A New Beginning…By Scott Capshaw
In 1997, I came to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge as a college student working for a summer with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. Through that experience, I found my calling in resort missions. Throughout seminary, God kept providing opportunities to communicate the Gospel in leisure settings ranging from the State Fair of Virginia to the 2002 Winter Olympics.
In 2003, Jennifer and I accepted an invitation to serve with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. For the past seven years, I have had an opportunity to express my calling to resort ministry as the Assistant Director and Chaplain for Dollywood.
Now, Jennifer and I are in the midst of a new journey. As many of you already know, we have accepted a calling to be Southern Baptist Mission Service Corps missionaries in Alaska. We will be starting a new resort ministry in the community of Girdwood, Alaska.
On Thursday, August 13, we sold our home. My last day of service at Dollywood will be Sunday, September 13. During the fall, we will be traveling in the South and the Southeast raising support for this new endeavor. In late November or early December, we will be moving to Alaska.
Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries and Dollywood have a continued commitment to providing a chaplain for the employees of Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Bill Black, Director of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries, has arranged for Jacob Baccus to serve as the interim chaplain. He will complete the remainder of the season. Jacob and Rachel Baccus will bring a fresh perspective with energy and enthusiasm.
Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries is receiving applications for the position of Assistant Director and Dollywood Chaplain. Key members of Dollywood, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the North American Mission Board, and the Sevier County Association of Baptists will be involved in that process.It will be headed up by Bill Black the Director of Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. (Information about this position and how to apply is posted on the SMRM homepage.) I know and trust that God is in this and that He will provide the next chaplain who will care deeply for Dollywood’s employees and guests.
Jennifer and I will miss each of you. Please know that you have made an impact in our lives. If you would like to join our newsletter to hear about what we will be doing in Alaska or if you would like to consider partnering with us in this new ministry, you can email us at: scottcapshaw@hotmail.com.
