

This summer, amazing things will happen as your kids come closer to God than ever before. The kids will tour some of the world's most marvelous natural wonders and explore God's awesome power as they learn to trust and recognize Him in their everyday lives.

Motto: "Awesome God! Amazing Power!" Verse: Psalm 147:5 - "Our Lord is great, vast in power; His understanding is infinite.

Psalm 147:5" (HCSB)

Prayer Concerns….

Our Members….

OUR MINISTRIES

BOLRM and Medical Clinic/Pastor Ralph Reagan & Connie,

PPS/Sheri Nichols CMA, FCA, Hodges Ministries

CHURCH STAFF and LEADERSHIP

Persecuted brothers & sisters in Christ

SERVING OUR COUNTRY

Troy & Trudy Harper

Marge Brook’s Nephew & Wife in N. Afghanistan

Cody Broughton, Afghanistan

Brenda Williams’ nephew

Captain Mark Hamilton, NM & Master Sgt Guy B. Hamilton, UAE

Brenda Williams’ step-grandsons

Major C.J. (Joseph) Phillips

Son of Slim & Evelyn Phillips

Sgt. Craig Putnum, in Afghanistan

Grandson of Bill & Blanche Putnam

STG2 James Lillback

Son of Esco & Ruth

Matthew Gilbert, Afghanistan

Ben Ogletree’s great nephew

Pray for our Church Ministries

OUR FAMILIES

Kaylie Blanton, Granddaughter of Betty Neumeister

Tom Cantrell, brother of Nancy Bowman

Ruby Carr—Alice Lewis’ Sister

Jean Castle, Mary Higgins’ Sister

Christine, Dave & Penny Collin’s daughter

Karen Clark, sister of Dianne Macko.

William DeWeese, Dick & Leanne’s Father

Tony DuBois, son of Richard & Judi DuBois

Katherine Eisele, sister of Mary Higgins (cancer)

Martie Fleming, brother of Roger Fleming

Euna Hancock & Sarah Joyce, sisters of Susanne

Lovett

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Darrell Andrew

Dick Bechtel

Janice Botbyl

Bob Bowman

Nancy Bowman

Faye Brasfield

Anne Marie Campbell

Bill Chambers

Penny Collins

Shade & Barbara Cornett

Sandra Crabtree

Rosco Cross

Tim & Logan Davis

Jim Evans

Bennie Ford

Janice Greene

Judy Holcombe

JC Horner

Lydia Horner

Denver Hoskins

Aleta Hutchinson

Paul Leighty

Idella Lohman

Forest & Susanne Lovett

Bettye Lunn

Doris Martin

Jeremy McElroy

Ken McCowen

Joan McDonough

Jane Olson

Virginia Ritondale

Kathy Salyer

Dave Stewart

Wayne Stiles

Gordon Summers

Shelby Tollett

Bob & Carol Warvel

Val & Colleen Williams

Members in Nursing Homes

Janet Chambers

Louise Mosley

Edith Roaten

Mary Will Rogers

Charles Wentworth

Lynne Hutzel, Dot & Lenny Hutzel’s daughter-in-law

Pat Lund, sister of Nancy Ott

Andrew Maring, son of Janice Edwards

Beth Martin, sister of Chuck Lohman

Walter & Delores Novack, Linda Kawicki’s parents

Jill & Jon Polmonteer, Ritondale’s daughter & son-in-law

Harold & Frank Potter, Evelyn Phillips’ brothers

Kathy Salyer’s daughter & grandsons

Steve Saylor, Bill & Marilee Dufendach’s son-in-law

Cindy Serecky, Ritondale’s daughter

All Prayer Requests should be di-

rected to the office and will be

forwarded to the Pastor and the

Prayer Warriors each week!

Ethan Sherrill, 2-year old son of Lizzy Sherrill

Adam Paul Simer, Anne Campbell’s son

Ann Thames, Bob Thames’ Mother

Erin Thames, Bob Thames’ Daughter

Betty Vance, Sammie Cox’s sister

Janey Watson, daughter-in-law of Bob Watson

Michael Williams, Brenda Williams’ son

Lisa, Tony Neely’s daughter

Rick – son of Earl LaGow

Jeanette, sister of Betty Witt

Steve, Ragsdale’s nephew

Please advise the office how you or your family members are doing, so we can keep our Prayer Concerns List current.

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Happy Anniversary!

January 2012

Lydia Horner, Tempel Buckley 1/1

Mary Higgins, Grant Caywood, Julia LaBarge 1/11

Jackie LaFerney 1/13

Linda Dunaway 1/14

James Botbyl, Barbara Cornett, Wesley Moss 1/15

Jane Fleming, Don Snow 1/16

Don Roughton, Dane Bryant 1/17

Tom Reigle, Blake Boyle, Larry Nale 1/19

Wilma Smith, Janice Greene 1/20

Ginny Evans, Janice Botbyl, Blanche Putnam 1/21

Debra Markham 1/22

Robert Lunn, Sarah Bowman 1/27

Anneta Deal 1/28

Louse Moseley, Ben Ogletree 1/30

Dick & Ruth Ann Schroeder 1/1

Ken & Shirley Harrison 1/16

Bill & Ann White 1/27

Bill & Janet Chambers 1/30

Other News….

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BOOK REVIEW Submitted by Joyce Gover

December in our church and in the Southern Baptist Denomination at large is the month

when we focus on foreign missions. At this time we collect donations through the Lottie

Moon Christmas Offering to benefit those who are laboring on foreign soil.

In view of this emphasis, I am reviewing Hidden Sorrow, Lasting Joy, a book written and published in 2001 by

Tyndale House. The author is Anneke Companjen, the wife of the director of Open Doors International, a

world-wide ministry that focuses on the needs of the persecuted church. This book deals with the tremendous

hardships and suffering experienced by women in countries where the Gospel is particularly unwelcome. Snap-

shot biographies of women in Asia, the Middle East, South America, Europe, and Africa are included.

As we read their stories, women who have suffered unimaginable sorrows and hardships, I pray that all of us

will commit as never before to pray and sacrifice on behalf of missionaries around the world. Many of their lives

and the lives of those to whom they minister are difficult beyond anything any of us can fathom: yet they con-

tinue to serve their Lord joyfully and faithfully at great personal cost. May their lives inspire us, challenge us,

and remind us how very much we have to be thankful for.

I’m reminded of the words of Hebrews 11:38 identifying a long list of saints of whom the scriptures say “the

world was not worthy” .

May we be like Aaron and Hur who faithfully held up the arms of Moses when the children of Israel battled

through to victory over the Amalekites. (Numbers 17) As in that ancient story, I wonder how many battles are

won or lost because of our faithfulness or indifference.

May this little book challenge us to enlarge our hearts and broaden our vision.

CUMBERLAND PLATEAU BAPTIST ASSOCIATION…

Submitted by: Al Borsos

MISSIONS

One of the words we hear more often than any other here at our church is missions. We are a church that believes in

missions. We pray for them, we educate ourselves about them, contribute to them financially, promote them, but never

take part in going on a church mission trip. Where would we go? What would we do? The places and jobs are limit-

less. Our Missions Team has decided that next year, 2012, we will start going on mission trips. As an example of what

can happen when churches go, let me tell you about the Cowboy Church here in Dunlap, Tennessee. It was developed

as a church with a guest ranch where people from the world over come to learn about horses and God’s Word. Without

the help of mission teams this would not have happened. The owner’s description, and I quote: ―The mission teams

were a beautiful picture of the body of Christ working together to share God’s word. Without the mission teams being

so faithful to go where the Lord was sending them, the Cowboy Church would not have happened‖ It was very interest-

ing at the On Mission Celebration to hear the Young’s tell about some of their experiences in developing this ministry.

Some of the places Tennessee Baptist Convention has partnerships with and which afford opportunities where we could

go here in North America are: Iowa, Montana, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, Greater Cincinnati, and Dayton,

Ohio areas. Overseas: we have West Africa (as big as the United States), Malta, and Italy, to name a few. Shortly we

will be asking to see how many of us are interested in taking part in a mission trip, both men and ladies. Please give this

serious consideration and prayer. Our cooperative program makes this all possible. It is more than just money.

Other News….

Meet Edward R. Dowdy

Ed is the youngest of 4 sons. He was born in Princeton, West Virginia on May 22, 1931.

At the age of 4, he and his family moved to a small community in Greenville, West Virginia being raised on a small

farm. His Dad was an educator, having worked about fifty years as a teacher, County Superintendent, and Principal.

His Mother was a Homemaker and mother until he graduated from high school. She then returned to teaching 2nd

grade.

Ed’s first year of school, was in a 1 room schoolhouse with 8 grades. Two of his brothers also were in the same room.

Another school he attended was in Greenville. There were 2 churches, a post office, a bank and 2 stores in the same

community. One church was Methodist and the other was Presbyterian. There was a Baptist Church in a nearby town

smaller than Greenville. The Baptist Church had an annual revival in August. At one of the services the message de-

scribed hell as being Very Hot. Dad burned a lot of brush and Ed did not like the heat that came from those fires. He

walked forward and accepted Christ as his Savior. He was immersed in a nearby creek; which served as a swimming

hole. While in high school he attended church and Sunday school regularly.

After high school, in 1949, Ed enrolled in Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. He graduated from Berea College in 1953

with a B.S. Degree in Agriculture. He was very active in the Baptist Student Union for all 4 years. A few others joined

Ed in teaching Mission Sunday School in outlying areas. Three of Ed’s brothers also graduated from Berea College.

Ed kept very active at Berea with Sunday school, Choir, and the Berea Student Union.

Ed joined the Army October 19, 1954. He was a medic Ambulance Driver stationed in Germany. God made it possible

for his early release on September 7, 1956. From that point Ed enrolled in graduate school at Michigan State University

in 1956. He graduated from Michigan State in 1958 with a M.S. Degree in Soil Science and acquired a teaching Cer-

tificate in Agriculture and Science. Ed lived with a brother in Michigan while attending graduate school.

Ed attended church with his brother and family. While at Michigan State University the student body did a Christmas

play in 1956 and he had a small role in the play. Barbara, his wife of 54 years, had a role in the play too. They

started to date in January 1957 and were married on September 7, 1957.

Ed taught Agriculture and Biology in Mattawan Michigan for 2 years. He and Barbara adopted 2 children; a brother and

sister. Their family moved to Holland, Michigan for Ed to teach Agriculture and Biology at a new high school there.

While living in the Holland area, they adopted 2 more children, twin girls. The family was very active at an Independent

Church. They were involved in the Choir, teaching Sunday school, and Ed was also on the Deacon Board.

In 1967 the family moved to Bradenton, Florida where Ed taught vocational agriculture for 5 years. In 1972 He began

working at Tropicana as employee counselor for more than 2000 employees. He was also the bookstore manager for

several months. Tropicana’s founder, Anthony I. Rossi, was a fine Christian man. Ed and Barbara met Mr. Rossi at a

Bible class Mr. Rossi taught at his niece’s house. Since that meeting he and Barbara began a lifelong friendship. Mr.

Rossi established a community for retired missionaries supplying housing for 200 families rent free. He also estab-

lished the Bible Alliance which was a Bible ministry on tape. Ed was the Assistant Manager for the Bradenton Mission-

ary Village for 11 years.

Ed and Barbara moved to Fairfield Glade in 1995. He is a lifelong Gideon having joined in 1970. Ed feels that he has

been greatly blessed with excellent health and a wonderful church family.

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New Members….

Betty Gates

104 Brighton Lane

Fairfield Glade, TN 38558

Phone: 931-210-4679

E-mail: bgates2@frontiernet.net

Don & Miriam VanDenAkker

64 Inwood Terrace

Fairfield Glade, TN 38558

Phone: 931-303-9047

E-mail: Miriam4Homes@Realtor.com

Michael Willis

7000 Big Horn Drive—C-13

Crossville, TN 38572

Phone: 931-742-0036

E-mail: GaryandMike@charter.net

Shelby McDonald

(Jeff McDonald’s daughter)

Jim & Linda Arber

123 St. George Place

Fairfield Glade, TN 38558

Phone: 615-202-2422

E-mail: JimArber@Yahoo.com

Marshella Davis

955 McNeil Road

Crab Orchard, TN 37723

Phone: 931-484-1850/931-261-4725

E-mail: Marsh3@live.com

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