Testimony by Steve Fatow

          Steve was born to Jewish parents in 1948 in New York.  Steve accepted Jesus Christ as Lord at 22 years of age and married his wife Sandy at 23.  Steve and Sandy have been married for 37 years and have two daughters, seven grandchildren, and another on the way in early February!

          Steve has served as pastor of Trinity Chapel Church in Knoxville, Tennessee for 26 years.  Before coming to Knoxville, Steve and Sandy lived in Miami, Florida.  

          For 30 years, Steve has traveled monthly to more than 60 countries, conducting crusades and pastor conferences.  Steve and Sandy have appeared on 100 Hunt Street in Canada, TBN, and The 700 Club a number of times and they remain today “on fire” for the Lord.

          You can view select Trinity Chapel services locally on TBN, Comcast Channel 40, on Fridays at 4:30 p.m.

Testimony by Rusty and Janis Stone

Isaiah 46:10 God declares the end from the beginning!

Having experienced a diabetic coma at 15 months old, the enemy began trying to “take me out” very early on.

I began smoking and drinking heavily at age 14 leading to severe drug use and drug dealing at age 18 and continuing for the next 24 years.

Near fatal car accidents, 18 drug/alcohol rehab centers including Teen Challenge and open-heart surgery could not keep me away from cocaine.

Eventually I lost everything; a great career in the building materials industry and all the “stuff” ending up homeless on the streets of Knoxville where I met Maxine Raines, Founder of Lost Sheep Ministries www.lostsheepministries.org.

In 1998, Lost Sheep sent me to a Christian rehab program, Mission teens and it was there that I accepted my Savior. Born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit, and now a new creation.

I would like to say that upon my new birth, I never used cocaine again, but that is not my story. I slipped over and over for several years trying to stay clean but by the grace of God was able to make it back time and again.  His grace is given in measures. He hath given me much!

My family and those I loved repeatedly helped along the way through prayer and support, but I was not finished. I kept going back to Egypt, as I could not accept this thing called GRACE.

In 2000, I met the love of my life and desired to lay down the former love of my life, cocaine. My inability to control my anger sent me back out again.

Attempting to stay clean over the next few years, I grew emotionally and spiritually but could not completely surrender. The realm of the soul caused me much trouble as I could not control my emotions and could not live life on life’s terms.

In 2002, I entered another Teen Challenge Program where I learned the trade that has now become an art and entry to my calling.

In 2005, after being clean for 1.5 yrs, God allowed my path to cross again with Janis and we married in 2006 at Park West Church. We have been married for four years.

My wife too has a powerful testimony of God’s healing power and has a heart for the wounded. We speak in churches, youth groups, clubs/organizations and set up the cross display in crafts shows, flea markets etc…   The cross ministry is an avenue to reach the broken by sharing the “Good News”.

Hearts and lives are touched and moved toward Jesus. A portion of the cross proceeds go to the Lost Sheep Ministries where I donate my time as a volunteer.  For more testimonial documents from Rusty and Janis visit the KFL Print Library Page:  http://kfl-luncheon.com/kfl_print_library.htm.

Due to a birth defect, Ben had open heart surgery at 8 months old.  He also struggled in school because of learning disabilities.  Through it all, the Lord gave him a spirit of perseverance and resilience that allowed him to become an Eagle Scout and graduate from Boyce College with a Bachelor of Science and from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters in Christian Education.  While in seminary, Ben served as the Youth and Discipleship Minister for 2 area churches.  Also, he completed a Clinical Pastoral Education at The University of Louisville Hospital.

He is married to Amanda and has 2 beautiful, healthy children, Clark and Emma Kate.  This past year Ben faced a heart transplant, but instead of providing a heart, the Lord provided healing.  After a 5 day stay in Vanderbilt Hospital and being prepped for their heart transplant list, the doctors performed a Cardiac MRI that showed healing in Ben’s heart that was not there before.  Ben has been given the opportunity to share his testimony about his struggles and surrender, his health and healing.

Ben has recently been accepted into the doctoral program at the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Currently, Ben works for the Campbell County School System as an assistant to a principal and is the part time Youth Minister at Caryville First Baptist Church.  He also serves as the Chaplain for the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and Jail.  His goal in ministry is to encourage others to completely surrender their lives to Christ.  “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” ~ Proverbs 4:23

Jesse Warren grew up on a dairy farm in northern Indiana.  He was the youngest of seven children but grew up as an only child.

He is a product of the Vietnam era.    He joined the Navy in 1966. He served in Vietnam July 1967 - July 1968.   His next assignment was the USS Concord AFS5 August 1968 - December 1969, when his tour of duty was complete.  While on the ship, he met a fellow shipmate who, by way of the U. S. Mail, introduced him to Betty, his wife of 39 years.

They got married and lived in Indiana.  God put them across the street from First Baptist Church of Argos.  He wasn’t a Christian then, but God had a plan for them there.  Through the love that the people at that church extended to them, he learned of God’s love.  On April 2, 1971, he asked the Lord to be his Savior.  He changed, but something was still missing.  The Lord dealt with him and impressed upon him that although he had asked the Lord to be his Savior, he hadn’t asked Him to be Lord.  He got on his knees and made Jesus his Lord.  Since then there have been no doubts.

Testimony by Dave Gorden

Dave Gorden works with Organizations who want to provide exceptional service and with Managers who want to develop the full potential of their team.

He works with Key Management to create a cultures that fosters service, both internally and externally. Dave conducts Keynote Presentations and Workshops that are designed to boost morale and get people focused on a common goal. We may also create tools and materials that support the learning process and help people put ideas into action.  Dave always does his homework and everything we do is “planned”, not “canned.” We will facilitate a strong “Team” effort. TEAM stands for Together Everyone Accomplishes More.

Dave is a former executive of the CBS television Network and has been the Personal Agent for Olivia Newton-John, The Osmonds, Tony Orlando & Dawn and several other top artists. He has always been in the “People Business.” He has been a Foster Parent to 57 different children over 14 years.

He has earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speakers Association. CSP is the highest earned designation and it recognizes a commitment to ongoing education, proven speaking experience and ethical behavior. In addition, he has been honored with the Speaker Hall of Fame award, which is considered the Academy Award of the Speaking Profession.

Dave was president of the National Speakers Association in 1999 and 2000. Clients often say that his energy and enthusiasm are contagious. He really does not believe in Religion, but has a very close personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Dave was born to a Jewish mother and a Catholic father.  His parents divorced when he was 3 months old and he went to live with his grandparents, who were from Hungary and Austria and of the Jewish Faith.  After attending Hebrew School for many years, he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah.  A ”Bar Mitzvah” literally means “son of the commandment.” “Bar” is “son” in Aramaic, which used to be the vernacular of the Jewish people. ”Mitzvah” is “commandment” in both Hebrew and Aramaic. Technically, the term refers to the child who is coming of age, and it is strictly correct to refer to someone as “becoming a bar mitzvah.”  However, the term is more commonly used to refer to the coming of age ceremony itself, and you are more likely to hear that someone is “having a bar mitzvah.”

Under Jewish Law, children are not obligated to observe the commandments; although they are encouraged to do so as much as possible to learn the obligations they will have as adults.  At the age of 13, children become obligated to observe the commandments. The bar mitzvah ceremony formally marks the assumption of that obligation, along with the corresponding right to take part in leading religious celebrations, to count in a minyan (the minimum number of people needed to perform certain parts of religious services), to form binding contracts, to testify before religious courts and to marry.

A Jewish boy automatically becomes a bar mitzvah upon reaching the age of 13 years. The popular bar mitzvah ceremony is not required, and does not fulfill any commandment. It is certainly not necessary to have a bar mitzvah in order to be considered a Jew! The bar mitzvah is a relatively modern innovation, not mentioned in the Talmud, and the elaborate ceremonies and receptions that are commonplace today were unheard of as recently as a century ago. 

Today, it is common practice for the bar mitzvah celebrant to do much more than just say the blessing. It is most common for the celebrant to learn the entire haftorah portion, including its traditional chant, and recite that. In some congregations, the brant reads the entire weekly torah portion, or leads part of the service, or leads the congregation in certain important prayers. The celebrant is also generally required to make a speech, which traditionally begins with the phrase “today I am a man.” The father traditionally recites a blessing thanking God for removing the burden of being responsible for the son's sins (because now the child is old enough to be held responsible for himself). In modern times, the religious service is followed by a reception that is often as elaborate as a wedding reception.  At the age 12, Dave felt called to the Ministry and studied to be a Cantor.  At the age of 15, he read the book that he had been told not to read, the New Testament.  As someone who had been waiting for the Messiah, he discovered that the Savior had already been here and if he would accept Jesus as his personal Savior, he would be saved.  On February 9th, Dave will share what Paul Harvey would call: “The Rest of the Story.”

Find out even more about Dave at his website (www.DaveGorden.com)

Joe is married to his wife of 22 years, Amanda. They are members of Beaverdale Baptist Church.

Joe currently serves Knox County, Tennessee, as its chief deputy law director. Joe came to saving, personal relationship with Jesus Christ during his service overseas as a United States Army Combat Arms Officer in 1984. He  has been practicing local government law since 1989, during which time he served Polk County, Florida (population 554,000), as its County Attorney, Manatee County as an Assistant County Attorney, and the Florida Association of County Attorneys (FACA) as its president.  He is the 2009 recipient of FACA’s Gordon Johnston Ethics and Professionalism for Local Government Attorneys Award. Joe is a Federal and Circuit Civil Mediator who holds the Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, from Troy State University (W. Germany Campus), the Masters in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, the Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, and a post-Graduate Certificate in Public Management from the University of South Florida.  He is a former active duty United States Army Combat Arms Officer and former United States Air Force Special Agent with 10 years overseas service, and a graduate of the Army’s Airborne and Armored Cavalry Schools and the United States Air Force Special Investigations Academy.  An award-winning writer, Joe has published over 85 articles in various professional journals such as the Florida Bar Journal, the Tennessee Bar Journal, City, The Agenda, published by the City, County & Local Government Law Section of The Florida Bar, the Alternative Dispute Resolution News published by the Tennessee Dispute Resolution Commission, DICTA, published by the Knoxville Bar Association, Public Risk Journal, published by the Public Risk & Insurance Management Association (PRIMA), Public Management, published by the International City & County Managers Association (ICMA) and the Stetson University College of Law, Law Review. His writing awards include the Florida Bar, Osee R. Fagan, Legal Writing Award, The Florida Association of County Attorneys Legal Writing Award, and has been named Public Risk Management Magazine’s ‘Author of the Year’ for 2005 & 2006.  He is a recipient of the Florida Bar, City, County, & Local Government Section Chair’s Service Award. He has recently presented blocks of instruction on behalf of FACA, the Florida Bar, the Tennessee Judicial Conference, the National Association of Counties, the Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association, the Tennessee & Knoxville Bar Associations, the University of Tennessee College of Law, The International Municipal Attorneys Association, Stetson University College of Law and the International City & County Managers Association.

Testimony by Charles Richard Liner

President - Liner Ministries

Church Ministry

• 2000 - Pastor (Interim) - 300 members

• Boyds Creek Baptist - Sevier County, Tennessee

• 1991 - 2000 Pastor - 2,800 members

• First Baptist Church - Sevierville, Tennessee

• 1978 - 1990 Pastor - 3,200 members

• First Baptist Church - Hendersonville, North Carolina

• 1972 - 1978 Pastor - 2,000 members

• Euclid Avenue Baptist Church - Bristol, Virginia

• 1968 - 1972 Assistant to Pastor - 16,000 members

• First Baptist Church - Dallas, Texas

• 1967 - 1968 Assistant Pastor - 200 members

• Calvary Baptist Church - Greeneville, Tennessee

Personal

• Birth: November 22, 1940

• Lafayette, Georgia

• Marriage: July 24, 1971

• Dallas, Texas

• Wife: Barbara Jean

• Children: Noel (35), Joshua (32)

• Grandchildren: Zacheriah, Levi, Ava & Colton

• Interests: Reading, Skiing, Travel

Christian Experience

• Salvation: April 2, 1948

• South Rossville Baptist Church - Rossville, Georgia

• Gospel Call: February 1, 1961

• Crest Hill Baptist Church - Savannah, Georgia

• Ordination: May 7, 1967

• Calvary Baptist Church - Greenville, Tennessee

• Spiritual Gifts: Preaching, Administration, Mercy

Education

• Doctor of Ministry - 1978

• Luther Rice Seminary - Jacksonville, Florida

• Master of Divinity - 1972

• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary - Fort Worth, Texas

• Bachelor of Arts - 1967

• Carson-Newman College - Jefferson City, Tennessee

• Diploma - 1958

• Central High School - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Business Experience

• 1965 - 1967 Staff Announcer with WJFC Radio

• 1963 - 1964 Sales Manager with Southwestern Publishers

• 1959 Sports Statistician with WDOD Radio

• 1957 - 1959 Record Librarian With WAPO Radio

• 1957 - 1958 The Chattanooga Baseball Company

Military Experience

• 1959 - 1962 United States Air Force - Special Services Division of the Strategic Air Command (SAC)

• Honorable Discharge - 1961

Denominational Ministry

• The Southern Baptist Convention

• Sunday School Board

• 1981, 2004 Speaker at Ridgecrest

• 1981 Home Life

• 1976 Outreach

• 1974 Source

• 1970 Ambassador Life

• Foreign Missions Ministry

• 2004 Moldova team member 1984 Ecuador team member

• 2003 Russia team member 1983 Korea team member

• 2000 Israel team member 1970 Mexico team member

• 1985 Africa team member

• International Missions Ministry

• Numerous Revivals, Interim Pastorates, Mission Ministries since 2000

• Home Missions Ministry

• Pioneer Evangelism Projects - Rhode Island 1967, Pittsburgh 1996

• Certified to Lead Continued Witness Training Program 1981

• “Growing an Evangelistic Church Seminar” 1977

• Royal Ambassador Ministry Minnesota 1968

• The Executive Committee

• 1986 - 1989 Chairman of Personnel Committee

• 1986 - 1989 Member of Administrative Subcommittee

• 1985 - 1987 Member of Program and Budget Subcommittee

• State Convention

• 1984 - 1986 North Carolina Resolutions Committee

• 1984 North Carolina Convention Speaker

• 1982 North Carolina Evangelism Task Force

• 1976 - 1978 Carson Newman College Advisory Board

• 1974 Virginia Evangelism Conference Speaker

• 1970 Texas Baptist Men’s Convention Speaker

• Local Association

• 1999 Personnel Committee Chairman - Sevier County Baptist

• 1988 School of Evangelism

• 1986 - 1988 Moderator - Carolina Baptist Association

• 1985 Carolina Baptist Association Speaker

• 1981 Buncombe Baptist Association Speaker

• 1980 Transylvania Baptist Association Speaker

• 1980 - 1983 Evangelism Committee - Carolina Baptist Association

• 1976 Vice Moderator - Lebanon Baptist Association

• CIVIC MINISTRY

• 1978 - 2000 Radio Ministry: WMIT, WFGW, WHKP, WOPI, WSEV

• 1984 - 2000 Rotary Club Member

• 1990 Instructor - Billy Graham School of Evangelism

• 1981 - 1987 Chaplain for Hendersonville High Football Team

• 1983 - 1985 American Cancer Society

• 1973 - 1978 Daily host for television program - WCYP-TV

• 1974 - 1978 Chaplain for Holiday Inns of Bristol, Virginia

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

• 1977 Outstanding Young Men of America - selected by U.S. Jaycees

• 1976 Who’s Who in American Religion

• 1967 Earned private pilot’s license

• 1968 Judge Frank Ryburn Scholarship recipient - seminary study

Testimony by Curtis D. Phillips

Curtis grew up in the "Bearden" area of Knoxville, Tennessee.  He was active in athletics a graduated from Bearden High School.  Curtis served with the United States Navy during the latter stages of the Korean War.  After the war, Curtis served the citizens of Knoxville, as a police officer for fourteen years.  After retirement, he worked in various security activities before joining the State of Tennessee Department of Child Services, where he served as a security officer. 

He is married to his wife of fifty-four years Naomi; they are the parents of three children (3), Grandparents of eight grandchildren (8), and the great grandparents of three (3) great grandchildren. 

Curtis’ testimony is about God’s ability to heal.  The healing takes place when Christian men and women "who are called by His name" join together in prayer for another believer.  Prayer is the most powerful weapon on earth, when exercised by God’s people. 

Curtis was severely burned in a house fire in 1996!  He received 2d and 3d degree burns on his legs (see photos), and there were some doubts that he would ever walk again without aid.  Curtis is now fully recovered and is doing everything that he did before the fire.

The miracle in this healing is this, "there are no scar’s!  If not for photos and hospital records, there would be no evidence of burns.  When God heals there is no need for plastic surgery". 

During the month of October 2006, Curtis Phillips was awarded: The Coveted Platinum Award; the award is given to citizens who demonstrate an "Inspirational Attitude"  and work to improve "true support of positive action".

Testimony by Ronald Christopher Clark

Ron Clark uses his rich spiritual experience and knowledge to impact families, individuals and young people for the Kingdom of God and the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Ronald hails from the Bluegrass state of Kentucky.  He was born on February 24, 1969 and raised in the capital city of Frankfort and rural Muhlenberg County, which is located in the western part of the state.  He learned many important things from his urban and rural roots that give him a unique perspective on life.  He is the product of a single parent household, but had instilled in him and his younger brother, Shawn Clark, from a very early age, by his very strong mother Drucilla (Clark) Benton, the qualities of hard work and a respect for those around him.  He uses those experiences as a platform to speak from concerning the plight that surrounds the African American male that has been primarily raised without a father.  He was fortunate enough later on in his teenage years, to have had a step-father, John G. Benton, who came into his life around the age of 16 through the relationship and marriage to his mother. He has also contributed to his growth as a young person and as an adult and has helped fill the void for a father figure.  Ron speaks passionately and with great conviction about his spiritual transformation and how God the Father through Jesus Christ became his father and led him to a commitment to Him and service toward others.  He strives for excellence in his life because of the esteem God has placed in him.  His love and compassion for people and their needs is evident in the work that God has allowed him to participate in on several different ministry areas throughout his life.

He had a profound spiritual experience on May 28, 1989 while stationed at Yokota Air Force Base located about 30 miles from Tokyo, Japan.  God called him while in a dark and depressed time in his life, when he had no sense of direction and purpose.  He sensed a profound void that kept him in a lonely and seemingly lifeless condition.  This condition began to affect his job performance and his relationships with those around him.  He felt down all the time and unable to focus.  The weather even matched his temperament and attitude during that time.  For the first year of his time in Japan, the area was overtaken with violent storms that created incredible rainfall.  It seemed like that wherever he turned, the pressures of life began to take its toll on him and he felt unbearable sadness and grief.  Little did he know that God was placing him in these circumstances to turn his attention upon Him. 

During this time, he wasn’t going to church regularly and rarely touched his bible.  He had went to church during most of his life growing up, especially during his formative years in Kentucky, where he was taught the simple principles of God from a very special Sunday school teacher, by the name of Mrs. Rutheen Robinson.

After leaving Japan in the summer of 1991, God placed him in one vineyard after the other, continuing to prove Himself to him and teaching him many important lessons along the way.  His next step in his journey was to Frankfurt, Germany, Rein Main Air Force Base to be exact, where he became an integral part of the chapel service on the base.  He continued to be fed and nurtured through the Lord by many fine and godly people, too many to name.  After his time in Germany, where the Lord continued to show him His love and direction, he recognized that he needed to be trained even more in the things of God, so he decided to go to Bible school and to end his career in the Air Force.  This is where things began to really take shape and where his faith would be tested and proved.

After a year spent working, going to church and going to school and involving himself in different activities at the school, the Lord opened up an opportunity for him to go to Chicago and continue his biblical training and practical stewardship.  He was invited by a fellow student to work at a Christian business and at a local church that was located on the south side of the city.  He was formally introduced through this local body to the teachings and ways of the Church of God in Christ denomination.  The pastor of the church took an immediate liking to Ron and allowed him opportunities to minister and share his faith, especially in the area of youth ministry.  While there he also got a chance to really work in the area of evangelism by participating in street ministry and sharing his faith at the local train stations where many people would congregate.

Testimony by Rev. Mark Swain

I was born in 1961 to the parentage of Rev Roland and Pleasant Swain. My family was very large, nine boys and seven girls, all with the same parents. We grew up in the beautiful island country of the Bahamas. My father was a preacher so we always were around or in church doing something. I attended church regularly during my early years. We had a wonderful and supportive family, that were very united in helping each other be who God had called them to be. After finishing high school in 1978 I sort of wandered from the path. For the next two years I move to Freeport City in the Bahamas and was introduced to the city life especially the nightlife. I quickly got into the partying scene.  I work in the Hospitality industry (Tourism) and loved meeting people and taking care of their needs. I came to faith in 1981 and upon receiving Christ as savior I knew that church ministry was my calling. I quickly got involved in ministry. My mother gave me my first speaking engagement during a prayer fellowship. I loved public speaking, being up in front was never a problem for me, and it just came natural. And so in 1982 I began working with the Brethren Assemblies as a volunteer youth leader, which became one of many positions I would hold in church ministry. Most of my family is in ministry at some level or the other.

In 1985 my mother past away which was very painful for our entire family, but we knew that God had a better place for her and she was with Him. In 1988 I applied to go to Canada for Seminary training but the Evangelical denomination I was working with could not financial support us and so it did not happen.

I continued in ministry and in August of 1989 I met the beautiful Vernelle Pritchard and we got married one year later in September of 1990. We have been married now for 17years and were still going strong (praise the Lord!). We now have two children, one 15yrs and 3yrs old; both are boys (Mark A Swain JR (AJ) & David Jeremiah). I was bi-vocational for ten years after we were married and then in 1998 I got another chance to theological education through a church in Nashville TN.

In August of 1998 my wife and I came to seminary together, I really felt this was the way God wanted us to do it. While at Seminary Vernelle obtained a master in theological studies and a master in counseling, she is brilliant. I obtained a master of divinity degree with a view to pursue a doctor of ministry degree in the future. In 2002 we finished seminary and wanted to pursue ministry in a reform context.

While studying at Covenant Seminary, I also worked with New life Presbyterian Church, where I  learned  about church planting in the African American community. My wife and I also saw what the PCA was doing to raise up black leadership within it’s denomination by planting churches that would reach black people with the gospel of grace, resulting in racial reconciliation among other things.

At Covenant, I enrolled in courses pertaining to church planting. It became clear to my wife and I during our final two years at Covenant that God wanted us to stay in America and work with the PCA or other reformed denominations or churches as they planted churches in the middle class community.

My wife was very open to this call of God on our lives. She, like me was concern at first how everything was going to work out, but time after time God made clearer his will for our lives. In January of 2003 my wife and I attended Mission to North America church planting assessment center in Atlanta GA. We were approved as church planters qualified to go to the field. We came to Memphis and worked for Three years attempting to plant a church in the PCA having been given a call by Covenant Presbytery. The project ended in November of 2007 because of lack of funding. My family and I learned a lot and do look forward to the next call that God places on our lives as we work for the PCA.

It has been a long wait for a next ministry call, but my family is in good spirits although it has been financially though for us. Everybody is healthy, AJ is looking to begin a new school this yea, Jeremiah just turned three.  I thank God for His gracious hand in our lives from the first day until now. To Him be the glory.

Testimony by Scott Sherrod

Hi, my name is Scott Sherrod. I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. I graduated from Holston High School and attended UT for two and have yrs before transferring to Columbia Bible College. Upon graduation in 1978, I moved to West Palm Beach, FL to start a church with another colleague and both of us ended up teaching at a small Christian school. It was here that I met my wife of 29 yrs and had 4 of our 5 children. By the end of my 7 years, I had taught 1^st through 12 grade in various studies including math, science, geography, and history.  I had coached football, basketball, become principal of the school, business manager of the church and school, maintenance worker, bus driver, etc. Needless to say, when you work in a Christian school, you learn to do things that you have never done before. It was also here that I learned that I love to teach and loved the work of the church and how God’s redemptive power can work through you to change a life even when you fell so inadequate. 

Upon the soon to be birth of our fifth child, we moved back to Powell, Tennessee to start a new chapter in our lives. I started in insurance and in 1993 was able to purchase a small agency. I have worked in this same agency since 1993 to present. God has demonstrated his provision in many means and ways over these last 16 years. 

In late 2000, I had a chance to go Southeast Asia on a mission trip that awaked something inside me that I knew that I had responsibility towards but had dismissed. It was the first time I really saw poverty. It was the first time I smelt it, heard it, and felt the overwhelming burden. It was also here that God overwhelmed me with my lack of love of others and my selfishness. One day I was traveling with others in our group through what seemed endless rice patties and feeling “sorry” for these people and thanking God for the opportunity to be here and share the “Good News” when I sensed God speaking to me that saying that this could easily be me in the rice fields. I was flooded with emotion and maybe for the first time seemed to have a better grasp of God’s supernatural grace. 

God has allowed our family over these last fifteen years or so to travel to all parts of the world. My kids have had the opportunity to visit and live in some of the worst poverty in Africa, China, South America, India, Mexico, and the Philippines. Rosemary and I have started our journey to go the mission field and trust our Lord for His faithfulness and grace to fulfill what He has begun.

John is a native of Georgia and came to live in Grainger County during his middle school years.  When young he spent a lot of time on his grandfather’s farm in South Georgia and this is no doubt where his love of the outdoors began.  He worked for tomato farmers in Grainger while in high school and has always been an avid outdoorsman.

 John and Rhonda met through friends in Grainger County in 1980 and married four years later.  They have been farming together since 1985 when they bought a small house with a big yard.  They both worked full time jobs to support their farming habit.  By 1998 both were farming full time and raising their two sons, Jonathon and Joseph who are now 22 and 16 respectively.   

I was raised in a wonderful home with two amazing, loving parents. I have two older sisters - so I was the baby. We really didn’t have a lot of material things. My mom stayed home and my dad worked a good job and provided for us very well. I can see now what a great job they did in raising us. I knew I was loved, and our home environment was one that always provided encouragement. I was told I could do anything, I was special, and if I failed at something that was OK too, I could go on and get over it.

My mom was always there. She did absolutely everything for us. She packed our lunches, she always had supper on the table, she comforted and cared for us when we were sick, she always had the laundry done, she could keep the house clean like no other person I’ve ever known, and she was always there to greet me when I got off the bus from school. She is the best example of a sweet, loving mother.

My dad was the rock of the family. He was very kind natured, but you didn’t dare cross or disobey him.  He was the most encouraging and patient person I’ve ever known. He coached our softball teams, taught us to swim and ride a bike, and was the most amazing teacher at anything we did.

My mom had a rule that I didn’t quite appreciate at the time. While in high school she made me take clerical courses. I didn’t want to be a secretary so I didn’t like it. I wanted to take Art and Drafting.  But her wonderful plan was so I could have the skills to work in an office and not a fast-food place when it came time to get a job. Brilliant mother! This all came together and in my Senior year I was selected to work at a local office for class credit. It was wonderful experience and it was there I met someone that I began working for in my field of studies when I started college. I was errand girl, then office manager and I continued to work my way up - in that my senior year of college I was managing her design firm on my own. She had her first child and was staying home.

Like many other young people, I wanted to be on my own.  I wanted to excel in a career, and because I thought I could do anything - my plan was to go to college, have a great career, marry someone wonderful and life would be perfect. In my mind the only things you needed to make life perfect were - work hard, go to church, and do good. I was very naive.

I met someone during college.  We dated for two years and then married during my senior year. Within a few weeks I knew I had made a terrible mistake. I remember praying and asking the Lord “what have I done?” All he said was “Hold On.”

All the rules changed, as the saying goes. I was basically on my own. He did his own thing and I did mine and we pretended to our families that everything was OK. The marriage barely lasted a year.  Although I knew the marriage wouldn’t last, the divorce and break-up was devastating. I went through a tremendous amount of pain and sorrow.
I spent months wrestling with myself and God. I determined that I would never let anyone hurt me again like that and I would go after my career with all I had.

I graduated college and landed a good job. Within a few months, I awoke one morning with an awful pain in my left arm.  As the day progressed the pain got worse and my arm had swollen so severely that I couldn’t move it.  I asked for the rest of the day off work and my employer informed me that they had never filed for my health insurance! After some tests I was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of a blood clot in my subclavian vein - a vein that runs to your heart! I was in intensive care for seven days. The clot would not dissolve. Doctors decided they would have to cut one of my ribs out. The risk of the blood thinner I had been on was great and the risk of puncturing my lung during the surgery was high as well. My lung was slightly punctured, and I remember laying in the hospital bed barely able to breath. I spent many long days ahead recuperating.  With no insurance, my bills were over $35,000 and a few weeks after returning to work - I was let go. My employer feared a law suit, but I decided it wasn’t worth pursuing. I was unemployed, in-debt, and alone.

During this time, I felt God speak to me again and he said - “you can spend your life searching for what you want, OR you can trust me.” I’ve chosen the later. God healed me in so many ways. He is my everything. He was my comforter when I was alone, He was my breath when I couldn’t breath, and He was my rock. I really do strive to seek Him in all that I do. I learned that it is so much better to do things God’s way.

I am now married with two boys. My husband and I chose for me to stay home with the boys when they were young, and currently I am able to continue to do this. I am also the part-time Preschool Director at Corryton Church and I have my own graphic design and marketing business.

I love my life, but I love my God more!

Testimony by Keira A. Wyatt

Keira is the Servant Director of C.O.N.N.E.C.T. (Community Organization Networking Neighborhood Encouraging Change Together) Ministries.

Keira is a native of Knoxville and a graduate of Holston High School class of 1975.  She received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  She is retired from Philip Morris USA after more than 20 of year’s service as a Territorial Sales Manager.

She has served on the United Way Outcome Base Investment (OBI) Committee.  She is currently participating in the 2010 CAC Leadership Class and also in the Citizens Police Academy (CPA). Keira is a licensed Exhorter and member of the leadership team at Greater Warner A.M.E. Zion Church. 

She is married to David A. Wyatt and they are the owners of Wyatt’s Classic Caterers and the founders of C.O.N.N.E. C. T. Ministries. She and David are parents of 10 children, Georgia, Renee, Lee Ann, Justin, Weston, Jonathan, David Jr. Kezia, Benjamin and Marcia.  Her life’s motto is “Live Ready for the Lord, Finish Well.” 

Alan C. Guy

Alan is a visionary healthcare leader with extensive experience in health system design and implementation, mergers and acquisitions and system integration.  He has a strong values-based focus on community health improvement.  His strengths were developed in Governing Board and organizational design, organization productivity and fiscal management.  He is skilled in communications, strategic planning, people skills and relationship development and he has a substantial health industry network developed over the thirty years of healthcare executive experience.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Healthcare and Contract Retention Consulting and Executive Search (2000 – Present) Knoxville, Tennessee

Healthcare and Strategic Consulting

Created and own a private consulting practice for strategic and organizational planning and executive coaching. The practice has assisted multiple clients, most on an ongoing retained basis, with the creation and updating of mission and vision statements and the development and monitoring of strategic plans. I was engaged by several of these clients to continue this work in an executive coaching role. Work has been performed for organizations with over $1 Billion in revenue with nationwide scope of operations. Clients have included TeamHealth, McKesson, Morrison Management Specialists, Bell South, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.

Executive Search

Founding Principal and Managing Partner of Guy, McNeilly and Associates, a health care search and consulting firm concentrating its work in the Southeastern sector of the medical industry. The firm has conducted executive and professional level searches for hospitals, health systems, hospital corporations, and national corporations.

Client/Customer Retention Consultant

I have developed and maintained a five year consulting and teaching relationship with the industry leading Tenacity organization of Atlanta. Currently I am responsible for an ongoing Clients For Life© practice with a national organization, including critical client contact, teaching employees CFL principles and process, and monitoring contract retention results.

Covenant Health System, Knoxville, Tennessee

Ft. Sanders Health System, Knoxville, Tennessee

A community-owned, seven hospital system, that includes a health plan with over 118,000 members, a behavioral health system, home health company, cancer center and outpatient campus.  Gross revenues of over $1 billion with a net of $760 million.  Over 9,000 employees serving a population of 1.5 million.  Covenant Health succeeded the Fort Sanders Health System, which evolved from a two hospital to five-hospital system over thirteen years. 

PRESIDENT/CEO (1985 – 2000)

• Maintained system profitable throughout fifteen years except for a bond defeasance charge in 1993.

• Increased assets of the organization fifteen fold, from $62 million to $920 million.

• Increased enterprise market share from 13% to 35% through acquisition and system growth.

• Recognized as first system in Tennessee with vision for full health system and health plan integration.

• Initiated a National award winning community health improvement initiative.

• Created an internationally-known cancer center with gifted funds of over $20 million.  Research produced breakthrough treatments in Photo Dynamic Therapy.

• Successfully achieved having two medical centers awarded top 100 designation for cardiovascular care nationally.

• Implemented managed care contracting strategy that limited the network of health plans in the market.

• Increased cash reserves, from $15 million to $454 million and a positive debt/equity ratio of 64%.

• Streamlined governance process by downsizing the Board while increasing physician involvement.

• Implemented a profitable joint venture surgery center, with physician investors, resulting in new market share.  Two new centers under construction.

• Clinical quality initiative undertaken with physician staff and national collaborative organizations.

• Implemented a profitable wellness program with a 3,902-member fitness center.

• Co-founded a statewide network of health systems for managed care and other businesses.

• Built, expanded and consolidated pieces of the post-acute care continuum into a fully integrated home health company.

• Acquired, consolidated and integrated behavioral health into the complete health delivery system.

Indian River Memorial Hospital, Vero Beach, Florida

A 300-bed acute tax-district hospital serving an urban population. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PRESIDENT-CEO (1984 – 1985)

Responsible for the entire operation of the hospital.

Restructured the Hospital governance and control from the hospital tax district to a 501-C-3 community-owned corporation through a lease vehicle.

Morristown-Hamblen Hospital, Morristown, Tennessee

ADMINISTRATOR (1978 – 1984)

St. Francis Xavier Hospital, Charleston, South Carolina

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR (1974 – 1978)

HCA Donelson Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR (1973 – 1974)

Bristol Memorial Hospital, Bristol, Tennessee

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR (1972 – 1973)

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, 1972, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, 1969, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

PROFESSIONAL/COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS 

• Board Certified in Healthcare Management and a Diplomate in the American College of Healthcare Executives

• Tennessee Hospital Association – Chair (1998)

• VHA (Voluntary Hospitals of America) - Board Member

• Multi Mutual Insurance Co. (MMI), Board Member; NYSE:  MMI

• HRDI (Healthcare Research and Development Institute) – Member

• Carson Newman College – Past Board Member

• Leadership Knoxville – Board Member

• Central Baptist Church of Bearden – Sunday School teacher, Deacon chair, Choir, committee chair.

Sin always takes us further than we intend to go!  Sin keeps us longer than we planned to stay!  The price for sin is much more than we thought!  And we must live with the consequences of our sin.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like that:

• I just wanted to smoke a little
• Joke a little
• Dance a little
• Party a little

My first boyfriend was electrocuted in Florida State prison.  My second boyfriend got ninety-nine years and life for murder and armed robbery of a wealthy Miami tennis player.  My third boyfriend was shot along with his crime partner.  He was on the ten most wanted list two times, and while serving a thirty eight year sentence, escaped in a garbage truck.

I began dating the bass player in Jimi Hendrix’s band.  Later I joined the United States Marine Corps, and was honorably discharged because of pregnancy, I gave the baby up for adoption.  Today He would be 43 years old, and I have never seen him.

Next I met with the drummer of Tommy James and the “Shondells”, what a disaster. Broken hearted I took 60 Valium. Of course you can see I did not die!

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in Miami, Florida during the Jesus Movement in 1970 and have served Him since that day.

I have traveled to 29 countries, thought the world as a witness for Jesus Christ, included in those countries are China, Peru, Chili, Guatemala Prisons, and Colombia.  During the past years, I worked for Bill Glass ministries for sixteen years, and visited approximately six-hundred jails and prisons.

I am married to a Christian Jew.  We have served churches and witnessed for Christ for thirty-five years, twenty-five of those years have been in Knoxville, TN.  We have 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 1 on the way.

By the “Grace of God”, I have been free from heroin addiction for 39 years.

Dan has served as Headmaster of Cornerstone Academy in Morristown, TN, (www.cornerstoneacademymorristown.com) since 2006.  He formerly served as Chief Administrative Officer at Heritage Academy  in Colombia, Missouri, a private K-12 Christian school.  Dan earned his Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and achieved a double Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Human Services from Carson-Newman College.  He is currently working on a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership. 

Dan has served in various leadership roles both in the church and on the soccer field.  He loves the Word of God and has a genuine desire to see children grow in both academic excellence and spiritual maturity.  Dan is a servant at heart and a natural leader.  He and his wife, Brooke, have three children, Isaac 5, Grace 4, and Josie 1. 

His personal mission is that God would be manifested in his marriage, fatherhood, church, and ministry by having an abiding relationship in Jesus Christ based upon justification by faith.

Testimony by Bud Ross

Bud was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1925 into a family of 4 children.  His family was in show business and prior to his birth the family had even moved to New York City to pursue successful acting careers. His father and aunt were David and Lillian Ross and his mother and father had a Vaudeville act. You'll hear much more on the "show business" aspect during Bud's testimony, but Bud's favorite childhood memories revolved around time spent with his grandfather whom he dearly loved but with whom others had a hard time getting along.

Bud enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943, beginning a distinguished career which spanned WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Afterwards, he served in the Pentagon and later served as an Air Force advisor to the Tennessee National Guard before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel with 30 years of service.

In 1987, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Just two days later, and without knowing about Bud’s decision, his wife accepted Jesus as her Lord also. That was clearly God’s work!

Mary Jane is a Senior Specialist with the Tennessee Department of Labor making Workers Compensation decisions by representing the state.  A late bloomer, I returned to the University of Tennessee and graduated at the age of fifty-five with a degree in Human Resources.  It was here that I learned about living by faith.  I was fortunate to get a job with Knox County as their Workers’ Compensation supervisor prior to moving on to the state.

I am the mother of three grown children: David, Dean and Megan.  Megan led me to the Lord when she was 11 years old.  You see, I grew up in the Catholic faith and she received the plan of salvation before I did.

Howard’s middle initial is “B,” which his wife says stands for “barbecue.”  She has a point.  (She usually does!)  Howard learned to love barbecue, sweet tea and many other good southern things while growing up in a little north Georgia village called Waleska.  His father taught there at Reinhardt College, which is a small United Methodist related school. 

After countless hours of playing tennis, swimming at the college pool, and doing nothing, Howard graduated from high school and headed to Georgia Tech.  He received a degree in Industrial Management, and then attended Duke Divinity School.

For five years, Howard served as a United Methodist minister in the North Georgia Conference.  He discovered that this path was not from him, and enrolled in law school at Georgia State University.

Following graduation from law school, Howard worked for a large law firm in Atlanta for about six years.  Since 2001, he has been with Wimberly Lawson Seale Wright & Daves, PLLC in Knoxville.  He practices labor and employment law on the side of management, and assists clients with a variety of corporate advice and litigation matters.

Douglas A. Fleenor was born May 23, 1975 in Bristol, Tn.  I was raised in a good Christian home by my parents Lloyd and Joyce Fleenor with my two older sisters Angie and Sandie.  We were in church sometimes 5 days a week as God was the focus in our lives.  I was called to preach one Wednesday night when I was 13 years old and consequently spent the next 20 years running from that calling.  In my twenties I was one with the world taking in everything it had to offer, good and bad.  I have been all over the country, at times homeless and sleeping in my car.  The Lord finally had enough and brought me back to the fold Jan. 2, 2009 in a parking lot next to Boone Lake.  I was not looking at the time for help but God came to me in a way that was undeniable and since then I have made it a point to share with anyone who will listen what God has done for me in my new life!  I am now attending Bible College at Impact Ministries International in Bristol, Va. in hopes to one day become an evangilist and share with the world what Christ is capable of doing in anyone's life.  I would like to thank Phil Lawson for giving me this opportunity to share my story and look forward to being involved with this fellowship of Christians.  God Bless you.

Testimony by Mae Killebrew-Mosley

Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley is an energized woman who exuberates with passion for people by  giving of her energy and time to make the world a better place.  In 2007, Mrs. Killebrew- Mosley received the award and distinctive honor as the Wisconsin African American Woman of Influence in Corporate America.   

Mae D. Killebrew-Mosley is the President and CEO of  her new business, Markets Demand More, LLC (mdm), a Professional and Human Resources Consulting Service.  After many years in corporate America, as AVP of Human Resources for Briggs & Stratton Corporation (small engine, outdoor power equipment manufacturer), Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley decided to retire and transform her business and Human Resources Management expertise into a service center to benefit small business and not for profit organizations.  Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley knew there was a need to support the financial viability of smaller entities  by using large corporate business concepts and techniques.  In 2006, she incorporated her own business offering a variety of human resources services; training, coaching, mentoring, team building, diversity initiatives, EEOC, affirmative action, strategic planning, public relations, and business analysis.  

 The very first year after launching MDM Consulting Services, Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley was petitioned to work with Community Connections Network, LLC (CCN).  During the business analysis, CCN owner, Ms. Malinda Young and Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley came to an agreement that the future success of CCN weighed heavily on the right partner in a joint business relationship.  In 2007 the conversation led to the joint owner agreement of CCN.  Today, Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley is the Vice President-Publisher for Community Connections Network, LLC (CCN).  The company is a thriving print, publication, graphic design business based in Milwaukee, WI.  CCN print and distribute a bi-monthly magazine, Community Connections News on newsstands across three states, (WI, MN, IL).  The magazine has a distribution greater than fifteen thousand and a subscriber base greater than eight thousand across the United States.

 Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley is a multifaceted professional leader with a wealth of knowledge and professional experiences.  Prior to starting her own business, she held several leadership roles in corporate America, civic organizations, and boards of director.  As a leader she exercises sound judgment, excellent leadership and supervisory skills. Through Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley’s efforts, guidance, and direction, successful initiatives were launched in the areas of; HR compliance, legal issues, employee relations, union contract interpretations, negotiations, HRIT, performance management, and training and development. She has been involved extensively in strategic long range planning, acquisitions, and executive leadership.  Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley served as the Corporate Compliance Officer, where she managed affirmative action, designed and implemented corporate wide inclusion initiative focused on diversity, and minority supplier business relationship. 

Along with the above skills, Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley has the education, background and training necessary to own and operate a successful firm.  She has a MBA in Human Resources Management-minor in Communication, a Bachelor in Business Communication, and two Associate Degrees-Industrial Engineering, and Computerized Machine Programming.  In her related field, Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley also has thousands of hours of training, workshops, seminars, and conferences where she either attended or presented. She is an astounding communicator and has an uncanny way to persuading others to work towards accomplishing common goals.  She is currently writing two books.  Another Job TKO, is based  on her corporate experience and is designed as a self help for others.  The other, Shall We Dance, focus on political survival on executive row.  Mrs. Killebrew-Mosley, volunteers countless hours to her community, organizations, and church.  When she is not busy helping others, she occasionally travels to an exciting place on her bucket list, or take a moment to read a good non-fiction.  Her greatest passion is sewing, but admits her lifestyle does not allow much time for it. 

MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS/ORGANIZATION/BOARDS

• Knoxville College Board of Directors (Effective October 2009)
• Wisconsin African Woman of Influence Award (2007)
• Wisconsin YWCA Board of Directors (2004-2007)
• Public Broadcast Systems Board of Directors-Chair PBS (2003-2007)
• Professional Dimensions (2003-Current)
• African American Women Project Fund (Founding Member 2000-Current)
• County Executive Best Practice Committee (1999-2001)
• State Affirmative Action Council Board (1997-2002)
• Urban Day School Board (1995-2001)
• National Black MBA Association (1995-Advisory Committee, Lifetime Member)
• Milwaukee Area Technical Community College (1994-2003-Chair for Various Committees)
• Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce  (1994-Workforce Diversity Institute-Current Chair)
• Milwaukee Leaders Forum (1994-Membership Committee, 2007 Board of Directors-Vice Chair)
• Minority Human Resources Association (1993-Current)
• Mentor for INROADS and UWM -2005 Advisor of the Year (1992-Current)
• Association for Manufacturing Excellence (1990-2000)
• Brentwood Church of Christ, Milwaukee (teach classes for adult ladies and youths) 
• Membership in various other local and national organizations

I was born into a large family, there were 11 children.  At the age of 13, I was caught up in the moment as some young folks often do, and thought I had given my life to Jesus.  The Holy Spirit convicted me of my sins and I was saved later in life.

During the early 1940s, I met a young man in our community after World War 2 whose name was Charles Ramsey.  We were married when I was 18 years old.   We became parents of 3 children, and shortly after the youngest was born, I became a widow.  I had not finished my high school education before marriage; however, I did complete my GED at the age of 53.  Times were tough and our lives were forever changed.

Testimony by Nancy Eversole Bible

Married to Bob Bible

2 Children, Tracy Smith and Stan Eversole

8 Grandchildren (inc. Bob's)

Have served on the following Board of Directors:

• Girl's Club Inc. in Morristown

• Lakeway Achievement Center

• Ridin' High Inc. Therapeutic Horse Program

• Honorary Trustee - Walter's State Community    College in Morristown

Served as Special Olympic Coordinator for Adults in Hamblen County.

Founded and then Directed Ridin' High Inc. for 15 years. (A therapeutic and recreational horseback riding program designed for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities).

Continue on the Board and am the Director of Development

Benevolence Chairman at my church. (work with the people who "walk in" our church on Tuesdays and need help with electric bills, food, etc.)

Charles Robinette was raised in the primitive Baptist Church but has been a member of the Lutheran Church for the past twenty-five years. He and his wife, Sally, are members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Knoxville where is a member of the Church Council.

Charles is currently a financial consultant for Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, a four year school affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He also is a consultant to medical practices working part time with Doctors Management, an advisory and consulting firm here in Knoxville.

He is a retired banker and lawyer, having been CEO of various banks in East Tennessee for 23 years. Prior to that, he practiced law in Kingsport, Tennessee. He has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kentucky, and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

Charles and Sally have been married 40 years and have two children, George and Claire.

Testimony by William Paul Cowell

Mr. Cowell lives in Kingston, Tennessee and is a frequent motivational/ inspirational speaker at conferences and retreats. He is actively consulting several small businesses in retail, real estate and publishing.

 1963-1983    Founded and pastured Christ Chapel – an interdenominational church in Knoxville, Tennessee.  During this time, Mr. Cowell also developed real estate, bought and sold small businesses in several different fields- transportation, food catering, printing, computer software, retail sporting goods, manufacturing and building materials.

 1988-1994    Senior pastor, Bethesda Christian Fellowship—an interdenominational church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Affiliated with the International Council of Community Churches.

 1986-1992     Founder and CEO Book Warehouse, Inc.—a national chain of 95 discount bookstores. Book Warehouse became the fourth largest book retailer in the US.

 1988-1994    Chairman of the Board and CEO of Shop at Home, Inc. Shop at Home, the second oldest home-shopping network was purchased in 2004 by Scripps-Howard Inc. with annual sales of $400,000,000.

1997-Present Owns and operates Whitestone Country Inn,—a 360 acre four diamond resort on Watts Bar Lake in Kingston, Tennessee.

2002-Present Founder and President of Christian Hospitality Network (CHN)—a group of 960 lodging properties, owned by Christians that give discounts to those in Christian Ministry. CHN is actively involved in missionary retreats around the world.

2005-Present Board of Trustees, Bethel University – Chairman of the Development Committee.

2002-Present Board of Directors Roane County Chamber of Commerce

2006-Present Board of Directors Roane County Community Foundation

2002-Present Board of Directors and Secretary Select Registry Distinguished Inns of America

2004-Present Board of Managers Distinguished Inns Alliance, owners of Professional Association of International Innkeepers

Testimony by Tim Macklin

I blacked out the first time at the age of eight after a schoolmate had spit in my face. When I came to I was standing over him thrashing his face. By the age of seventeen, I was working as a bouncer in a rough bar off Central Avenue. Soon after I locked a guy in the trunk of his car and ran it into the river. I was eighteen. It seemed the older I got the more aggressive my addiction to fighting became.

I wound up in church the night before my court date. Facing three life sentences I shamefully made my way to the last pew in the back of the church. I began listening intently as GOD began to speak to me. He saved me in more ways than one that night. My sentence was reduced to eleven months, twenty-nine days in the Knox County Jail. It was there my relationship with God first began to manifest.

Listen to my testimony to hear the rest of the story.

Rich Crist is 67 years old and has been married to his lovely wife, Pam for 48 years. He resides in Maynardville, TN with a son and daughter, their spouses, and five of his ten grandchildren.  Rich and Pam moved onto the 57-acre spread in Maynardville after his retirement as director of counseling in a large independent church in Seattle, WA.  Mr. Crist has been in the professional counseling field since receiving his degree in 1991.  His areas of counseling include family and marriage, addictions, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorders etc. Rich and Pam have two other daughters, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren that live out-of-state. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, and working on their beautiful acreage. He and his wife also enjoy following their children in music ministry as they travel and sing throughout the country.

I was born on March 11, 1950 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  My older brother and I were raised in Fountain city by our parents Oscar and Lula Peterson. They took us to church regularly and taught us the difference between right and wrong.  I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 9 years old.  As I grew older I slowly drifted away from God's perfect will and plan for my life.  Therefore I've stumbled and fell many times but the Lord has always been there to pick me up and lead me on.  He has blessed me far above what I could have asked or thought. I will always be eternally grateful.  My wife Donna and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in June.  We've been members of Corryton Church since 1993. My two stepsons are both married and raising children. We're blessed with four wonderful grandchildren that we love dearly.

I graduated from Central High in 1968 and went one year to Carson-Newman College in 1969.  I enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve's 6th Engineers and fulfilled my military commitment as a heavy equipment operator from 1969-1975. I re-enlisted in the Air National Guard's 134th Air Refueling Group as a firefighter from 1980-1994.  In 1972 I began a professional firefighting career with the City Of Knoxville Fire Department where I am currently assigned as captain on Ladder Company 15-A in Fountain City.

OBJECTIVE

·         To serve a local body of believers as interim pastor and to call the world to repentance toward God.

EDUCATION

·         Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary; Memphis, TN

·         Roane State Community College; Knoxville, TN

·         Halls High School; Knoxville, TN

TRAINING

·         Knoxville Leadership Foundation

·         Faith Evangelism

·         Evangelism Explosion

·         Knox County Sheriff’s Chaplains Academy

·         Blount County Sheriff’s Chaplains Academy

·         Leadership for Law Enforcement - Knoxville Police Department - Gerald King

·         Leadership Training - Injoy/Dan Reiland       

·         Leadership Training - Injoy/John Maxwell

VOCATIONAL AND MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

·         12/93-Present:  Founder and President/Evangelist, Jesus Centered Ministries, Inc., Knoxville, TN; Fill in preaching, revival services, organize church groups for crusades, and lead overseas mission trips.  Manage two inner city houses and the volunteers to help remodel them.  Supervise three missionaries in Leon, Nicaragua. 

·         11/99-10/06:  Chaplain Coordinator/Reserve Police Officer, Clinton City Police Department; Clinton, TN; Rode on patrol of the city and with other officers.  Spiritual counseling as needed.  Began chaplain’s program for the city in 2003.

·         03/95-04/96:  Youth Pastor, Faith Promise Church; Oak Ridge, TN, Pastor of 60 youth and 15 volunteer workers/teachers.

·         05/93-03/95:  Interim Youth Pastor, Beaver Dam Baptist Church; Knoxville, TN, Pastor of 100 youth and 20 volunteer workers/teachers.  Staff Evangelist from 08/93 to 03/95, Led church in inner-city work and mission trip.

Married to Wife Debbie, they have a Son Benjamin who is 4 years old.

Testimony by Doug McBee 

Doug was born at home in Grainger County, Tennessee May 3, 1953. He is the eldest child of Paul and Kathleen McBee. He grew up in the Central Point community along with a sister and brother, and when not in school was busy with farm work raising crops such as tomatoes, beans, tobacco etc. After completing high school, Doug continued his education at Hiwassee College, Walters State Community College and then the University of Tennessee to complete his B.S. degree in Education. He completed the Masters of Education at Union University in Kentucky. Doug has been a teacher, administrator, and coach in the 32 years of being an educator in the Grainger County school system. Doug is married to Sue Cabbage McBee and they have three children Megan Schrock, Chase McBee and Skylar McBee.

Testimony by Randy Turley

I was born and have spent all my life in Grainger County, except for one year that my wife and I lived in Belize.  I accepted Christ at the age of nine but struggled for years to really surrender.

I was married at eighteen and a father at nineteen. I have been married to my beautiful wife now for twenty-six years. We have two children Casey, twenty-five and Philip, twenty-two.  By the grace of God and the aid of a Godly wife I began to learn how to submit to his authority over my life.  Through out the years God has allowed me to serve both on home and international fields.  My greatest loves are God and his word, my family, and teaching people the bible.

Bobby has been married for 24 years to Cheryl Faye; they have two beautiful daughters Bethany age 14, will enter West High School as a freshman this fall, and Emily Grace age 11, will begin Middle School as a 6^th grader. Bobby is from Savannah, Georgia, and Cheryl is from Hindsville, Georgia, they have lived in Knoxville, Tennessee since 1987.

They have been members of “Trinity Chapel Church” since 1989; and also have been associated with “Gideon’s International” since 1990.  Cheryl is a P.A.C. Teacher at West Haven Elementary School; She also is a singer and often travels throughout the area singing at Gideon Conventions, and Pastors Appreciation Banquets.

Bobby is employed by “Tames Exteriors Inc”, which sells home improvement products from their Dutch Valley Road offices where he serves as co-owner and executive vice president.

Testimony by Jonathon Mixon

Born and raised in Grainger County, Tennessee.  I grew up on a farm where my family has raised tomatoes for as long as I can remember.  I graduated from Rutledge High in May of 2005 and have been attending the University of Tennessee for the past 4 years.  I will graduate in December of this year with a degree in Agricultural Sciences.  After my undergraduate I hope to either continue on in school, to obtain a Master’s in Plant Science or to begin working with Rural Community Insurance, which handles crop insurance nationwide.

Testimony by Joe McCamish

Born In Jamestown, Tennessee (100 miles west of Knoxville) in 1953.

Moved to Knoxville and attended Chilhowee Elementary and Holston High in East Knoxville. Raised by two loving parents and attended Eastminister Presbyterian Church where I was active in Sunday School, summer camps, and Boy Scouts Troop 30.  Upon entering the University of Tennessee in 1971 "the real world" - sex, drugs, Vietnam, anti-government protest, etc. overwhelmed my faith-based walk with Christ.  Although I maintained a daily personal relationship with Christ I didn't have a solid Christ-based circle of friends. In 1988 I established a much simpler life in Mascot, Tennessee on a 30 acre farm. I married a "city" girl - Cheryl Masur - and together we found Corryton Church and made that our church home. There we discovered a wonderful mentor and friend in Pastor Rocky Ramsey and we developed many friendships. We lived our "Green Acres" lifestyle until last year, when jobs, school, finances, and opportunity pulled us away to West Knoxville where we currently are in a transitional period of life. We've found a new church home at Faith Promise, lead by Pastor Chris Stevens, and are now getting involved with a couples group. Our 12 year old daughter, Alyse, is also finding her way in this very contemporary, teen-oriented church.

God has blessed my journey and though there is great uncertainty in many aspects of my life I find security in His love and grace.

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY:

• Owner/Communication and Marketing Director of Creative Real Estate Marketing, LLC / 2005-2009
• Affiliate Real Estate Broker / 2002 - 2008, Waterfront Resort Land Sales
• TriaxData / 2002 - 2003, Data Mining and Analysis
• Fairfield Smoky Mountains/WYNDHAM RESORTS / 2000 - 2001, Vacation Ownership Sales
• Panorama Publications / 1974 - 1999, Co-Owner/Art Director

Testimony by Steve Glafenhein

I was born in Naperville, Illinois (30) miles west of Chicago in 1955. I am the oldest  of (3) brothers. My father and his brother owned a construction company that specialized in swimming pools, light commercial and residential construction. Winters were harsh and long , so in 1961 we moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I never wanted to leave, but in 1972 my father bought a 55 acre farm in Walden's Creek in Pigeon Forge and we moved to Tennessee. 

I was raised in a Christian Home and was taught at an early age about the Gospel and was born again when I was eight years old. I still remember nightly devotions around the dinner table. My father always said that we needed to eat spiritually as much as we did physically. 

I graduated with a degree in Architecture in 1978 from the University of Tennessee. My senior year at UT  I met Lydia Henry (Zach and Norma's oldest daughter)

and we were married a year later on June 16, 1979. Lydia and I celebrated our 30 year anniversary this year. God has blessed us with (5) awesome children who love the Lord and have blessed and encouraged us as parents. God has turned many disappointments in my life into his wonderful works.  

Testimony by Rick Anderson -

I formed a personal relationship with God when I was only 5 years old, ironically after being told that I would not be able to graduate with an older brother into a higher grade at Sunday school. The teacher didn't realize that my mother had taught me to read and write at the same time as my brother and thought that I couldn't possibly read at such an early age. I was heart-broken and felt that God must be punishing me. I chose to leave the Sunday school class immediately and walk home, planning never to return. I didn't even get out of sight of the church before stopping to sit and cry on a road-bank while listening to the ringing church bells. A sweet old lady from a nearby home noticed me and asked why I was crying. After hearing my story and trying to console me, she suggested that I pray deeply about it and ask for an answer. That day, I learned through speaking directly to Him in prayer that relationships with others paled in comparison. I was answered and comforted in a way that I have experienced many, many times since and although I have lived through periods where I attempted to find the comfort I longed for from other sources, I came to realize that only God could provide the grace to see me through truly difficult times. From that point on, I consider my life to have been continually blessed.

I married Debbie, the most godly women I had ever known, at the age of seventeen while just a junior in high school, but only after the two of us prayed about and planned in detail our future together, which was to include graduating from high school in three years, serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, then obtaining a college degree. At some point after we became financially secure, we also hoped to add one or two children to our family. With God's blessing and a whole lot of answered prayer, we followed that plan exactly. My son was born during the third year of our marriage, just after I achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. I enrolled at the University of Tennessee immediately after my discharge from the Air Force and graduated with honors three years later. I soon obtained employment as an internal auditor at United American Bank, followed almost immediately by a better offer which I accepted from the Tennessee Valley Authority. To me, my life felt like living a fairy tale until my wife became ill. Her illness started with stomach ulcers which were treated through two surgeries; taking much of her stomach and some of her bowels and leaving her unable to absorb enough nutrients from either food or dietary supplements to maintain her health. As a result, her body began to leach nutrients from her skeletal system and organs. She became critically anemic to the extent that she needed occasional blood transfusions, monthly iron infusions, and weekly blood tests and vitamin D shots. One of her doctors finally diagnosed her as having a degenerative disease called osteomalacia. This eventually made it impossible for her to walk without help and then only under great pain. She broke ribs by merely coughing and broke a wrist while attempting to open a can of biscuits by striking it on the edge of the kitchen counter. Eventually, her major organs also began to deteriorate. Through all of that we never lost our faith in God or our love for each other and we never felt the deep despair that most would expect. That could only have been the result of God's grace. Rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, we often spoke of all that we had to be thankful for and found time to laugh and reminisce about the good life that God allowed us to have together. I lost my wife after twenty-eight wonderful years, but I know that neither of us regretted a minute of the time God gave us. What a blessing she was!

I retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority in 2004 after a successful career as an accountant and manager with responsibilities over payroll, employee relocations, travel expense reimbursement and both executive and travel expense credit card programs.

I am presently a part-time farmer (another amazing blessing from God) and I am blessed to be able to spend a lot of time with my son and with my parents who are both in their eighties. I never could have imagined what a blessing that would be. I am a co-founder of the Knoxville Fellowship Luncheon and I personally designed, published and perform all maintenance for this website.

This is just the start of my testimony. You will have to listen to the audio recording to learn the rest of my story.

Michael is a native Knoxvillian and graduated from the University Of Tennessee in 1978 with a BS degree in Education and later attended the University Of Chicago and graduated in 1992 with an MBA. He and his wife Karen have two grown daughters now living in Chattanooga, Tn. and Orange, VA. Mike has worked in the telecommunications industry for 31 years and retired as Vice President, Corporate Development for Telephone And Data Systems in 2004 and I have been working as a communications consultant ever since for different companies. He and his wife attend Central Baptist Bearden where he is a deacon and works with the Senior Adult Ministry as well as enjoying part time lay preaching and leading the Sunday night Classic worship service at 5:00 PM at Central. His walk with the Lord started at an early age but did not begin to become a strong part of his life until he attended Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy for high school. While attending UT, he attended First Baptist Knoxville where the pastor challenged and inspired him to dig deeper into God's word which began a life long journey of searching and growing.

Bill works for Bush Brothers & Company as General Counsel and is Of Counsel with the firm of Wimberly Lawson Seale Wright & Daves, PLLC, which he joined in 1982. He lives in Morristown with his wife Cheryl and is active in First Baptist Church. Bill received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering with High Honors from the University of Tennessee and his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He has served as an Editor of the Tennessee Bar Association, Labor Law Section Newsletter, and is a member of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Tennessee Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Prior to entering private practice, he was a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps from 1977 to 1981 and a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1979 to 1981. Bill is a member of Honorary Societies of Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Pi Mu. He served on the Board of Directors of K.C. Home of Morristown, Inc. and is currently on the Board of Directors of Young Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Bill is a member of the University of Tennessee Letterman’s Club. He has also been selected for Best Lawyers of America.

Testimony by Tyler A Scott.

[ Life ] I am a Knoxville native from the Fountain City area.  I am the son of Mike and Karen Scott.  My family and I were nonbelievers who were not plugged into a church until 1998, which was my sixth grade school year.  Through a couple reaching out to my parents and inviting them to Corryton Church was how the work of God began to unfold in our lives.  Who would have known that God would change a life out in the middle of a cow pasture!  I spent my Middle School and High School years heavily involved in Corryton’s Student Ministry.  While at Corryton, I have had the privilege of growing-up under incredible men who have fostered a relationship with me in spirit and truth, faith, hope, and love.  Today I live as a born again, changed man in Christ who leads a small group discipling freshmen boys and helping lead students in Corryton’s College Ministry. I have been a member of Corryton Church now for 10 years.  [ Education ] I graduated from Central High School in 2005 and furthered my education at Pellissippi State Technical Community College (PSTCC).  After completing an associate’s degree at PSTCC I transferred to The University of Tennessee.  I am currently working on obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the College of Business Administration. [ Work ] Upon high school graduation, I started my first job working at Ruby Tuesday as a server.  I worked there from August of 2005 to October of 2007.  I detailed vehicles for a local business, stopped working for them, and obtained my own personal clients, whose vehicles I still detail to this day.  I worked for SafePro Curb ID Company from June of 2007 to August of 2008.  SafePro Curb ID Company focuses on home security by providing a curb painting service to communities in order to protect homes in the event of an emergency.  In August of 2008 I was employed by Qualls Clockwork, a lawn service company.  Currently, I still detail vehicles and cut lawns while I am going to college.

Testimony by Joe Macione.

Education: University of Mississippi (BBA with a concentration in Accounting, 1958)

Professional Experience:

• 1992-Present:  President, Commonwealth Cornerstone, Inc. (Owner of Sonic Drive-Ins, Roanoke, VA)

• 2003-2008:  Senior Executive Vice-President, SJ Strategic Investments LLC

• 1990-2003:  Executive Vice-President/General Manager, WCYB-TV/NBC Bristol, VA/TN

• 1984-1990:  Executive Vice-President/General Manager, WXVT-TV/CBS Greenville, MS

• 1975-1984:  President, Big River Broadcasting, Inc., WXVT-TV/CBS Greenville, MS

• 1969-1984:  Partner/Founder, Sayle & Macione, CPA’s, Greenville, MS

• 1963-1969:  Sole Owner/Founder, Joe Macione, CPA, Leland, MS

• 1960-1963:  Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., CPA’s (Now known as KPMG), Jackson, MS

1958-1960:  Miazza, DeMiller & Word, CPA’s, Jackson, MS

Partner/Founder of numerous businesses, including the following:

• Television Station

• Cable Television Company

• Barges on the Mississippi River

• Travel Agency

• Men’s Clothing Store

• Athletic Shoe Store

Professional Affiliations:

   American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

    Mississippi Society of CPA’s

    CPA Certificates:

• Mississippi

• Arkansas

• Louisiana

    Virginia Association of Broadcasters, Past Chairman

    Mississippi Association of Broadcasters, Past Chairman

Charitable Affiliations (Bristol Area):

    Past Chairman or President of the following organizations:

• Wellmont Health System

• Bristol Rotary Club

• Bristol Chamber of Commerce

• The Paramount Foundation

Served in various board capacities for the following      organizations:

• King College

• Alliance for Economic Development

• The Bristol Train Station

Married to Annette Pritchett Macione for 49 years. We are the parents of two Children, Kimberly Caldwell and Kyle Macione.

Testimony by John Cabbage. John is a native and lifelong resident of Grainger County, Tennessee. He was born to Carson and Evelyn Cabbage in 1966, and is the youngest of six (6) children. John graduated from Rutledge High School in 1984, and he attended Carson-Newman College and East Tennessee State University both for one year before returning home to the family farm (Smokey View Dairy) in 1986, where he is currently operator and co-owner. John was married in 1992 to Debbie Lynn. They have two (2) children, Kara, age 14, and Kylie, age 11.

Testimony by Bill Ratliff. Bill is a native Knoxvillian and was raised in Fountain City. He graduated from Central High School in 1974 and received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee in 1979. Upon graduation, Bill began working with his father in the family business, Tennessee Asphalt Company. In 1981, he married his wife, Marianne. They have 2 children, their son Britt age 20 a sophomore at UT and their daughter K.C. age 16 a sophomore at Gibbs High School. Bill was president of Tennessee Asphalt Company from 1991 until 2008 when he sold the business.

Testimony by Billy R. Daniel. Born 1934 In Thornhill, TN. Family moved to Michigan in the depression years (‘30’s). Married Barbara Jones in 1952 (now spanning 54 wonderful years). We have three children and 4 grand children. Graduated Monroe High School and attended college courses after-hours for eight years while working at the Ford Motor Co. Started working at Ford as the mail boy. Worked in various areas and  retired as the Plant Engineering Manager of a 100 million dollar facility after 42 years with the company. After several years of retirement they decided to relocate in Knoxville in the Fountain City area. He was saved at the very young age of 10. A mother of a friend of his actually invited him to the altar during a revival. He and his wife have both been regular church attendees both in Monroe, Michigan and also in Knoxville. They were also Youth Ministers in Monroe. They started a teen choir group with 12 and the group grew into 60 within two years. He has also served in the capacity of Sunday School teacher, and Superintendent while in Monroe. They are members of and attend Grace Baptist Church. He  leads a Bible study on a weekly basis at Grace. He  enjoys golf, boating and outdoor activities.

Testimony by Roger Phillips. Roger is a graduate of Karns High School, Class of (68).  Immediately after completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served 2 tours of duty in the republic of Vietnam. After serving his country in the time of war, Roger returned to America to begin civilian life. He came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1976 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1984 he married the love of his life, Grace, which really changed his life forever. He is a retired “pipe-fitter”, and spends his time farming and developing land for subdivisions. Roger loves his church (Corryton Baptist), and his church family. His favorite Bible verse is: Philippians 4: 4-7!

Testimony by Josiah Glafenhein. Josiah was born in Knoxville, TN in December of 1982 and was the second born in a family of five. At an early age, he was blessed to have the leadership of Godly parents who expressed the love of Christ and trained him in the way of the Lord. He was home-schooled throughout most of his early education and had a short stint of baseball and education at Gibbs High School in Corryton, TN. Baseball has always been an important part of his life. He played college baseball at Winthrop University and finished his career at ETSU in Johnson City, TN. After his baseball days, he went on to earn an MBA at the University of Tennessee. He is presently working with Conversion Properties in downtown Knoxville, TN. The company is a full service commercial real estate company that focuses on brokerage, development, and consulting. Over the past two summers, he has coached a youth (13 and 14 yr. old) baseball club called the Knoxville Riverdawgs. The club is based out of the west Knoxville area and they have competed in tournaments across the region. He is currently single and living in Knoxville, TN. He attends Redeemer Church of Knoxville. His hobbies included hiking, swimming, and all different sports.

Testimony by David Sharp. David is a native of East Tennessee. He is married to his wife Virginia, (12/27/59). They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. David received his elementary, and high school education through the local school systems, and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BS in business administration. He did post graduate work at the University of Georgia, and the University of Indiana. David began his career with “Quaker Oats Company” January, 1960 as a management trainee, then in September 1962 he moved back to Knoxville, to begin a career with “Home Federal Bank” where he would work in various capacities, including Teller, Tax and Insurance, Accounting, Loan Department, Loan Servicing, Savings, Personnel and Operations Management. During this time span, the legendary Bill Walkup was mentoring David. He was named President in January 1977, Chairman in January 1983, and in May 1992 David was named Chairman and CEO, a position he held until his retirement from banking in December 2004. David is a member of Halls Primitive Baptist Church. During retirement David continues to serve his community by being active with many civic clubs and organizations, where he serves in advisory capacities. His hobbies are golf, gardening and reading.

Testimony by Anthony Garland. Anthony is a native of East Tennessee, and came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Gibbs High School in 1984; where he met the love of his life Valerie. They were married in 1985, and May 17, 2009 they will celebrate their 24^th anniversary. They are the proud parents of three young adults, Spencer 18, Kara 17 and Casey 15. He joined Corryton Church in 1997, and began to grow as a Christian. He taught in preschool, elementary and high school for 15 years, and has worked in youth groups for the past 7 years. In 2002, he felt that God was calling him to support mission work. He began serving that ministry, and has made 3 mission trips to South Dakota and 7 trips to Belize. He has worked in the collision industry all of his adult life as a Technician, insurance P/D Appraiser and later as a Teacher and now a Shop owner, while working for the University of Tennessee in Transportation.

Testimony by Mark Douglas. Mark was born and spent his youth in the Kingsport, Tennessee area. Mark came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 18. Mark graduated from Sullivan County High School, East Tennessee State University with a BS in Economics, and a MS degree in Business Administration. He has been active in his local church for 32 years, where he teaches an adult Sunday school class, and serves as youth leader to a small group. Mark is an ordained deacon, and teaches discipleship on Wednesday night. He and his wife Connie have been married for 26 years, and they have one son Zachary who is in high school. Mark is Vice President and Financial Manager for Merrill Lynch.

Testimony by John M. Knisley. John was born in 1943 as the fifth and final child of Rev and Mrs. S.D. Knisley in Wartburg TN. His dad was the Bi-Vocational pastor of a small church about 22 miles west of Oak Ridge and both his dad and mother taught school. His mother was a wonderful musician who taught all of her children a love of music, especially the old gospel songs of Fanny Crosby and BB McKinney. In 1952 at the age of 9, He accepted Christ during a two week Bible School/Revival , led by Hobart Ford from Mt. Harmony Baptist Church in Knoxville. He graduated from Central HS in Wartburg and from Carson Newman College in 1966. He was drafted into the service, went to OCS, later sent to Intelligence School, and then spent 20 months as an Intelligence Officer in Turkey. He has been married for the past 41 years to Beverly and they have two sons and two wonderful grand children. He is employed by and is part owner of an Architectural/Engineering firm in Knoxville called Hodge Associates. He and Beverly joined Central Baptist Church of Bearden in 1970, moved to Morristown in 1973, then back to CBC in 1977. He is a member of the choir, an ordained Deacon and a part time SS teacher in dept 6B. He has been a Christian for almost 57 years and says “The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows”.

Testimony by Jay Arthur Garrison. Jay was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on December 21, 1948. He graduated valedictorian at Central High School in 1967 and attended the University of Tennessee.  He was a member of the Pride of the Southland Band and was a Neyland Scholar. He graduated with a B.S. in Honors History in 1971 and was a Distinguished Military Graduate in the UT ROTC Program, and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi national honorary societies.  He received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College Of Law in 1975. He has been practicing law since 1975 in Knox County as an insurance defense attorney and now concentrates his practice in estate planning and elder law. He is a fourth generation member of the Fountain City United Methodist Church where he sings in the Chancel Choir and teaches a Sunday School Class. A large part of his time has been spent in giving legal service to the United Methodist Church. He has served as the Chancellor of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church since 1995, and in that position has been the legal advisor for the resident bishops and the churches of the Holston Conference. At the 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, he was elected first lay alternate to the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church. He is an expert in First Amendment issues that involve the jurisdiction of secular courts to decide issues in the church. In his spare time he is an avid golfer and serves as a rules official on the USGA Senior Amateur Committee, the Tennessee Golf Association and the Southern Golf Association. His wife of 33 years is Dr. Arlene A. Garrison, the Associate Vice-president for Research at the University of Tennessee. She is currently on loan to the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Virginia.  They have one son, John Allen Garrison, who is studying for a Ph.D. in computer engineering at Texas A&M University.

Testimony by Ron Satterfield. Ron is a native East Tennessean and a member of Corryton Church. He came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 15. Ron has been married to his wife for 39 years, and they have 2 grown children who are college graduates. Ron and his wife are the proud grandparents of 2 grandchildren. Ron served in law enforcement for 27 years and is now employed by Fed-X as a “long haul over the road truck driver”. Making trips referred to as “west coast turnarounds”. Serving Christ is very important to Ron and his wife, they give glory to God for giving them the opportunity to be parents, and seeing each of their children find success in their own lives, is icing on the cake. God is good! His hobbies are “yard work and cycling”.

Testimony by Marvin L. Jeffreys. Marvin was born on April 24, 1947 in Lockwood, MO. He was reared in and around Monett, MO., attended Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, MO. and married Doris Alderman of Joplin on December 16, 1966. He served in the USAF 01 March 1968 to 29 February 1972, achieved the rank of E-5 in three years, and moved from Denver, CO in August, 1972 to Union County, TN. In 1982, he started two businesses: Images by Marvin Portrait Studio and Jeffco Enterprises, (Doris is senior partner), manufacturer of printed fabric labels for the textile and apparel industry. Jeffco prints and ships labels nationwide and overseas. Marvin has been a member of Corryton Church since 1999, sings in the choir, and serves as assistant community group leader. He has also served as editor-in-chief for the church newsletter and the Church directory photographer as well as drama team member. Marvin has been a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association since 1999 and presently serves as vice president of the local CMA chapter, the Inspiration Riders and as the chapter's webmaster and co-quartermaster. He is a charter member of the Union County Business & Professional Association and has served as a member of the board of directors, treasurer, vice president, president, and presently serves as chairman. He was honored by the organization as 1993 Union County Man of the Year. Marvin is a charter member and chairman of UCBPA Charities, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) corporation responsible for raising, administering, and distributing funds for scholarships to meritorious graduates of Union County. He has served eight years as chairman of the Union County Foster Care Review Board and 1 ½ years on the Union County Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He is also a past chairman of the Union County United Way. Marvin & Doris have one daughter in Heaven. However, they boast of some 45 “adopted” daughters and over 100 “adopted” grandchildren.

Testimony by Caleb Glafenhein. Caleb was born and raised in Knoxville, TN, the middle sibling of five. He became a Christian when he was six years old and grew up in a Baptist church. Later, he converted to the reformed theology and now is attending a Presbyterian church, Redeemer Church of Knoxville on Highland/17th street. At the age of 8, he began to play baseball and continued up to the professional level. He was home schooled through high school, and then attended East Tennessee State University. He majored in Business Finance and also played four years of collegiate baseball. After graduation, he continued to pursue a career in baseball, playing in the Arizona winter league and signed a contract with an independent professional team in the Frontier League, the Evansville Otters in Indiana. He was released from the team in May 2008. Since then, he has been blessed to have the opportunity to work with his grandparents, Zach and Norma Henry. It has given him the chance to work while looking for a career in the finance world. He is truly thankful and blessed with a loving and caring family and grandparents who have been very encouraging and supportive during a transitional stage of his life. To God be all the glory and praise.

Testimony by Jim Price. Jim has been married to the same beautiful lady for 51 years. He has two grown children, and both are saved. He has three grandchildren, and they are saved. He is retired from the Norfolk Southern Police Department, where he spent 32 ½ years; retiring in January 1991. He was saved when he was 9 years old, baptized at First Baptist Church in Knoxville, where his family attended at that time. Several years later he started attending Washington Pike Baptist Church, which was closer to where he lived. He has attended there for over 55 years. He sang in the choir, and was an ordained deacon. This is also where he met his wife, who was the organist. She served 43 years as church organist. When both of his children were born, his only prayer was that they would be healthy, and his prayers were answered.

Testimony by George Wicker. George is the Senior Accounts Manager- ADC (ADCT) Broadcast & Entertainment Products. George started in the field of electronics equipment sales at the age of 19 at a small distributor in north Alabama. Subsequently, a venture into the automobile business as the owner of an AMC/Jeep dealership proved to be an outstanding failure, and God’s restoration led George to Atlanta in 1984. Prior to his present position, George has worked in sales management for companies such as JVC, Fortel and Utah Scientific.

September 30, 2008

September 9, 2008