Thomas N. Denman and Christine L. Denman, Associates in Mission Service, are lay missionaries working in the Red Bird Missionary
Conference. Thom and Chris are co-directors of The Joy Center in Big Creek, which is a Christian Community Outreach Center
located in a rural mountain area of southeast Kentucky. The Denmans are responsible for leadership and development of all
Christian education programs and activities at the Joy Center.
Both native of Orrville, Ohio , Thom attended the College of Wooster, in Wooster, Ohio. He graduated in 1974 with a B.A.
degree in physical education. Prior to his present position as community worker, he was Program Director of the Boy's Club
of Orrville, Ohio, a position he held for six years.
Chris attended Kent State University in Kent, Ohio pursuing a degree in early childhood education. She has served at
"The Joy Center" since 1980. Prior to that she was director/teacher at the Trinity United Methodist nursery school in
Orrville, Ohio.
Thom and Chris, are the parents of two grown children, Beth and Eric and two grandchildren, Dylan and Lucas. Beth is
a fourth grade teacher at Bush Elementary school in London, Kentucky. Eric is a Visual Engineer in Computer Graphic
Arts in Los Angelos, California.
In 1978, Thom was working at The Boy's Club & Chris was teaching at Trinity UMC Nursery School in Orrville, Ohio. However,
God was continually putting on their hearts that there was "something else" he wanted them to do. After much prayer they
heard about the Red Bird Missionary Conference, so after their first daughter was born they came to Kentucky and visited
RBMC. Before they left the parking lot, "we knew" this was "where God wanted us to be!" So they thought, "Okay God, we
will give you a year or two and now 30 years later we are still being blessed beyond measure at The Joy Center."
They believe that their biggest struggle is not having/taking the time to spend in prayer and Bible study like they would
like. However, they remain passionate about their work because of "The People! and The Children! There are so many in
need of love and encouragement and knowing that they are loved by God!"
Thom and Chris feel that it is exciting and humbling that the kids that came to The Joy Center 30 years ago are now
brining their kids, and are also in leadership, in many many areas! Former kids are now teaching Sunday school, prayer
meetings, Bible study, Worship leaders, song leaders, Camp Joy leaders, Preaching the word, Mission Leaders, and
Volunteers. The list goes on and on! Praise God!
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