Missions Is Commitment

First Baptist Church, Lebanon, Tennessee and
Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries

For twenty three years the “Singles Serving The Savior” of First Baptist Church, Lebanon, Tennessee has been a part of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. It has been a joy to work with Bill and Cindy Black. What a blessing they have been to the ministry in Gatlinburg and to us! Each Memorial Day weekend our group has led worship services in various campgrounds. It is a blessing to worship and fellowship with campers from all over the USA. Some of the campers take time to share what the Lord is doing in their lives. Some have experienced the death of a loved one or are seeking the Lord’s will in their lives. What a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with them! Thank you, Bill and Cindy and the TBC for giving us this opportunity.
Rev. Don McElroy, Associate Pastor, FBC, Lebanon


I became interested in the Smoky Mountain Resort Ministry twenty-three years ago, when I found that there was a need to minister to the campers. The Singles group from First Baptist of Lebanon, Tennessee, were invited to come on Memorial Day weekend to help start the summer camping season. The campers were friendly and interested in having a worship service on Sundays within their own campgrounds. I found out from Bill Black, the director of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries, that many campers receive a blessing and make a decision for Christ during the summer season. It is this knowledge, which keeps me returning each year to kick off the summer camping season for SMRM with First Baptist of Lebanon, Tennessee. I also enjoy the fellowship of the Singles group from Lebanon F.B.C. and Don and Ann McElroy, who coordinate this annual mission trip with Bill Black.
Raymond Hunter


Memorial Day, 2009 was my first opportunity to participate in the mission project FBC does annually with SMRM. The opportunity to visit in the campgrounds reminded me of the “fine folks” that enjoy this vacation lifestyle. I was greeting courteously as I extended invitations to our worship services on Sunday morning; yet some of those people did not know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
God opened the door for me to share Jesus with a man at his campsite. He started asking questions so I jumped right into the opportunity. The man told me he would not be at worship but would send his family. I pray others will continue to water those seeds planted.
As a former camper, I know ho important these worship services are to reach our world for Christ. Thank you to the Blacks, SMRM, TBC, and my church for allowing me to be a part.
Elaine Pearson

Our Memorial Day trips to Gatlinburg are both relaxing and invigorating. We get to see true ministry at work through Smoky Mountain Resort Ministry. It is my privilege to be a part of this ministry. I feel so blessed to be able to use my gifts and talents to share the uplifting message of Christ with campers, if only for the weekend. SMRM ministers to a wide population in the Smoky Mountain Region. This includes believing campers, seeking to continue their worship while enjoying the beauty of the area, the temporary and permanent staff of the resorts, and those who are searching for life’s spiritual answers. This ministry strives to meet not only the spiritual needs but the physical and emotional, too.
Our Gatlinburg weekend also means a time of relaxation and fellowship with fellow singles from my church, FBC Lebanon, Tennessee. This may include taking in a show, driving around the beautiful scenery, or just sitting in the swing on the porch of our cabins. Together the ministry and the relaxation make for a memorable and uplifting experience each year.
David Hunter


Each of these comments about the relationship between FBC, Lebanon and SMRM reveals the heart and hope of partnership mission through commitment.

Don McElroy’s statements show the longevity of relationship. The consistent returning partners and the room for fresh participation demonstrates the commitment to missions necessary for our world to be reached. Raymond Hunter’s words reveal his heart of care for people. Elaine Pearson’s words point to the focused prayers and intentional work needed in resort missions. David Hunter’s approach shows that missions is fun!

Going Deeper With Joey: Missions Call and Lifestyle

"So many missionaries, intent on doing something, forget that His main work is to make something of them..." -Jim Elliot

Six years ago I was fresh out of college and eager to embrace the challenge of missionary work. Two of these years I was serving with the North American Mission Board as a US/C-2 Missionary in the Rocky Mountains; the remaining four years were invested in Seminary. Being convinced of God’s calling in my life to live a life-style of evangelism and having gained fantastic experiences from the mission field and a seminary education one might reason that I would have learned fundamental basics of the Christian life.

Caught in the excitement of returning the mission field, rejoining the ranks of those in resort & leisure missions, and realizing the fruition of a dream, I was determined to do something great… and do it for the Lord! But just days after arriving in Gatlinburg, even before the moving truck arrived with our household goods, God began to [not so] gently remind me of his purposes. He does not need me to do something great for Him. He is the great I AM.

‘…it was not burnt offerings and sacrifices I wanted from them… Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’[1] He requires my obedience. God has opened the door for me and my family to join with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries and I know incredible experiences are awaiting us in this venture. His main reason for us being here, however, is not for the task at hand. More importantly I am here so that He might make something of me. I am each day to endeavor in every task, in every thought to be conformed into the likeness of Christ so that the Glory of God may be reflected. Service driven, people centered. Jim Elliot understood this principle and it cost him his life.
[1] Jeremiah 7:22-23

Joey Buck: New Assistant Director / Dollywood Chaplain

Joey, Katy, and Hayden Buck have joined our SMRM family!

Joey is our new Assistant Director / Dollywood Chaplain.

Here are some of his opening thoughts:

March 10, 2010

It has been an exciting three weeks as my family and I have begun our work with SMRM. There are many facets of ministry with which we have already been involved. Just days after our arrival, and before the truck arrived with our household goods, I was called out to the hospital to meet a Dollywood employee family whose loved one suffered a traumatic fall resulting in critical injuries. It is a privilege to be together with the family offering comfort through the assurance of God’s presence, power, and faithfulness. As we continue to watch the Great Physician heal our friend, I know that the ministry to this family is in the sense of love and prayers from all who support this minsitry.

The winter season at Ober-Gatlinburg is nearing the end…but the snow continues to fall! Skiing conditions are great and the conversations with the employees have been even better. As the International students are preparing to say goodbye to new friends and return home, we take the opportunity to visit with them about their experiences in the United States. To so many, the idea of a relationship with Jesus is a new concept. Our lives have demonstrated that being a Christian is more than talk, more than a religious tradition- it is about being open to the love of God and living in the joy of knowing He loves us!

Katy and I quickly unpacked the boxes so that we could open our home to a few students who offered to help us move in. We discovered that “old-school” Nintendo is popular entertainment in Brazil! The students appreciated a good American hamburger grilled on the back porch along with the free internet to check email and catch up with family back home. One-by-one they are leaving to returning home but we are content knowing that they have seen God’s love demonstrated through service and have heard God’s truth through our conversations.

We are glad to be here and look forward to the plans God has for us.
Joey Buck