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Award winning country and gospel artist T. Graham Brown was one of 50 performers to take the stage at God's Country.    

    Christians from around the world converged on the Grand Resort in Pigeon Forge last week for “God’s Country,” an annual six-day festival intended to bring Christians together for fellowship and a chance for others to rededicate their lives to their Christian beliefs. The event provided ministers and missionaries an opportunity to network.

   The event was filled with wonderful music, fellowship and a few surprises. The first of several surprises was presented to God’s Country founder and organizer, Gwen Ford, who was presented with an honorary Doctorate from the Emmanuel Baptist University in North Carolina. The award was presented by Ken Seaton, Sr. who sits on the board of the college.

   “I was completely surprised,” said Ford. “I can now legally refer to myself as a doctor.”

    The award was presented to Ford for her tireless efforts in organizing the annual event.

   This was just the first of several surprises that had attendees rejoicing and celebrating. During the festival more than 50 gospel acts performed and more than 40 ministers delivered sermons. The convention center was the epicenter of activity in which authors, singers and ministers sold books, CDs and other Christian themed works to eager attendees. A play entitled “Heaven’s Gate, Hell’s Flaws” was presented on the Main Stage followed by a performance by country music and gospel artist T. Graham Brown.

  Numerous missionaries gave testimonials of the lives they have touched through their humanitarian efforts in foreign lands. Ministers from as far away as South Africa discussed the challenges faced in nations where Christians face persecution.

  To handle the plethora of performers that volunteered to perform, a separate stage was erected outside underneath a tent where some of the artists performed.

  Among the many artists to perform was LeElyn Linx, a former Broadway performer who appeared with Bette Midler in the movie "Gypsy."

    Organizers gave a way seven free weddings to brides and grooms who were unable to afford such ceremonies. The free weddings gave the couple an opportunity to have their wedding in a much more memorable setting as opposed to going to the county courthouse. The ceremonies were all held throughout the day on Sunday. The weddings included the ceremony, a wedding dress, tuxedos, photo sessions, wedding cakes and carriage rides. In addition the brides were provided with make-up, hair styling and the couple were given a reception.   

  According to Ford, the event, now in its fourth year, has grown tremendously from its humble beginnings on a farm in Jefferson County.

  “We had more than 1,000 people attend this year,” Ford said. “We had seven weddings, two healed and 35 saved. We also had two agree to get rehab. We also had a young girl, who is pregnant, who agreed to attend abortion counseling rather than seek an abortion. We have had ministers networking to build churches in Africa and much more. It has truly been successful.”

  The free event was funded through donations. All performers, including Brown,  performed for a love offering. 

LeElyn Linx of Dandridge performed Friday and Saturday at the six day festival.