Milestones of the New Duck River Baptist Association
80th Anniversary 1945 – 2025
· After being commissioned by the Duck River Baptist Association, churches met at FBC Shelbyville in 1945 to begin a new Association. It was named the New Duck River Baptist Association. C.D. Tabor was named Missionary for the Association.
· Fifteen churches formed the New Duck River Baptist Association (NDRBA) at the first annual meeting in October, 1946. There were 9 WMU’s. The first Brotherhood was organized at FBC Lewisburg.
· In 1947, Gratitude to God was shared for the remarkable cooperation in organizing this new Association. The radio broadcasting stations were outstanding in sharing news of the efforts for the NDRBA. The call to prayer for “all Baptists to recognize the enemies of the faith to possess this wonderful area.” The NDRBA voted to include Moore County in the Annual meeting.
· Sunday School was emphasized as “the most effective way for churches to carry out the Great Commission.” Christian education was discussed and its significance for parents to incorporate in the environment in the home – 1949.
· 1950 - Discussion of the role that books can assist a child to develop both mentally and spiritually. FBC Shelbyville has the only classified library in the Association.
21 WMU’s have broadened the mission organizations for children and youth with GA’s, Sunbeams, RA’s and there are 5 Brotherhoods in the NDRBA.
· Temperance and public morals were crucial as evidence of the influence of “the evil of strong drinks.” 1951
· In 1952, appreciation of the Bible and studying God’s Word and its impact on Christians were reminded to check the reading material in their homes.
Twelve Churches held revivals with 117 baptisms!
· The SBC owned its first printing press in 1953. Donations were taken for Calvary to assist them in completing their new building. There were 23 VBS in all 23 churches!
· 1954 - Significant numbers in baptisms of 311 which represents 1 baptism per 18 members in churches in our NDRBA! The importance of music within worship was recognized however there are no salaried musicians at this time in the Association.
· American Bible Society is an active partner within Southern Baptists in order for every person to have a Bible in their own language. 1955
· In 1956, Southern Baptist missionaries depend on the American Bible Society and contributed $115,631 in second place exceeded by the Methodist gifts of $139,631. Gifts from all denominations totaled $804,988!
· El Bethel held the first Associational Sunday School meeting; 22 VBS were held with a total enrollment of 2,148. Missionary Tabor reported traveling more than 18,000 miles in 1957. Members agreed to walk together in brotherly love!
· In 1958, history revealed Charity was actually organized in 1790 and New Hope in 1809! Suggestions for each church to gather historical information was made and to be shared with the NDRBA.
· Information was shared that the Cooperative Program is the only one that supports all phases of Baptist work to give to all the mission causes and work promoted by the Convention. Radio continues to be important in reaching people for Jesus. NDRBA has grown from its original 15 churches and 3,000 members in 1945 to 23 churches/3missions with 6,000 members in 1959!
· In 1960, Southern Baptist Historical Commission are working to preserve Baptist history and encourages all of our NDRBA churches to compile the full history of each. Nineteen WMU’s and 11 Brotherhoods now exist!
· Twenty-five churches in the NDRBA with 7,000 members and a new mission was established in Flat Creek in 1961.
· History was made when the Oak St. property was sold and the NDRBA office moved to the Edwards building in Shelbyville. Calvary was forced to sell their property by the Housing Authority due to its location in the Urban Renewal Area. They purchased property on Lane Parkway and broke ground in Sept. of 1962. There were 23 VBS this past year and 10 mission VBS held!
· Ten churches now have libraries! The Missionary, C.D. Tabor has served the NDRBA for 17 and one-half years as of 1963. Continued progress within our association as new pastors arrive, more leaders develop in churches, more are ordained as deacons and pastors. Brother Tabor announced his retirement and shared “Missionaries, let it always be said, they never retire, they only retread.”
· In 1964, The United Tennessee League reported 70,000 alcoholics within our state. Importance of protecting our families to safeguard our children and youth against these destructive forces has been identified with education, legislation, and rehabilitation. J.H. Harvey became the Superintendent of Missions for NDRBA.
· Superintendent of Missions uniquely shared, “our Association is not faced with the need of new churches or missions, but rather our two great needs are first, to reach the number of Baptists no longer attending church and secondly, since churches and Associations are basically fellowships, we should be concerned about our relationship and what God wants us to do as an individual, a church, and as an Association of God’s people?” He expressed the importance of growth within the fellowship of all of our churches in the NDRBA in 1966.
· “Care finds a way,” (Jude 22) Concern should be our focus that God has assigned us in this chaos of today’s world. “All is not well within our NDRBA.” The primary task for each of our churches is to train our members to be witnesses where we live and work per J.H. Harvey in 1967.
· The Sunday School, properly functioning, will become a fundamental part of the full program of our churches. FBC Lewisburg received first place in the State Drill. “M” Night had 228 in attendance and the Associational Youth Night was well attended! Training Unions are active in all of our churches in 1968! A new typewriter was purchased for the NDRBA office for $500 along with more shelving. 50 professions of faith were reported from VBS!
· 1969 - The property owned by the NDRBA (house and lot) in Lewisburg should be sold as soon as possible. J.H. Harvey resigned and Robert (Bob) Mizell began as the new Superintendent of Missions in 1969. The Sunday School was determined to be the most significant in teaching people about Scriptures. “We cannot become complacent and self- satisfied in the light of our past accomplishments. Records indicate a steady decline in enrollment and attendance in church and an overall decline in the attitude of the world toward the church.”
· 1970 – The NDRBA has WMU’s in 16 churches and Brotherhood’s in 7 churches, with 8 having GA’s, 20 Sunbeams, and 7 RA groups. Plans within churches use the grade in school a child attends rather than a birth year. The annual meeting sermon challenged the members using Matthew 28 to “Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God!” Brother Mizell shared he sensed a “new surge of concern and purpose in our churches as we have moved into the improved programs of the seventies. Our spirit of fellowship amongst our people is the best I have found in all of my ministry!” Motlow’s BSU had fifteen student summer missionaries who served in VBS, 6 within the Music Department; while 83 were involved in the WMU and RA camps.
· In 1972, Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes had 479 children. Lay Witnessing training was held at FBC Shelbyville. 249 persons were baptized in NDRBA which is a decline. Every church was recommended to observe a Soul-Winning Commitment Day. NDRBA approved the Superintendent of Missions and his wife travel to the Holy Land rather than attend the SBC with SBC budget for the Holy Lands trip.
· The first map of the NDRBA was included in the Annual Report for 1973!
· In 1974, 298 Baptisms were reported!
· In 1975 - 253 Baptisms and 226 members were received by letter or statement. In preparation for the Bicentennial Celebration of our great nation, comments were shared to challenge our NDRBA to pray for a spiritual awakening and revival in America!
· In 1976, Missionaries to Japan, Ramona and Dewey Mercer brought a powerful message related to a need for more international missionaries. SBC hopes to reach a goal of 5,000 foreign missionaries by 2000.
· Hannah’s Gap celebrated its sesqui-centennial year. The Sunday School Crusade was a highlight for NDRBA. The Director of Missions, Bob Mizell expressed appreciation for their Holy Land trip. The Youth Summer Olympics was held for the first time. Two young men, Timothy and Joseph Karmout, sons of a pastor in Israel, have been studying at Oneida Baptist Institute in Kentucky have received clothing and financial support from NDRBA. The BSU at Motlow College has begun a new life under the leadership of Mrs. Billy Philpot. For the first time since we began as the NDRBA, all of our churches have pastors! 1977
· In 1978, the Seminary Extension was located at Southside since the fall of 1977 upon its inception, and added another location at FBC Lewisburg. 35 students are enrolled within these two schools. Motlow’s BSU has requested churches from our Association to provide a lunch for three different months during the school year. The monies collected from students will assist them to participate in the summer missions program. The new Director is Mrs. Linda Singleton. The WMU, along with youth from some churches held a Back Yard Bible Club at the Walking Horse Celebration for the first time! The mission outreach was well received by visitors and their children. 175 baptisms were reported this year. Baptisms have declined over the entire SBC over this past year. An inspirational challenge was given relating to this, “Missions is more than giving monies, more than teaching, more than being a deacon or in WMU, more than standing behind a pulpit on Sundays and Wednesdays. Missions is giving our all, and “making disciples and teaching them!”
· This has been an extraordinary 1979 for church planting as Missions began in several areas including Lakeview, Lynchburg, Mars Hill, and Normandy!
WMU’s have increased to 18 with 12 Brotherhoods. A report was submitted to the WMU Director that stated they had disbanded temporarily because they either had a new pastor or were without a pastor. Mrs. J.T. Hargrove, WMU Director replied, “Ladies, you don’t disband God’s work temporarily for anything and besides it’s YOUR responsibility not your pastor’s or pastor’s wife. The need for your WMU work is there even more when you are without a pastor!”
· 1980 – Richland (formerly Mars Hill) transferred to Giles Association. NDRBA youth Director Danny Wurhurst reminded the churches “the need for activities for their youth as they are the fiber of the future church and its impact on them as they reach adulthood. The NDRBA believes in Youth and their significance for the future of Christianity and for our churches creating funds to develop Associational Youth Activities.” The Association wanted to gather the various church youth groups together to encourage them. Bro. Wurhurst used the illustration of Ponce de Leon searching for the Fountain of Youth back in 1521, yet he was fatally killed. “The fantasy of the fountain of youth still exists in the minds of many people today. Let’s face it, you and I are getting older. Let’s realize the only fountain of youth we have is the youth in our churches!” He emphasized the need for all of our churches to have youth activities and programs and encourage all of our NDRBA youth to participate in these planned Associational special events! Missions have begun in the Farmington and Unionville areas as well!
· Areas in the Northland Association of Michigan have been brought to our attention in need of assistance to have VBS, do surveys in neighborhoods, have Backyard Bible Clubs, and assist with some repairs. Members within our NDRBA will travel there to survey such needs and will anticipate further mission projects to Michigan! This is the first out of state mission project mentioned so far within our NDRBA. 1981
· In 1983, the Motlow College BSU is finally moving out of its trailer into a building on its campus! Grants from the New Work Fund of the TBC have greatly assisted the 7 new congregations within the NDRBA! The mission efforts begun in Michigan has now organized a cooperating Southern Baptist church. Several of our churches continue to assist them as volunteers as well as with financial support.
· NDRBA, Duck River Baptist Association, and William Carey Association all have contributed a third of the cost of 1 and a half acres on the campus of Motlow to begin construction of a building for the BSU at Motlow. The leadership between the President of the College and the Director, Linda Singleton have been instrumental in reaching this strategic goal. Plans to begin construction on the property anticipate to occur within 3 years. Churches were asked to help support the upcoming Worlds Missions Conference with supporting $200-300 to finance travel, housing, and honorariums for the visiting missionaries. 1984
· In 1985, the Michael Williams Scholarship was begun by Mr. and Mrs. Bert Williams after the unexpected death of their son from a plane crash. They anticipate donating to assist with the BSU building at Motlow, as well as helping students within the NDRBA further their education.
· The “Good News, America, God Loves You” revivals were held in the spring and were very inspirational! They enthusiastically challenged us all of the importance of making disciples and carrying out the Great Commission! Our churches were encouraged to set goals for baptisms and offer evangelism training to their members! TBC, along with funds from NDRBA, Duck River and William Carey Association, as well as the Michael Williams Scholarship will cooperatively fund the new BSU building at Motlow in the total of $270,000 – 1986.
· 1987 – the Associational Evangelism Rally was held with the former SBC President, Dr. Jimmy Draper as its speaker. October, 1988 – September,1989 has been designated as “The Year of the Laity” in evangelism and discipleship. All of our churches in NDRBA must prioritize witness training! Approval for loans from the TBC for missions at Normandy as well as at Midland Road are sponsored by FBC Shelbyville. Brother Bob Mizell resigned as the Director of Missions and W. Paul Hall became the Interim DOM.
· Good Samaritan efforts were supported by both Bedford and Marshall Counties to assist families. An Evangelistic Crusade has been scheduled for the Walking Horse Arena in 1990. Outreach ministry ideas for the NDRBA suggested include Senior citizens, weekday childcare, and perhaps Language Mission efforts – 1988.
· In 1989, Harold Smith became the new Director of Missions for the NDRBA. The biggest venture this year for the Association has voted is to re-locate the Associational office. A Building Steering Committee was elected and $79,288.51 were designated funds toward the building and site needs. Participation in the “Here’s Hope Simultaneous Revivals” are scheduled in August of 1990.
· 1990 - New missions work began with Twin Oaks and Belfast. 280 Baptisms and 2,689 were enrolled in VBS in NDRBA. The Building and Steering Committee proposed that 1 and 1/2 acres be purchased on Hwy. 41-A North for the price of $37,500 and the motion was accepted. The architectural firm was Gilleland and Associates. The Groundbreaking Day was Sept. 30, 1990 and KICKOFF Sunday will begin Nov. 4, 1990 to support the funds needed for the building by requesting each member of our NDRBA churches to give $10 toward the new Associational office.
· Through the Lord, the excellent leadership of the Building Steering Committee, along with the entire New Duck River Baptist Association, the task of a new facility was accomplished! Dedication was held on June 9, 1991. The total cost of land and building construction fees was $194,937.65. The quick sale of the previous property was helpful along with receiving funds given by the churches totaled $22,770.55. “When there is progress, there is continuous need for financial resources.” To increase the mission projects as well as assisting churches, the DOM recommended churches consider 1) “Going to percentage giving rather than a specific amount 2) Increase the percent given to the Association on an annual basis until the church has reached its pre-determined and long-range goal in mission giving to the Association and the Cooperative Program” for 1991.
· The Associational Probe with assistance from the Home Mission Board and the Missions Dept. within the TBC helped identify new work within Bedford, Marshall, and Moore counties. A survey in the Midland Rd. and Frank Martin Rd. area showed 30% of those residents have no church home. Our mission field has been enlarged by these reports during 1992!
· In 1993, monies were sent for Hurricane Andrew relief in Miami. Edgemont held a Backyard Bible Club in the Midland/Frank Martin Road area. 284 baptisms were reported with 2,597 enrolled in VBS. During the Associational Missions Week in May, the $7,500 goal was met to be applied toward the debt retirement of the Associational building!
· The Associational Bible Drill and Speaker’s Tournament was held at Calvary with 5 churches participating with a total of 35 participants. During this year, 374 baptisms were reported which is a significant increase from the previous year. Mission efforts continue to assist Michigan. This was a record year in our giving to the Associational budget! Since 1991, the debt has been reduced from $65,000 to $18,256.04! What a remarkable effort within our NDRBA for faithful stewardship. 1994
· 1995 celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the NDRBA! Appreciation was expressed for the previous Directors of Missions and for the blessing of an Association with such a profound legacy! The total baptisms increased amazingly to 434! Efforts continue in the areas of disaster relief, discipleship training, evangelism, and missions. The 50th Anniversary Committee were commended for their work in contributing to our special celebration!
· In 1996, there were 429 baptisms and 2,960 were enrolled in VBS. Southside sponsored Midland Heights Mission as well as some financial assistance from both Shelbyville Mills and FBC Shelbyville. Six acres were generously donated to this mission from FBC Shelbyville. The Hispanic community has grown in Shelbyville and Eastview embraced them as their sponsor church! Uniquely within our NDRBA, God has brought Internationals as a growing population which is exciting to realize the mission opportunities! The debt for our NDRBA building was retired within 5 years. Glory to God!
· In 1997, the 2nd World Missions Conference was held with 24 churches participating including luncheon meetings as well as in schools with a total attendance of 10,201 in the Association with 63 decisions reported for Christ! The Seminary Extension and the Belmont University Institute for Church Leadership continue to prepare those in the ministry. Our missions involvement from repairing a local church roof to disaster relief, supporting mission efforts, assisting students, as well as being on mission projects continues to be strong as we are faithful to give to our NDRBA which allows us such opportunities!
· A record of 597 were baptized in 1998 with another record of 3,354 enrolled in VBS! Contributions were made to help Rover, whose facility was destroyed by fire. Two other associations received financial help due to flooding. Initial work to assist FBC in Shelbyville with the Hispanic ministry was also given along with the largest number of requests for ministerial students’ assistance. Mission projects continue in Michigan, as well as in Brazil and Canada!
· Harold Smith resigned as the Director of Missions to retire in 1999. Bro. Paul Woodford served as the Interim Director of Missions. Dan Clevenger became the new Director of Missions in September. A new building was completed to store the Disaster Relief Unit. Appreciation to Cordie Dalton for overseeing the project. College Grove became a part of the NDRBA under Watch Care.
· 2000 - A Hispanic ministry is being implemented in Marshall County. Several churches have completed new constructions. Missions have grown remarkably this year in our local areas such as a clothes closet, ministries to nursing homes, crisis pregnancy, Backyard Bible Clubs to projects to the Ocoee River in East Tennessee and Elizabethton. Out of state projects include work with the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico and the Indian Reservations in North and South Dakota. International Missions were in Brazil, Canada, Malta (Europe), Suriname (South America). What an exciting year for evangelism and missions!
· The first Hispanic Church Planter in NDRBA was Lucio Sanchez who began serving part-time in Lewisburg. Frances Hill was honored with $300 for serving as the NDRBA Secretary for 50 Years! New work began at a Trucker’s Jamboree in Iowa serving with Great Rivers Baptist Association. A team of 9 men worked in New York as part of the Tennessee Disaster Relief Feeding Unit. Another group of men served in Arkansas in their disaster relief. Plans to identify more new potential mission projects include the Appalachian Ministries, and with Habitat for Humanity. Another remarkable year in 2001 for NDRBA with 564 baptisms and 3,437 enrolled in VBS!
· In 2002, ESL (English as Second Language) classes were sponsored in Lewisburg. Two food drives were successful in the Appalachian Outreach Ministry in Jefferson City. One of the churches, from Iowa participated in the food drives for its very first mission trip, as a result of our previous efforts in Iowa! What a full circle moment of God’s partnership as we continue to reach more for Jesus! 4 people received Christ as a result of this ministry! Three Mission projects in Iowa each took groups that included the I-80 Truckstop with 15, VBS and Construction had 17, and the children’s camp involved 21. One family within the NDRBA, Jeff and Melanie Walters from Smyrna were appointed IMB as missionaries to Paris, France! Dan Clevenger, the DOM expressed appreciation for he and his wife, Barbara for their unique trips to the World Trade Center as well as a trip to Israel!
· Dr. Chuck Esary, the Music Minister at FBC in Shelbyville was recognized at the TBC as the Staff Minister of the Year. He led the music for the Evangelism Rally in which Bobby Welch was the speaker. Four Disaster relief teams responded to work in the Gulf Coast area from the hurricanes. Many made professions of faith, while many seeds were planted. Bro. Larry Chatman, pastor at Holt’s Corner was endorsed as a volunteer Chaplain. Charles Nored became the new BSU Director at Motlow. Lewisburg had a summer missionary, Jose Galindo, from Ecuador in 2004!
· 2006 - Mission projects continue to expand from the Appalachia region, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Montana with West Yellowstone Baptist Church of construction, remodeling, and evangelistic efforts which will impact this area for many years! International mission projects were in Africa, Belize, India, and Thailand! Disaster Relief teams were involved with areas destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Another increase in baptisms of 471 with the largest enrollment in our history of 4,168 in VBS! The New Duck River Baptist Association had its first web site! Email addresses may be helpful!
· The fellowship hall in the NDRBA office has been officially named for the late Robert (Bob) Mizell, who served us for 18 years! Dan Clevenger resigned effective August of 2007. He will be working with Palestinian refugees in Lebanon for the rest of this year. Eight students from the BSU at Motlow served in Panama City “Beach Reach” during spring break while 1 student was appointed as a summer missionary. Two students will serve with TBC in Mexico during the Christmas break. Vacation Bible School was held in 29 NDRBA churches this year!
· In 2008, Dr. F. Murray Mathis served as the Interim Director of Missions as of February 1st. On July 14th, Dr. Tim Key was called to become the new Director of Missions, and will begin serving September 2nd! There were 340 baptisms reported with 3,847 enrolled in VBS. The Motlow BSU had students serve in Mexico with TBC during Christmas break, some students served during spring break at PCB for “Beach Reach,” and 4 were appointed as summer missionaries to Maine, Mexico, Philippines, and at the Deer Run Camp in Nashville. Appalachian ministries and Disaster Relief were both active this year but no further mission projects were reported this year.
· Mission efforts continued in the Appalachia region in Jefferson City as well as in the Copper Basin. Projects for Mission Montana, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Horse Show Celebration, local fairs, and Disaster Relief were completed. Our DOM reminded our Association that even as an area within the “Bible Belt” we are living in a mission field right here with research indicating 51% are unchurched in middle Tennessee. Dr. Key shared his vision of the “journey he began this past year of being NEAR the churches to Network, Equip, Assist, and Resource all of our churches within the NDRBA in Kingdom effectiveness and work!” Many new opportunities were begun in order for us to continue serving together! Sadly, within this past year, an unexpected economic decline has greatly affected the finances within our churches. Yet, through it all, God has provided and met all of our needs! To God be the Glory! Bro. Tim expressed, “this year has been a most enjoyable of all of my years in ministry!” With 43 churches, we have had 29 VBS and 374 baptisms in 2009!
· In 2010, Disaster Relief teams worked in Brentwood/Franklin areas as well as in Rhode Island. Seven different themes were utilized in our VBS, with 3,169 enrolled across our Association. We participated in our state GPS (God’s Plan for Sharing) in efforts to reach the lost for Jesus in Tennessee! Disciple-making is a vital part of church health. The Great Commission goes beyond evangelism to reproducing healthy Christians in discipleship!
· 2011 - NDRBA expanded its mission projects this year as groups traveled to Cordova, Alabama for a mission VBS, “Flipping for Families,” youth rally, and as a distribution center. Others included were Appalachia outreach; West Yellowstone in Montana for repairs, wild game dinners, and youth events/concerts. DR trips were made to the Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota, tornado areas in Alabama and Tennessee as well as significant work on a home for a Senior citizen raising a 7 yr. old grandson. Motlow’s BSU had students serve during the spring break trip for “Beach Reach” in Panama City Beach and 4 served as summer missionaries. The DOM offered demographic studies for any churches interested as part of their outreach ministries!
· 2012 – Vacation Bible Schools had 2,896 enrolled in our churches this summer. The 2010 Census identified more diversity in our middle Tennessee areas that include Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, as well as Somalians. Our area indicates a significant growth with Hispanics! We must be aware as we attempt to reach our communities for Christ! A Church Music Leadership school was held as well as the Seminary Extension continues. Our DOM assisted some of our churches with their By-laws and Constitution. Special appreciation to the NDRBA for supporting Brian and Debbie Love in Shungnak, Alaska by sending 132 buckets to assist villagers with much needed supplies during the winter months!
· The Missions Mobilization Center in Mt. Juliet was dedicated June 1, 2013 for receiving and storage of supplies for mission efforts. In addition to our mission projects in the Appalachia areas in Jefferson City as well as Copper Basin, a group was in Montana. Bro. Key went to Provo, Utah to survey for a near-future project next summer. Several of our churches assisted a few of our smaller churches to conduct VBS this past summer. Our AMS also traveled to Alaska to begin partnership there and determine potential mission projects there. The need for partnership in Buenos Aires, Argentina was shared as we seek to assist abroad. Dr. Key assisted some churches with their policies and guidelines with the concern with integrating sexual offenders in churches. He also helped some of our churches with writing their By-laws, Constitutional changes, and concerns with Administration and leadership.
· In 2014, NDRBA began a remarkable adventure in the boroughs of northwest Alaska, by taking a group of 11 to offer VBS, Basketball camps, and youth activities to reach the Inupiat Eskimos for Christ! Our work continues in the Appalachia, Copper Basin Ducktown, as well as taking our first group to Provo, Utah to survey areas, teach Bible studies, and assist with repairs. The Motlow BSU had 12 students serve as short-term missionaries and 2 in summer missions. The property at Motlow was transferred from TBC to BSU!
· Our DOM was thrilled to attended IMB’s School for Praying for All Nations (SPAN) as well as participate with the first Interactive Mobile Prayer Room, which will be vital throughout our area, state, and nation in reaching the lost. Bro. Key trained 7 Pastor Search committees this past year as they sought God’s man for each of their churches. The NDRBA By-laws clarified signatures for the Secretary and Treasurer, and the Clerk, only if one of the others is unavailable. This will greatly assist the association. An additional By-law was addressed to identify Biblical marriage, as only between one man and one woman, as in Scripture and in our Baptist, Faith, and Message. Mission projects continue in all of our previous areas with adding more helps in Utah with ministry, outreach, and service. More construction and ministry concerns were needed in the Copper Basin. Fifteen individuals traveled to Alaska with our DOM to assist in developing relationships with the villagers as well as more family activities, a repair and maintenance program was begun for 4-wheelers, and a construction project. God is definitely at work in Alaska! Over the past 3 years, over 1,000 boxes were shipped to assist the villagers including basketball shoes for their team. 2015 has certainly been a special year for mission opportunities!
· 2016 – Discipleship groups were conducted in 9 of our churches led by Dr. Key. The Mobile Interactive Prayer Room was set up at the NDRBA office during both the Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong Weeks of Prayer for the convenience of all our members. The Montana mission efforts have been active for the past 12 years with continuing repairs each year and adding more children’s ministry including a block party. Derek and Debra Elliott, from Charity have taken over Henry O’Neal’s position to lead the Appalachia ministries with repairs and sorting in the warehouse. Appreciation to Bro. Henry for his commitment to the AO ministries over many years! The group to Alaska mission efforts increased to 24 with 5 teams this past year in 3 locations – Kotzebue, Shungnak, and Ambler. Our volunteer missionaries are from numerous churches in the NDRBA. A wide variety of work was done from painting needs for churches, participation in the village 4th of July Celebrations of face painting, balloon art, serving, led VBS, Basketball camps, Hair-cuts, themed nights for children, distributing fishing supplies to elders, prayer walks, and relationship building amongst villagers. The boxes of love of supplies and the buckets have been such a blessing to those in the village, demonstrating God’s love in action. Several would ask, “how did you know what we needed?” The Father certainly led in carrying out this remarkable project which ministered greatly to the people. Domestic and sexual abuse is rampant along with drug and alcohol abuse which has brought all sorts of “God moments” for our volunteers to witness the Father’s hand there. Within these villages “Uvagut” in their native Inupiat language means “It’s a WE” which is profoundly evident in our involvement to reach more for Jesus in Alaska, as we have numerous churches represented on our teams there. The uniqueness of gifts and talents amongst our missionaries from our Association has been remarkable as we followed HIS plan to serve in these villages. No other denominations serve in this area with less than 2% in Alaska professing Christ! What an opportunity we have to be on mission!
· Across our country, in 2017, prayers are being lifted for revival and a spiritual awakening! The Mobile Interactive Prayer Room was available for any of our churches to be set up within your facility. A revitalization process was shared as needs are seen across the country as a decline in growth of churches and numbers of baptisms. Discipleship groups were led by our DOM in 11 churches this past year. Our mission efforts remain steadfast in all of our areas. The Alaska projects increased with 41 volunteer missionaries from our NDRBA! God is definitely at work there, and our folks have been strengthened by their service! Dr. Key and his wife, Donna actually worked 4 weeks this past summer to effectively coordinate all the mission efforts! HE is at work!
· In 2018, 11 volunteers served with the Elliott’s from 3 churches in the Appalachia with construction, yard work, and in the warehouse. NDRBA has been involved there for 20 years! What a witness of our Association to be on mission. The Montana Mission has had 17 trips within the past 20 years. Chad Grubbs was Coordinator alongside 11 volunteers from Normandy and FBC Shelbyville to do construction and kids’ ministry. Alaska missions groups totaled 24 this past year representing 9 of our churches over 4 weeks. Over the past 8 years of our involvement 2,100 boxes of love and 400 buckets have been sent! The villagers have been in awe and expressed utmost appreciation of the witness of Christ in action. For the first time, 3 of our folks along with Bro. Tim visited for 1 week from Oct 31-Nov.7 to assist teachers in the K-12 school in Shungnak, conduct a Prayer Boot Camp to build more relationships with the village and the school administration for future mission endeavors!
· Directors of Missions within the SBC have been renamed to Associational Missions Strategist or AMS to adequately represent the vastness of their missionary and leadership roles. Disaster Relief callouts: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia due to Hurricane Michael. Appreciation was expressed to Shannon (Coordinator for our DR) and Laura Long from FBC Shelbyville for refitting shelves and adding cabinets for storage in one DR trailer. Missions in Copper Basin continued with projects annually by East Commerce with youth working there for a variety of projects; food distribution continued for Thanksgiving with Holt’s Corner; Steve Puckett, Pastor at Short Creek, for the Christmas Food distribution. The missions in Alaska involved 25 of our NDRBA representing volunteers with Dr. Key from 9 churches leading VBS, Basketball camps, Gym activities, July 4th Celebration, Children, Family and Youth nights, along with prayer walks and worship and Bible study groups. Many seeds continue to be planted in these villages! Our AMS led a “Reach Your Zip” to follow-up with outreach for Backyard Bible Clubs and VBS. Charles Nored retired as the BSU Director at Motlow, after serving in the ministry for 45 years! A reception was held in his honor in July on the campus. Nathan Dorrell began as the new Director in August. 2019 became a very unique time in our NDRBA because typically, a church closing is concerning, however God led the El Bethel Church to a remarkable decision in asking Bro. Tim to assist with its future to help further God’s Kingdom! As a result, with the Father’s direction and a unanimous decision by our NDRBA, the El Bethel Church building was incorporated by the Association and will be vital in future church plants as well as establishing a Language school! The NDRBA held a special called meeting to start churches and establish a Language Training Center and procured the debt of $78,000 as of December 6, 2019. All praise to God! It will be exciting to see how HE works!
· 2020 proved to be a challenging year with the effects of Covid-19 and the number of our churches who were not opened for worship. However, the Lord opened up new opportunities as online services became common. Dr. Key assisted numerous churches and pastors setting up online services as well as various meetings via the web in order that the ministry not be deterred. Many of our churches even used AM radio transmitters in order to attend worship with members sitting in the church parking lots. Due to Covid, mission projects were limited as well, but God continued to move within our people! Our regular Pastor monthly meetings were held online but most of the Executive Board meetings were unable to meet. In spite of the pandemic, the Father continued to move within our Association as other opportunities were recognized and discovered because of the pandemic. During the week of Prayer for Associational Missions in October of 2020, a special offering was begun to work on paying the debt. It was amazing to see HIS work even under this time.
· 2021 - The first activity held at our new Mission Center was to accommodate 2 of our smaller churches for baptismal services. What a glorious experience to assist these, without indoor baptismal waters. By late spring of 2020, 2 churches began meeting at the Mission Center: Cowpuncher Cowboy Church and Iglesia Evangelica Bautista Fuente de Agua Viva. Several small groups meet during the week nights for discipleship, men and women’s groups, and a recovery group. The Spanish Seminary began in January with 12 students. Mission projects resumed this past year to minister to those in the Appalachia and Copper Basin of Ducktown. A Witness Wardrobe began at Caney Springs to offer backpacks for children and youth as well as a large clothing distribution. Disaster Relief assisted in Tennessee after Waverly was damaged from the tornado and flooding along with others in our state and North Carolina. Hurricane Ida victims in Louisiana and Mississippi were also locations of teams with DR. The Training was held at our NDRBA office as well as several churches. Many certifications were completed this year as Tim is certified in several of the DR areas as well. The Global Impact Conference was impactful at FBC of Shelbyville as our leader participated to share the various opportunities we are involved with across our community, our state, as well as the world. Bro. Key led 16 churches with Discipleship groups along with 6 with the War Room Prayer Boot Camp. 28 of our churches held Vacation Bible Schools!
· In 2022, several events were held at the Mission Center as churches worked together. Former members of El Bethel were thrilled to hear how God has done a mighty work with their church as part of HIS plan. What a blessing! DR projects were in East Tn. Kentucky, after Hurricane Ian in North Carolina and South Carolina due to tornado, wind and flood assessments. Training classes were held in numerous churches to continue preparation for volunteers in our Association. The Appalachian Outreach has been renamed Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS) with 7 volunteers in July for construction and backpack distribution. Copper Basin had a Saturday VBS led by a group of 10 from Calvary during this past summer as well as a total of 20 volunteers for the Food distribution for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Alaska efforts have been hindered since Covid-19 due to the transportation issues. Please pray for opportunities to arise for us to return to this vast area where the need is so evident! Discipleship groups were led by our AMS in 12 churches as well as our Association was blessed to have 31 VBS this past year! Another glorious answered prayer was the debt was retired on November 21, 2021 for the Mission Center and what an incredible evidence of GOD-sized work HE is doing on this property!
· The Copper Basin and AMOS mission efforts continue and remain such a vital part of the ministry of our NDRBA! Caney Springs Baptist has become The Way Church in Chapel Hill. The pipe burst at the Motlow BCM building after the freeze in December, 2022, which caused major damages estimating to be $100,000 requiring 8 months of repaired. In 2023, Disaster Relief teams assisted in assessments; flood relief in East Tennessee and Kentucky; Hurricane relief in Florida. Dr. Key was involved in an international mission trip with Amazon Hope River Missions on a boat, serving with others from the United States to share the gospel in Indigenous villages along the Amazon River. He is excited to share that there will be numerous opportunities for more to be involved with this project in the near future! Bro. Tim also shared potential mission efforts in Jamaica and Taiwan! Dr. Key continued training and leading in a variety of conferences for the TBMB, NAMB, AMS in-person as well as via Zoom meetings. Church revitalization continues to be an area he assisted with 2 churches for reorganizing and replanting! Our numbers of baptisms increased to 394 as well as Vacation Bible Schools to 30!
· 2024 –an incredible year in mission involvement! Bro. Tim viewed some potential areas for projects in Jamaica, Eleuthera (island in Bahamas at an orphanage), and the Blue Oval Project in Brownsville, Tennessee. One of our members, Donna Key, Tim’s wife traveled to Paris, France to serve with the IMB alongside 8 BCM students from Northern Kentucky University to share the gospel during the Olympics! It was quite an experience as they were stationed at the First Baptist Church in Paris, which is no longer a Baptist church, but houses 2 other churches on Sundays. It was utilized during the 2024 Olympics as an Art Gallery, using Parisian Artists’ work from paintings to sculptures all which shared Christ allowing Donna and her team to openly share Jesus with people from all over the world! Our AMS traveled to the Amazon with his wife, Donna, and a family from FBC Lynchburg Chris, Amy, and Clay Taylor, to share the gospel with Amazon Hope River tribes along the Amazon River. However, due to the drought of the Amazon River, the IMB assisted with this project in allowing us to be a part of the efforts in Manaus, Brazil during the week for Children’s Ministry and to work with 3 churches there! What a remarkable week we had as we saw how GOD intervened just 2 weeks prior to our departure and open such a remarkable opportunity for us to share the Gospel in public schools and in a private school. We presented the Gospel to at least 800 children, using the story of Jonah and having the children dress the parts, and making bracelets to represent what they had learned. The number of salvations was phenomenal and seeds were planted with these children for years to come! What a glorious experience as HE opened doors that we’d never would have imagined! Teams with our Disaster Relief were in areas all across the south east United States for flood and tornado assessments along with flood rebuilds and hurricane relief.
Dr. Key has written the first training manual for Chainsaw Maintenance and Repair both manually and a power-point. He served on the TBMB Acts 2:17 Task Force as part of a strategic plan within the SBC to reach more for Christ! Bro. Tim ordered maps for all 17 of our NDRBA zip codes to be used for “Saturate” that all of our churches can use in outreach. These include flyers, materials, as well as the “Jesus” film in a variety of languages and can be picked up at the office. Some exciting news from our Mission Center is the reality of the number of church plants which have already occurred. The Hispanic church there has begun 2 church plants, 1 in Manchester and Shelbyville. And the Cowpuncher Cowboy Church as begun 2 church plants. How thrilling to see how God orchestrated all of this work once El Bethel became the Mission Center, and from 1 church has now become 6 churches! To GOD be the GLORY! We had another incredible year with our Vacation Bible Schools in 33 of our churches!
The directors of mission and interims are:
Rev. C. D. Tabor from March 1, 1946 to June 30, 1964
Rev. J. H. Harvey from 1964 to 1969
Rev. Robert Mizell from September 1969 to 1987
Rev. Paul Hall from the Tennessee Baptist Convention served an interim, 1988
Rev. Harold Smith from 1989 to 1998
Rev. Paul Woodford served as interim in 1998
Rev. Dan Clevenger from 1999 to 2007
Dr. F. Murray Mathis served as interim January 2008 to September 2008
Dr. Tim Key began service in September 2008
The history of the New Duck River Baptist Association is rich with stories. No doubt the Father has used the churches to advance the Kingdom and will continue to do so until He calls us home. It is our prayer that you will be a part of that rich history. Join in the advancement of the cause of Jesus Christ in our part of the world and beyond!
