Haiti brought us realization that a people who need our help to relieve hunger and poverty can in an instant become even more needy. The world looks to us as Americans for help. We are the top of the worlds wealthy. We respond without consideration. Many are ready to go at a moment’s notice because we are trained to respond.

There have been many needs in Oklahoma from the ice storm. The disaster relief units in Oklahoma fielded 17 chainsaw units of their own. A few short years ago there weren’t even 17 units found in all the southwestern states. We have become more prepared. This year we need to become even more prepared. Many states now are able to have enough trained volunteers to take care of many of their own disasters. We have been able to respond to our own disasters all through the state.

Now many of our efforts may become directed toward the “uttermost”. Our efforts in Haiti will continue. Some will be able to go and help in the rebuilding. Many will send “Buckets of Hope”. These are designed to furnish basic food items for a family for a week, on a $40 investment. For all our efforts we must remain ready to go at a moment’s notice.

If you think you’d like to play a part in this essential ministry, contact Rick Myers at the Association Office.

Won’t you search your heart and see if the Lord has a place for you in our Home Repair Ministry?  Maybe you don’t know it, but there are well over one-hundred homes waiting for repairs; waiting for lack of laborers to perform the work.

Soon, right here on this website, we will be posting all of the opportunities for you to serve.  We will also be developing a mailing list that you can sign up for that will drop opportunities into your inbox as they arise.

Keep us in your prayers!  God Bless…

What that means to us is that Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams must prepare to be in it for the long haul.  Individuals tend to forget the long term investment required to really help those in need.  There is still much to be done in the Gulf Coast regions after two hurricanes in recent years… how many of us still think of those needs daily? Haiti will require even more.

There is plenty to do for the Kingdom.  It all begins with prayer.  Won’t you put Haiti on your permanent prayer list?

Every couple considering marriage should seek God’s counsel and wisdom. Why not come in and talk it over with someone who has studied God’s word, worked with many couples who are planning marriage, and has counseled many who have difficulties once married? Won’t you invest as heartily in the the planning of your marriage as you have in the wedding ceremony itself?

No matter how far along in the process you are, it’s not too late to make sure it is a marriage that is happy and forever. Give the office a call at 865-982-0499 and set up an appointment to discuss your plans with Dr. Abernathy.

Many of them are headed to the Tail of the Dragon, a famous but dangerous motorcycle road that has 318 curves in 11 miles.

CHARM uses servant evangelism to reach out to hundreds of motorcyclists who come through Townsend.

The outreach began in September 2008 when a group of Christian motorcyclists called Faith Riders, from Hermitage Hills Baptist Church near Nashville, partnered with CHARM and Chilhowee Baptist Association churches.

In 2009, the second annual Light in the Smokies outreach expanded to include local Christian motorcyclists.

Children in local churches make gift packs to give to bikers. The packs contain practical things like lip balm, wet wipes, tissue and other items.

Each pack has an evangelistic message and/or a prayer for the person receiving the pack.

We give away sunscreen, kickstand pads (called A Firm Foundation), maps of motorcycle roads, New Testaments and scripture portions and other gifts.

We also serve popcorn, Sno-Cones, cold water and other drinks.

The team prays with many of the bikers. Motorcyclists are open to having their bikes “blessed.” Blessing of bikes is really a prayer for the rider, since motorcycles are merely chrome and steel.

A tradition among bikers is to hang small bells beneath their bikes to ward off “evil road demons.” When Light in the Smokies teams bless bikes, they offer bikers a small cross to attach to their bikes.

Local churches also participate by feeding the mission team.

We also wish to thank Walter and Ruth and the staff of Wings R Us for allowing CHARM and Faith Riders to use their parking lot for the Biker Rest Stop.

CHARM wants to assist other local Christian motorcyclists, especially those from Chilhowee Baptist Association churches, to carry this ministry forward in the future.

If you want to get involved, or want more information, contact Joe Ledford by writing joe(at)chilhoweeba.org