November 13, 2016 Knoxville Tennessee
A new Veteran Friendly Congregation, New Life Ministries, enrolls after hearing about the Veteran Friendly Congregation initiative at the East Tennessee Military Affairs Council (ETMAC) 34th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon on November 11, 2016.
Freddie Owens, Veteran Friendly Congregation Chairman & Vet to Vet Tennessee V2VT), Ed Junod, Knoxville Regional Veterans Mental Health Council (Council) Chairman & V2VT Treasurer and Colonel Owen Ragland, USAF (Ret.), ETMAC President were discussing the new direction the Military Chaplain Association Board approved recently.
During our conversation, Pastor Jayme Tharp, Senior Pastor of New Life Ministries overheard our discussion. Within minutes after the conversation, Pastor Tharp
asked to become a Veteran Friendly Congregation. Ed Junod agreed to attend New Life Ministries Veterans Appreciation on 11-13-16. Ed attended New Life Ministries and was welcomed with open arms. Ed was asked by Pastor Tharp to speak during the service. “I felt right at home” Ed said as the members and Pastor welcomed the Council and V2VT with open arms and “is a perfect fit for the church” said Pastor Tharp. Before the sermon began Church member Ms. Debra Watson ask the Pastor if it was OK to collect an offering to help the Council and V2VT continue with their mission. As result of the request, V2VT received over $700.00. After the sermon, Pastor Tharp asked for donations to purchase a washer and dryer for True Purpose Knox; V2VT donated $200.00.
New Life Ministries has many groups in the church, including a homeless shelter and substance use disorder program “True Purpose Knox” headed by Executive Director Russ Owens.
We are blessed to have Pastor Tharp and his church as part of our VFC initiative. Peace.
