Tennessee (Previous) (Next) (Home)

Lee Bannister: e-mail
b-'48' (same age as Israel) John went to be with the Lord on 6/1/98. I was born again at the age of 17, married the first time at 21 to a man going to Bible College at the time, so I expected to have a Godly home to raise our children and minister, but after several years of abuse, we were divorced. Two girls, born in '70' and '72'. I met John then at a singles' church retreat at North Phoenix Baptist Church, and we expected to grow old together. He died of melanoma at home. I had the priviledge of caring for him, with some help from hospice, as he became weaker and weaker. Now he is healed...in heaven. John and I adopted my grandson, Matt, 14, who is having a hard time with questions, "Why did God give me a good daddy, then take him away from me?" I am an elementary school teacher near Nashville. I am a singer/songwriter, and getting involved in prison ministry concerts, and will be involved in nursing homes soon. Study in the Word, reading, teaching, storytelling, songwriting, writing, are my passions. I attend a SBC church, and am trying to rebuild my life, looking for Christian friends and fellowship. NOT skinny....if you are looking for skinny friends...pass on by, (but I am VERY healthy, haven't missed teaching due to my own sickness in three years). I have a heart for those who are hurting, and hope to minister further as the Lord leads. I would be glad to write to anyone who is looking for Christian fellowship.

Mike Perkins: e-mail
w-'94'. I have a precious 10 year old daughter. I have been a Christian since 1964, and I know Jesus Christ as a precious Savior. My wife died from a kidney crisis aggravated by her absolute unconditional refusal to abort the child. I have written a book which is on tape - not in print (no money) called "Love Beareth All Things" - The Lynne Perkins Story. I have been seeking a Godly wife for 6 long years and a loving mother for about 3 years. I seek only a Godly lady who seeks to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. The publicly Christian single ladies are few and far between.

DeLora Ray: e-mail
b-'60', m-'83', w-'4/5/00'; 3 children, Paul '86' (greatly enjoys his academic pursuits--a genius like his dad), Hilary '89' (plays the piano so beautifully), David '92' (loves the outdoors and all kinds of sports--a fanatic like his dad). My husband, Dr. Joe Ray, died suddenly from a massive heart attack. He was found by one of his students in his office at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga. He had been a University teacher for 23 years. I met him in '78' when I was his student in a communications class. Joe was born in '52' as a preemie. Too much oxygen in his incubator blinded him. He was totally blind in his right eye and could see only minimally with his left, but God enabled him to earn a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree in education. I loved him with all my heart........ Some things that have helped me are as follows. Sometimes I journal: maybe a prayer, maybe a letter to my sweetheart which I ask the Lord to communicate to Joe. I know he is in Heaven with Jesus and Jesus can tell him whatever I say. When the moon is beautiful, I stand on my deck and watch the lovely night sky. I feel connected to Joe because I believe he can see the same beautiful sight. I even talk a little to him then. I have been helped by some good books by Elizabeth Elliot and others who have also experienced the grief that I have been called to go through. Looking to Jesus and knowing that HE is touched with the feeling of my infirmities because He has experienced sorrow and grief and pain helps to strengthen me to keep on walking. Just 2 days after the funeral, I was weeping at my husband's fresh grave. I said, "Lord, how can I possibly live without him for another 30 years?" God said, "My dear, sweet child, don't you know that when I sent my only Son to earth to purchase your salvation, that He did not see my face for 33 years? He can comfort you and see you through." Heaven, my eternal home, is waiting!! I can just picture my beloved husband sitting on the front porch of his mansion. He is rocking in his favorite rocking chair waitin for his family to come home. This world is not my home. I'm just a passin through!!! Hallelujah!!!! I have a 4-year degree in Elementary Education. I have been a Christian since Jesus cleansed and saved me in 1991. I am currently an Avon Representative--and loving it!!! God has caused my path to cross the lives of many ladies who have been widowed. We comfort each other. Recently, the Lord has been calling me to return to school to obtain a degree in counseling to help abused women and children. I will begin this journey in January of 2002.