Governor Bill Lee extends stay at home order through end of April

April 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Governor Bill Lee on Monday extended his stay-at-home order, mandating non-essential businesses remain closed until April 30.

The mandate was set to expire Tuesday, April 14

As of Monday, state officials said Tennessee had 5,610 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 109 deaths.

DeKalb County’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 10. As of Monday, April 13, the Tennessee Department of Health reports that 248 people have been tested with 238 negative results and 10 positive. There have been no deaths in DeKalb County from the virus and 3 of the 10 tested positive have recovered.

The DeKalb County Health Department has established a COVID-19 drive through assessment site for county residents at the DeKalb County Health Department, 254 Tiger Drive, Smithville, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. Additional information about Tennessee’s assessment sites is available for each county on the Tennessee Department of Health website at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/remote-assessment-sites.html.

April 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

For 22 years, residents of this community have gathered at Green Brook Park to celebrate cancer survivors and remember many who have lost a battle against cancer.

This year is no exception. However due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the date for the 23rd annual DeKalb County Relay for Life has been changed from Friday evening May 1 to May 29 with the opening ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. Organizers are hoping the coronavirus threat has passed by then and the park can be open for this important event.

Meanwhile, the annual Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Reception Dinner scheduled for Thursday, April 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Gym has also been postponed due to COVID-19.

The goal for this year’s DeKalb Relay for Life is to raise at least $50,000 for cancer research and patient services.

Funds have already been pledged and donated for this year’s Relay for Life and you too can join the effort by sending your contribution today to Iva Dell Randolph at 787 Keltonburg Road, Smithville 37166.

“We feel like our community has really made a difference and we are so appreciative to all who have participated over the years. We encourage you to help support this,” said Randolph.

“During this difficult time, cancer won’t stop; and neither will the American Cancer Society. Our mission matters more than ever. The needs of people facing cancer continue and so does our work. Cancer patients still need support. Because cancer research can’t stop. Our 24/7 helpline can’t stop. Where we can, we’re continuing our services to get patients the care and support they need. We stand together, even when we’re apart. Learn how you can help. Call 800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org,” said Marlene Delong, Senior Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community. Rallying the passion of 4 million people worldwide, Relay For Life events raise critical funds that help fuel the mission of the American Cancer Society. The ACS is an organization whose reach touches so many lives – those who are currently battling cancer, those who may face a diagnosis in the future and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education regarding prevention and early detection.

In addition to assisting DeKalb County cancer patients with services and informational support, the American Cancer Society currently has $8.5 million in cancer research projects here in Tennessee. That research is performed at facilities like Vanderbilt Medical Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Because of these research facilities, Tennessee typically receives more funds in research grants than is raised by Relay events throughout the state.

Randolph said the American Cancer Society also offers the Hope Lodge program in Nashville which provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment, and permanently reside more than 40 miles or one hour away from their cancer treatment center. Each patient must be accompanied by a caregiver.

“If you are undergoing treatment you can go to the Hope Lodge and stay the night if needed. If you have a real early appointment or something just have your doctor call for you and they will get you set up. It’s really a nice place to stay. Sometimes during treatment you need a place to go rest for a while or maybe you have other appointments later in the day. Its free and private. There is a common area where you can be with other people but you also have your private quarters there. So take advantage of the Hope Lodge,” said Randolph.

As in past years this year’s Relay for Life event on May 29 will include the traditional Survivor, Caregiver and Team Laps shortly after 6 p.m. and the Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. These portions of the evening’s events are so meaningful to those who attend. From 5 p.m. until midnight the park will be filled with LIVE entertainment and lots of food, fun and games for the whole family provided by more than a dozen fundraising teams.

For more information about leading a fundraising team, sponsorship, volunteering or participating in any way, call Ivadell Randolph at 615- 597-5296, Lynda Luna at 615- 597-5837, Renee Cantrell at 615-684-2688, Gail Taylor 615-597-5936, Melanie Judkins at 615-597-1132, Marlene Delong-931-235-6286 or Eva Willoughby at 615-529-1187.

April 12, 2020
By: Bill Conger

In the third part of our series “Connecting with Christ During COVID-19,” we spoke to Nathan Thomason, the pastor of Outreach Baptist Church in Smithville.

Bill Conger: What can we learn from church history when it comes to thinking about the threat of pandemics?

Nathan Thomason: I read an article recently that talked about the churches response to the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918. The article talked about how churches complied with orders to not meet for a short period in order to slow the spread of the flu. Churches found alternative ways to worship by holding outdoor meetings. While we haven’t seen it in our lifetimes the church has weathered storms like this in the past.

Conger: Some people ask whether the virus is a plague or judgment from God. What does the Bible say?

Thomason: The Bible does speak prophetically of diseases and wide spread pestilences. The definition of a pestilence is a widespread infectious disease. In his Olivet discourse in Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied of things like this happening as His return comes closer. He also spoke of nation rising against nation. We have seen that with two world wars, He mentioned earthquakes in various places. Today there are over 500,000 earthquakes a year. He also speaks of pestilence or disease.

We have seen all of these things in the past, however, Jesus references these type of events as birth pangs, suggesting that much like a woman delivering a child will have contractions more intense and frequently as the child’s birth gets closer, the more intense and frequent these things will become as Jesus’ coming draws near. This is a wake-up call to us all; time is running out and Jesus is coming.

I also do believe God is using this to call us to repentance as a nation and a world quite frankly.

Conger: How should Christians respond to the COVID-19 pandemic today?

Thomason: I believe we should respond in faith and wisdom. We aren’t to live in constant fear, but we are to take precautions.

The devil tempted Jesus and told him to cast himself off of a high place and that God would send angels to rescue Him lest His foot dash against a stone. Jesus replied by quoting scripture to Satan, “It is written again do not tempt the Lord your God.”

We have faith that God will watch over us while at the same time we have wisdom to not take unnecessary risks.

Don’t be consumed by the threat of a virus neither act irresponsibly and expect God to make you bulletproof. I really believe we just need to maintain a biblical balance of faith and wisdom during this time.

Conger: What advice do you have for people to decrease their fear and anxiety during all the uncertainties?

Thomason: Pray, worship, spend time in the word. When Jesus would enter a room He would often greet people by saying “peace”. Scripture says in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed (focused) on You!” “Put your mind on things above not on the things of the earth” (Col. 3:2). Use this time to focus on Christ and your family.

Conger: What can we do to decrease our fear and anxiety in the face of all of these uncertainties?

Thomason: As I said earlier, just take this time to press into Jesus.

Conger: What are some practical ways we can love our neighbors in the midst of COVID-19?

Thomason: I think it’s important in this time to stay connected with others. With modern technology, this is easier than it would have been 20 years ago. I heard someone praying the other day, and they said thank you God this didn’t happen 30 years ago because we wouldn’t have had the tools we have now to still stay connected with people.

We can share Christ’s love now perhaps more than ever. Make sure your neighbors’ and friends’ basic needs are met and if not, help meet them. This is a time for generosity and selflessness. Also, use this time to share the gospel with people who aren’t believers. People are receptive. They are looking for answers so use this time to share your faith in Christ.

Conger: What final word of encouragement would you offer to someone struggling with fear today?

Thomason: I would say to you fear is natural. We all experience moments of fear, however, fear doesn’t have to control you. Place your faith in Christ and trust Him. If you have never trusted Jesus for salvation I encourage you to open your heart to Him.

Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and three days later he rose from the dead, proving He was the savior of the world. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus today and fear will flee. Our staff, OBC [Outreach Baptist Church], and I are praying for our community during this time, and we are here to help should you need anything.

Stay safe and keep looking up.

Outreach Baptist Church streams its online services on Facebook, or people can check out the church website at obcsmithville.com. You can also keep up with AWANA and OBC Kids at the OBC Kids Facebook page. There’s also a Reach Recovery Facebook page for those seeking support for addiction, depression, etc .  Outreach Baptist Church also has a Sunday morning program on WJLE called the Outreach Pulpit at 8:30 a.m. on FM 101.7 and AM 1480.

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