We had a wonderful TBCD gathering May 31st to June 2nd.  The theme was "RENEW" (2 Corinthians 5:17-18) which was perfect because as a group, TBCD aims to be renewed and become a new and better organization to help reach out to the Deaf of Tennessee.

Chip Penland from Memphis (Kirby Woods Baptist Church) and Cory Harrison from Clarksville (New Life Deaf Church) led the meetings.  Aric Randolph from Texas was the preacher for the weekend.  He will also be the new preacher for Brentwood Baptist Church beginning in September, after 21 years in Texas!  

Friday night each church that was represented at TBCD shared about what they were doing in their hometown churches.  Then there was an ice cream sundae social afterwards.  Saturday morning opened with a devotional by Cory, and an organizational brainstorming meeting for the vision of TBCD's future.  Saturday evening, Aric Randolph preached about three important words: working together as a MINISTRY, being AMBASSADORS for Christ to the Deaf of Tennessee, and making RECONCILIATION (change) by sharing the Gospel with them.

Sunday morning, Christy Owen from New Life Deaf Ministry of Honduras shared about the ministry in Tegucigalpa and the school, Happy Hands.  Then Aric Randolph preached again about three more important words:  LEADING (like Moses led the people out of Egypt), FIGHTING (like Joshua fought for his people in Jericho), and SERVING (like Jesus showed through washing of feet at the Last Supper).  Aric challenged everybody to take off their shoes and be ready to LEAD, FIGHT, and SERVE for the Deaf of Tennessee!

Below is a group picture taken Saturday afternoon.  If you look, you can find the Carvers, the Wynns, the Markhams, the Owens, James Gregory, and Johnnie Miller from FBC.  Several others "escaped" for an early lunch :-).