Mike’s story asks this question.  “Why do bad things happen to good people?”  To understand this question, you must know that the world in which we live is cursed, and the rain falls on the just and the unjust.  Mike Russell accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 19.

By age 40, the Knoxville, TN, farmer faced a life-or-death decision; he chose life.  Mike gave his doctor permission to amputate his left arm below the elbow, the fingers and thumb on his right hand, and both his legs below the knees.

Mikes situation began with a common sinus infection that didn’t seem to get any better.  Finally, he called his doctor for a visit and was immediately sent to the hospital.  He had pneumococcal pneumonia, and the infection had spread into his bloodstream.  Doctors didn’t think he would live through the night.

Perhaps if someone had told Mike to get a pneumonia shot every five years after having lost his spleen in an auto accident several years earlier, he might not have developed this rare form of pneumonia, but no one did.

Doctors warned that he would either die or go into a coma.  Mike’s face, chest and extremities turned black on the front side of his body and gangrene set in, things got even worse.  Doctors determined that both of Mike’s legs should be amputated below the knee, his right fingers and thumb, and left arm below the elbow.  Because Mike was heavily sedated, his wife of eighteen years Phyllis would have to make the decision whether to amputate or not.  The tough part was telling Mike what the doctors had recommended.  When the doctor had finished, Phyllis asked Mike if he understood what was going to happen.  According to Phyllis, he nodded his head yes.  After a few moments of silence, Mike asked his wife if it was bad to be afraid to die.  Phyllis speaks of that solemn moment.  “I let him know, no, we all have to die and that God understands our feelings.  Continue to trust in the Lord,” she told him.  Mike responded, “I just want you to know I have always loved you.”  Phyllis feels Mike’s statement gave her strength to face the uncertain future.

Turning to her faith in Jesus Christ for guidance, Phyllis prayed out loud one night, asking God to help her make the right decision.  “Later that evening Phyllis was sitting in the hospital waiting room when she saw a man with one arm, and another with one leg.  Phyllis took this sighting as a message God was sending that it was not up to her whether Mike could handle this, it was between Mike and God.”

In the days and weeks that followed, there was an outpouring of love.  The prayers and support from family, friends, and Christ-followers from many local churches were overwhelming! Christ-followers through the Internet organized and begin to pray to God for Mike’s recovery.

After three months in the hospital, with a lot of therapy, Mike begins to recover.  He was released from the hospital December 11, 1998.  “To Phyllis, Mike’s recovery was a miracle from God.”   

Life is back to normal at “The Russell Spotted Horse Farm”.  Mike and Phyllis have been married for twenty-nine years, and are the parents of two grown children, Jeremiah and Melissa.  Phyllis went back to work at TVA fulltime this past September; nothing much has changed.  Mike does most of the things he did before, just a little slower.  He rides horses, drives his tractor to put up hay, and drives a regular pick-up truck.  Mike has adjusted well to his prostheses; however, because he’s so active he wears out a lot of liners.

Humor plays an important role in the Russell home.  Being able to laugh together helps the family keep their situation in perspective.  According to Mike, God left me here for a reason.  He may have taken my legs and arms but He blessed me with a wonderful wife, wonderful children, family and friends. 

Mary Bluford

Background:

Mary grew up in White Pine, Tennessee (Jefferson County), and attended Carson-Newman College. Later, while working full time and attending Tusculum College she earned a M.A. in Adult Education and a B.S. in Organizational Management.

Mary has been employed with Knox Title Insurance, Inc. since 1995 as a Real Estate Settlement Specialist and considers the owners of the company (Roger and Kath Tipton), and her co-workers to be a part her extended family. Over the years these fellow Christians have been a source of hope, help, inspiration, and understanding, especially during the trying times in her life.

Ministy:

At various points in her life, Mary has served many roles in the church and community, among those being a Sunday School teacher, youth worker, and youth choir director. She has taught classes at the Hope Resource Center, served as a Divorce Care Facilitator, and a Stephen Minister. Currently her joy comes in serving as a Deacon at Central Baptist Church Bearden, and along with her husband, serving as the Directors of the Singles II Department.

In 2008, Mary was instrumental in bringing a “Living Your Strengths” study to be a part of her Sunday morning Bible class. During this study, Mary felt a calling in her life to work with a nonprofit organization called Dress for Success. After much research and exploration, she realized this venture was not feasible. However, at that time there was one-fifth of her Sunday morning Bible Study Class that was unemployed. She became increasingly burdened as she interacted with so many families that were experiencing the uncertainty of when, where, and how these unemployed or underemployed members of our community would find jobs. Being a fixer by nature, she set out to find a way to help these people for whom she so deeply cares. After lots of prayer, research, time, and God’s direction, she was led to work with another member of Central Baptist Church, Curt Hall, to start the BETWEEN JOBS MINISTRY. This ministry is designed to aid those who have become unemployed, or whose job is at risk, to better position them for employment. She now knows this is the “Dress for Success” ministry God was leading her to begin. When asked to describe the one accomplishment that she is most proud, she is quickly responds, Between Jobs Ministry! Her strengths are learner, achiever, activator, harmony, and input, which are perfect for this undertaking.

Mary is married to David Bluford and they live in Lenoir City, Tennessee. She has two children, Christy (Tim) Hodge who lives in Crozet, Virginia with her “favorite Grandson”, Zakkary, and Rodney Wyrick (Allison) who lives in Orlando, Florida. Her “mended” family also includes David’s two sons, Jeff (Kelli) and Kevin who live in Lenoir City, Tennessee.

Jeremiah 29:11 is Mary’s assurance that God wants only the best for his children and this is the banner for BETWEEN JOBS MINISTRY, “For I know the plans I have for you…. plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

Mark grew up in Corryton, TN where he has lived all of his life.  He attended Gibbs High School and the University of Tennessee.  He graduated UT in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a major in Accounting.

Mark is a CPA and worked in the public accounting industry for 8 years.  He also worked in the commercial lending business to the automobile dealer industry for 8 years.  Currently, he is employed by TVA as the lead specialist in the Accounting Policy and Research group.

Mark is involved in ministry at Corryton Church in north Knox County.  He has served for 5 years as the Assistant Minister of Music there.  He was also the Minister of Music at Rutherford Memorial United Methodist Church for 3 years.  In addition to working in the music ministry, Mark has been active in the Barbershop Harmony Society for 23 years and has competed at 7 international quartet competitions.  While music is his primary passion, he enjoys studying theology and served as a Community Group teacher at Corryton Church for 10 years and now fills that role as a substitute when needed.

Mark has been married to his wife Gail for 16 years, and has 2 sons:  Matt-12 and Zachary-7.  They live in the Graveston community.  His hobbies are hunting and golf.

Judy Martin

I grew up in the Corryton Community, attended Skaggston Elementary School and Carter High School.  I was married at an early age to Ronnie Martin; we were married for 53 years, when he went home to be with the Lord February 28, 2009.  Our marriage was blessed with three boys Jack, Bill, and Chris.  We were also blessed with 7 grandchildren. 

I accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior at the age of 21, and gave my life in service to the Lord.  I have been a member of Corryton Church for 48 years, and have served in several capacities at Corryton Church.  I was a youth leader for several years and worked with the college and career class for a few years.  In 1983 God placed on my heart that we needed a senior adult ministry, this ministry was developed, and God has blessed this ministry so much.  Today we have a great senior adult ministry.

The field of cosmetology stirred my interests, and I became a licensed cosmetologist in 1958, which led to my first business.  I pursued this career for 25 years.  Later, I chose a different career and became a floral designer and a wedding consultant at Fran’s Flowers. 

While working at Fran’s Flowers, I received a call on July 11, 1984 that would change my life forever.  Ronnie was a Federal Officer at TVA and his captain called to inform me that Ronnie was being transported to St. Mary’s hospital E.R. with a possible heart attack.  Upon arrival at St. Mary’s I found Ronnie had a serious heart attack and the cardiologist did not think he would survive.  They did absolutely nothing for him for 24 hours and then the treatment began.  After a few days the doctor told us Ronnie would die while he was trying to determine a treatment plan. 

Ronnie was then transported to Duke Hospital by ambulance accompanied by a trained medical team.  While at Duke the doctors told me Ronnie would not live three months.  He was put on an experimental drug that stopped working after 6 months.  Along with 9 other medications, he was placed on another experiential drug called amiodorone.  There were ten patients in this particular program, and Ronnie was the only survivor. 

The drug amiodorone was responsible for controlling V-Tach; a complication from this medicine made him nauseated every day for 10 years.  God had a plan.  Ronnie was a real trooper, trusting God for each day.  He was 47 years of age and I was 43 at this time.  Due to Ronnie’s illness this prompted me to open my own florist business in our home.  This was in 1984 and it allowed me to remain home and provide for his care.  God blessed us tremendously during that time. During September of 1991, I developed health issues of my own.  After suffering a heart attack, I thanked God for being able to pay Ronnie’s medical expenses at Duke Hospital prior to this tragedy.    

In May 1995 my mother passed away suddenly in my home.  Due to the shock of my mother’s sudden death I suffered three heart attacks.  All of which, medically I should not have survived.  In 1996 I had coronary artery by-pass surgery.  I also had to sell my business due to our health issues.  In 1998 Ronnie was faced with a coronary artery by-pass surgery that resulted in his declining health. 

In 1999 the amiodorone, which was his lifeline for the past 15 years, was replaced with a defibrillator.  Later the defibrillator ended up malfunctioning, which destroyed the remaining function of his heart.  He was transported to St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville by air ambulance to be evaluated for a heart transplant.  Due to lack of function, they placed him on a pump that injected medicine straight into his heart to keep the heart beating. 

We remained in Nashville, TN from April 2000 until August 4, 2000 when he received the heart transplant.  So many complications developed that they are too numerous to detail.  However, along our journey we discovered that God’s wonderful grace is sufficient for the moment and trusted in (Philippians 4:13).  "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."  NLT

Kemp Wynn

On these two Tuesdays, the KFL is pleased to conduct a special 2nd anniversary presentation on Biblical Creation vs. Evolution titled "Young Earth Seminar" by Frank Galbraith and Fred Mynatt.  This presentation will be given in two parts; half on September 7th and half on September 14th.  A description of the seminar appears below the speakers' biographies.

Frank Galbraith

Frank and his wife Cheryl live in Farragut Tennessee. Frank is a retired teacher having taught Geography and World History for 40 years in Knox County public and private Christian schools.

Fred Mynatt Jr.

Fred and his wife Kim also live in Farragut Tennessee. Fred is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Tennessee Air National Guard, where he accumulated over 31 years and 8000 hours as a Flight Training Instructor.

Both Frank and Fred have traveled extensively throughout the world, having collectively visited 32 countries, 5 continents, and all 50 states.

Frank and Fred are both active in the ministry in their respective churches and have spent many years researching and studying ancient Biblical geography and Creation Science.

Thousands have attended their faith-building seminars over the last 12 years at many churches and schools throughout the Knoxville area and in Central and South America and Europe. Their mission as they present these seminars is to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and advance the Kingdom of God.

“Young Earth Seminar”
This course covers the 6-day Biblical creation (around 4000 B.C.) through the flood of Noah, providing substantial scientific evidence to support a Biblical creation and refuting the theory of Evolution. You will clearly see that the earth is not billions of years old, but it is in fact a young earth (approx. 6000 years old ), which is in concert with God’s Word. You will learn how the “canopy” referred to in Genesis 1:6-7 made it possible for Methuselah to live to be 969 years old. Also presented, are archaeological discoveries to support where many of the Biblical events took place such as the location of the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, and the pre-flood cities.

My name is Thurman Kinnebrew I grew up in the inter-city.  I graduated from Austin High School in 1965 and my wife and I still live in the inter-city.  We have 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

      We attend Mattie E. Coleman C.M. E. Church where I serve on the trustee board. I have served 4 terms on the board of United Way, Knox. County Literacy Committee, 3 years on the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Association, member of Leadership Knoxville Class of 1993.  I also work with Focus Prison Ministry, KAIROS and KAIROS Torch Ministries as well as preach at Morgan County Prison twice a month.

   I am retired from White Lily Foods Company after 40 years of service. During the time I was employed I served as President of Local 165 American Federation of Grain Millers and as a member of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council.

 I am the founder and director of Locked Down on the Outside, LLC, which began in 2002.  I believe God’s purpose for my life is to try and reach young people by directing them in the right direction. I would love to share my story with you.

Randy Kington 

John Randall Kington grew up in Morristown Tennessee. After a typical childhood, Randy joined the Marine Corps on September 3, 1964, and proceeded from boot camp at Parris Island to the jungles of Vietnam within 10 months.

Randy was a rifleman and platoon radio operator with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. On March 21, 1966, Randy’s platoon spearheaded an assault against the 21st North Vietnamese Army Regiment.

Against overwhelming odds, Echo Co. lost 95 young Marines in a matter of moments. Before the Marines finally secured victory, Kington was shot in the neck and lost all feeling in his body.

Randy credits those seconds as the defining moment of his life. He realized his need to be right with God. From the 7.62 millimeter round tearing into his neck to landing hard off a rice paddy dike, Randy spent what seemed like minutes talking with the Lord and receiving His forgiveness.

Randy’s life since his injury is best summed up in the title of his autobiography--What a Life. He met his wife Patty, and went back to school achieving a Masters and CPA. Randy was an Associate Professor, Tax Partner, and with Patty, owned their own CPA firm. Randy credits the successes of his life to the faith gained from that battlefield conversion on March 21, 1966.

Randy Kington is positive proof that barriers can be overcome. Randy’s courage, his refusal to give up, and a strong faith in God sustained him through times that would defeat most. After 9 months of the most intense fighting of the Vietnam War, 19 year old Kington was severely wounded in an encounter with the enemy on March 21, 1966. The injury left him paralyzed from the chest down and in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

Randy’s life and inspirational message informs listeners about the price that was paid to triumph over the most difficult of obstacles and the rewards that came by overcoming.