Ministry Update from the JCBC and Important Announcement from Anna Huggins

Ministry Update from the Johnson City Baptist Center

Another summer has come and gone with much activity at the Johnson City Baptist Center. Along with this having been one of the hottest summers recently, it seems to have been one of the most well-attended for our VBS/Backyard Bible Clubs. We averaged about 25 children each week, and were so thankful for the opportunity they had to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thank you, Holston churches, for sharing the love of Jesus with them, and as you continue praying for the children and their families.

It was exciting for all of us to have our new playground installed and put to use before the summer was over. We are grateful to all the churches that made this possible. The highlight of breaking in the playground was a block party/backpack distribution event at the end of July. We had around 80 children and parents who attended the time of food, play, and fellowship. This was such a joy to all who participated and shared in the blessings.

In August, the Appalachian Fair booth provided another way for our churches to engage the community with the Gospel. As the fair celebrated its 100th anniversary, we met people from many walks of life and shared Jesus and his love with them. Thank you, churches, for joining us in this opportunity to give The Living Water to the fairgoers.

Our fall semester of children and youth Bible studies is well underway. We are still averaging over twenty in attendance each week. The Bible lessons from “The Gospel Project: Genesis to Job” are laying a strong foundation for the children to grow in knowing who God is. It also weaves in the story of Jesus to help them understand how he has provided for our salvation.

Pray also for the youth as they are growing deeper in Bible study. This semester they are studying the letters of Paul. Please pray that they would not be swayed by the world, but would come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.

To watch the children come to the Baptist Center with excitement each week is really a joy and a blessing. We pray and ask for volunteers, please, so that we may be able to minister well to the number of children attending. Just committing to serve once a month would help a great deal. Please contact us about volunteering.

On Sunday, September 20th, we were blessed with a mission team of WMU ladies from across Tennessee, who led a one-day women’s event for the community at the Baptist Center. We had several women participate in the fellowship, Bible study, and fun. We pray this will open the door for these women and others to join in regular Bible study. We also desire to begin a Christian Job Corps at this site. Perhaps God wants to use you to make an impact in these women’s lives.

Whatever activity is happening at the Johnson City Baptist Center, we pray to always make Jesus known and give him the glory. Through building relationships and sharing God’s love, we want to be obedient and faithful to minister to needs and to disciple well. Psalm 78:4 speaks to this: “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (NIV).

Would you commit to serve with us?

Announcement of Upcoming Retirement from Anna Huggins

Now, it is with mixed emotions that I share my decision to retire. While the work continues, God at times leads each of us to serve in different ways and places. It has been a joy to follow the Lord’s calling during the past nine years with the Johnson City Baptist Center. I will be retiring from my position as Director of Ministries at the Johnson City Baptist Center, Holston Baptist Association, effective December 31, 2026.

I want to thank you, Holston Baptist Association, for the opportunity to work alongside you in the ministries of the association, especially with the Baptist Center. Thank you for the confidence and support you have shown over the years. The commitment you have made to provide this ministry to the inner city community remains a light of Jesus and makes a difference to so many lives. Working alongside the HBA team and other Godly brothers and sisters in our fellow churches has been a blessing that I do not take for granted. It has been a privilege to share the gospel with you in our community.

The Lord’s work is never over, and my prayers will continue for you in your ministry. I pray, too, for those who I have been privileged to serve and build relationships with, that they would come to know the Lord and walk with him. I will also continue following God however and wherever he leads me to serve. He has opened the door for my next steps to be involved with missions across our state as President of Tennessee Women's Missionary Union. My husband and I also look forward to time with our six daughters, five sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren who are serving across our country and around the world. We do plan to continue living in these beautiful mountains, though.

Over the next couple of months, I will continue in my commitment to the association and the Johnson City Baptist Center, and assist during the transition in whatever way necessary. Please pray for the future leader of the Baptist Center. Please continue to pray for the children and families of the community to accept Jesus as Savior.

It has been a joy to serve the Lord with you. Philippians 1:3-6.

Love in Christ,

Anna Huggins