Gallatin, TN—The annual Strong and Courageous banquet benefiting Welch College took a different look this year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual banquet normally held on the campus in May became a virtual event. The premier showing of the event was held September 28. It can be seen on demand at Facebook.com/WelchCollege or at YouTube.com/WelchCollege.
The event featured many of the aspects of the in-person event. Music included a special performance by Dr. Ming Wang as well as selections by the Welch College Rejoice! ensemble. Comments were made by Welch College President Matt Pinson, David Dill, president and CEO of LifePoint Health Systems, and former student and Hendersonville resident, Hannah Bernui. Judd Sellars, of Sellars Funeral Home, spoke of his commitment to recognize both his father, Rev. Danny Sellars, and grandfather, Rev. Walter Lee Sellars, for their decades of ministry, with a scholarship for ministry students at Welch.
Special Recognitions included a Healthcare Excellence award and the naming of the 2020 Strong and Courageous recipients. Dr. Charles Lea, Special Assistant to the President, in recognizing a special healthcare recognition, underscored the valuable service provided to our community by annual S&Csponsors Hendersonville Medical Center, NHC Sumner Place, and Sumner Regional Medical Center. One facility however assisted in the coordination of a pandemic crisis with a COVID-19 outbreak in Gallatin. In recognition of the leadership and service provided by Sumner Regional Medical Center and large volume of patients served, a Healthcare Excellence award was presented to Susan Peach, CEO of Sumner Regional Medical Center and the HighPoint Healthcare system.
The Strong and Courageous award is presented annually to an individual(s) who has demonstrated outstanding service to his or her profession while advancing kingdom principles. The 2020 Strong and Courageous award recipients are Bob and Karen Goodall. Introducing the Goodalls were Dr. Charles Lea, who spoke of their service to those less fortunate and their humble walk with God. The 2019 award recipients, Congressman Diane Black and Dr. David Black, close friends and neighbors of the Goodalls, spoke of their commitment to God, family, and community. Many personal examples of the Goodalls’ commitment to Christ and community were shared. In accepting the award, the Goodalls shared how their faith had grown through adversity as well as success. Tim Lafluer, Minister of Pastor Care at Long Hollow Baptist Church, prayed a special blessing for the Goodalls’ life and service.
Strong and Courageous continues to be one of the largest single sources of scholarship support for Welch College students from Sumner and surrounding counties. As a new year approaches, Strong and Courageous 2021 hopes to return to an in-person campus event.
