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celebration in pigeon forge
RECORD NUMBER ATTEND ANNUAL RETREAT
by Larry Powell, general Director, Home Missions Department
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ON MAY 21, 2007, 131 people met in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to celebrate the completion of the second phase of the Roy Thomas Memorial Trust. The million dollar irrevocable trust will help the Home Missions Department plant churches until Jesus returns. The first phase, the Build My Church Fund, was raised to aid missionaries, and it continues to be used for that purpose. Phase 2 will support the general fund, benefiting missionaries indirectly through the work of the Home Missions office.
On April 24, 2007 the Home Missions Board voted to begin a third million-dollar trust called the Richard Adams Endowment Trust. David Crowe, newly appointed director of development, will begin immediately to raise funds for this endowment. Richard and Carolyn Adams have worked tirelessly for Home Missions, and the board voted to name the new trust in their honor. Richard has always given God the credit for the success of the Church Extension Loan Fund and the Build My Church campaign. It took only five years to complete the second million, averaging $200,000 each year. Adams also helped coordinate the annual Benjamin Randall Day, with an average offering of approximately $350,000.
Pictured above: Members of the East Side FWB Church (pastored by Brother Adams pastored for 20 years before his employment at the Home Missions Department) in Elizabethton, Tennessee, gave $100,000 to the trust during the month of May. Don and Willene Wilson contributed $50,000. Sandy Carr, former preacher pal of Richard Adams, gave the final $32,000 to complete the campaign. These men and women have been friends to Richard and Carolyn for more than 36 years and have traveled with them extensively. They enjoy supporting the work of Home Missions.
 Left: Don and Willene Wilson present a $50,000 check to Richard Adams and Larry Powell.
Donors gather each year in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for food, fun, and fellowship. This year was no exception. The group enjoyed dinner at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and a concert by John Gibbs and Randy Sawyer. The following day, the men played golf while the ladies shopped at the outlets.
That evening we enjoyed a night of food and entertainment at the Dixie Stampede. These annual retreats have provided great opportunities to enjoy Christian fellowship with those who support Home Missions.
Larry A. Powell, general director
Home Missions Department
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