FREEDOM FELLOWSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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Leadership
Pastor & Staff

Dr Sam & Dianna Murray
Senior Pastor
Dr Sam Murray has preached and pastored for congregations in FL, GA, SC,
NC, SD, KY, HI, VA, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and TN. He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at 12 years old and was called to preach at 14 years old.

Sam was saved and later called to preach at Eden Baptist Church, near Brooksville, FL. It was there that Sam enlisted in the Army in 1980. Sam Murray’s military career spanned over 28 years of active service in two different branches of the Army, Infantry and the Chaplain Corps. His arc of service began as a Private First Class, Chaplain Assistant. Sam was soon promoted to Non-Commissioned Officer ranks and then pursued Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. Some years later, Captain Murray left active duty to pursue ministerial education and the credentials necessary to be a military Chaplain. Upon seminary graduation, he returned to active duty as an Army Chaplain. After returning from his second combat deployment, Chaplain Murray’s mother requested that he retire and move to Church Hill, Tennessee to be available as a help to his parents. Chaplain Murray retired from the Army in January 2009.

Sam has earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Expository Preaching and a Graduate Certificate in Military Resilience from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Chaplain Murray holds a Master of Divinity degree from Bob Jones University in Greeneville, South Carolina; a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia

Sam and Dianna Murray currently reside in Church Hill, Tennessee. Dianna is the former Dianna Lee Fergerson. She and Sam married in 1979. The Murrays have two sons who are both Army combat veterans, and six grandchildren.

I Samuel 12:24 “Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you."

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Rev. Jim & Linda Perkins Assistant Pastor.
Pastor Jim was born again July 6, 1997, at
Emaus Baptist Church in Kingsport TN.
It was at Bethel Colony of Mercy, in February
of 2018 that Pastor Jim answered his call to preach.

From the time of his calling, he began serving at
Freedom Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
in Kingsport TN. He is currently the Assistant
Pastor of our congregation. Pastor Jim has also
served for many years as the Director of the food
pantry ministry, in sound and video production,
and as a musician> He has also performed pulpit
service here and in other churches and ministries.
Pastor Jim has completed 2 years of Bible college
and acquired an Associate’s Degree in Ministry.

Jim and Linda were married in 1995 and have a
daughter, Sheila Myers.
Linda has served as a Sunday School teacher and
youth leader. Linda has been in the medical profession
the last 25 years.

Pastor Jim believes that all have sinned and come
short of the glory of God and that salvation is by grace
through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Dwayne & Tabatha Canter
Deacon Chairman
My name is Dwayne Canter. I was born in Bristol, TN in October 1970. I grew up in a single parent home with my brother and mother until I was 7 years old. We then moved to Weber City, VA and lived with my Grandmother, from who I received my spiritual influence. I later married my wife, Tabatha, and we have two children, Joey and Marissa. I have been born again since February, 1998. My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16 which is the complete gospel in one verse.

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Dennis & Susan Helton
Deacon
My name is Dennis Helton. I am 75 years old. I am a resident of Rogersville, TN where I live with my wife of 42 years, Susan. I was raised in a Christian home. I am a born again Christian. I help lead singing at church and serve as a deacon. My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16.You
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Randy & Cheri Osborne
Deacon
Randy was born and raised in Kingsport TN. On Mother’s Day, May 13th 1979, at Forest View Baptist Church, where his Dad was the Pastor, Randy surrendered his life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Randy served 23 years in the USAF and he is a proud Veteran. During his military career in Alaska, he met his wife, Cheri, and they were married in 1999. While stationed in Arkansas he and his wife served as youth leaders. He now serves as a Deacon and media manager at the Church. Randy is so blessed to serve the same God today, that Moses and Abraham served, and always will be. He never changes!

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“JESUS In Action”

Oct 12, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray

Homecoming Sunday with Heavenly Rflections.

In this powerful exploration of John 5:1-9, we witness Jesus' compassionate action at the pool of Bethesda. The story of the man healed after 38 years of infirmity reminds us that our Lord is not passive, but actively seeks to transform lives. We're challenged to consider: are we focused on our problems or on Christ's power? Jesus' simple question, 'Do you want to be made whole?', cuts through excuses and invites us to trust Him completely. This narrative beautifully illustrates that God's healing isn't limited by our circumstances, time, or human systems. It's a call for us to stop relying on our own efforts and instead allow Christ's word to work miraculously in our lives. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: what areas of our lives need Christ's healing touch? Are we ready to rise, take up our mat, and walk in newness of life?

More From Gospel of John

The Gospel of John

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Oct 26, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray

“JESUS’ Enemies Upset”

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The Gospel of John

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“Revival Among The Rejects” Part 2

Sep 7, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray

“Be Like Jesus” Part 3

Aug 31, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray

“Be Like Jesus” Part 2

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“Be Like Jesus”

Aug 10, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray

“Teach Your Children”

Jul 13, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray

“Revival Among The Rejects” Part 1

Jun 22, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Jun 15, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray

“Jesus Himself Explains the Gospel”

Jun 1, 2025 • Dr Sam Murray