What started with a phone call eventually turned into a blessing on wheels.
Earlier this year, a phone call was made to Danny Sinquefield, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board “Harvest field leader” and BlueOval City coordinator, from a Tennessee Baptist Church, asking about any needs for the work being done in BlueOval City.
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Several options were shared, but the one that landed was the mention of a vehicle — specifically a van — that could be used for transporting mission teams that come to the area. It was said that the van could also be used to provide “vision tours” for guests to BlueOval City.
Jeff Bowden, executive pastor at First Baptist Church Lenoir City, soon contacted the TBMB office to let them know the church would be sending a $50,000 gift through the TBMB’s Golden Opportunity fund to buy the vehicle.
The van has since been purchased — and is now being used for evangelism efforts in the BOC area.
“This is a beautiful example of joyful generosity,” said Sinquefield. “The van will continue to bless the work of Tennessee Baptists as we strengthen churches, plant new churches and share the gospel in this growing community.”
Bowden said FBC has been continuously praying for BlueOval City, and said the church members wanted to do their part to further the Kingdom efforts.
“We have been praying for God’s glory to be shown through His people in the region and that people will be transformed through the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Bowden said. “It is also our heart to see churches planted and revitalized to reach people for Christ and make disciples that multiply for His Kingdom work in West Tennessee.”
Prioritized ministry
Over the past two years, the TBMB has prioritized ministry work in the region that surrounds BlueOval City — the massive Ford auto plant in Stanton.
“We have watched for opportunities and joined God where He is working,” Bowden said. “We want to be available and obedient when God leads and moves to further His Kingdom in West Tennessee.”
The plant, which is expected to employee 8,000 workers when fully operational, is located roughly 40 miles east of Memphis and will eventually cover approximately 4,000-plus acres. BlueOval City is expected to bring an estimated 90,000 people (employees and their families) to the area over the next 10 years.
Welcomed investment
Sinquefield said the new vehicle is a welcomed investment, noting that it will be available to churches of the Haywood Association for their ministry purposes.
Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the TBMB, said the BlueOval City evangelism efforts have become the model for the TBMB in terms of strategy and follow-through in other areas of the state that are also experiencing similar “population explosions.”
Davis said the TBMB’s BlueOval formula is working all over the state, helping to bring the gospel “to places where there isn’t much light.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by David Dawson and originally published by the Baptist and Reflector.
