Meet the staff …

Jack and Eloise Bryan

Jack became a follower of Jesus Christ in the fall of 1951, at the age of 19. Jack is the founder and director of the Tennessee Prison Ministry since 1973, and Miracle Lake Christian Training Center since 1980. Jack holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson Newan College (1955), Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1959). He has 40 years of pastoral experience in Tennessee, Louisiana, and California. He has 8 years of teaching experience in public schools, and 6 years in construction as a carpenter.

Eloise is the donor secretary at Miracle Lake where she and Jack have been living on campus since 1986. Eloise plays piano for the worship service for the campus church. Jack and Eloise have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.

Harold Benson

Harold is the business manager at Miracle Lake. He has been with Miracle Lake for 12 years. Before coming on staff, Harold was the manager of the Etowah branch of the 1^st National Bank (BB&T). Harold and his wife Evelyn have 1 son and 4 grandchildren. They are active members of the North Etowah Baptist Church where Evelyn is employed as a secretary.

Chuck Haggart

Chuck is in his sixth year serving on the Board of Directors. He came on staff in January 2007 as our project manager and maintenance director. Chuck worked at Johnson Controls for 7 years. He has a background in public service, the latest as the jail administrator at McMinn County’s Justice Center. Prior to joining our staff, Chuck was employed as a land surveyor. Chuck and his wife, Maria, are very active members at Waterbrook Christian Fellowship where they lead a monthly ministry team in the county jail. Chuck and Maria reside in the staff house on campus. They have 5 children and 2 grandchildren.

Byron Goodman

Byron is the student affairs and admissions director at Miracle Lake. Byron holds an associate degree in business from Volunteer State Community College. Byron was a student and graduated from Miracle Lake and remained on campus to help the staff. Byron assisted Sam Rose in student admissions while also functioning as house manager. Today, Byron now coordinates all admissions and orientation. Byron has 1 daughter and now resides in Madisonville.

Sam Rose

Sam is “Mr. Public Relations” at Miracle Lake. Sam has been on staff since October 1996. He was in charge of admission correspondence; today Sam is our Director Emeritus giving valuable advice and proven leadership to the staff. Before coming on staff he was a security officer at Alcoa Aluminum Company. Sam, and his wife, Barbara have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. They reside in Maryville.

Dr. Richard Layman

Dr. Layman has been serving as a volunteer counselor at Miracle Lake since March 2002. He sees the men one day each week. Dr. Layman is a retired pediatrician. After retirement obtained a degree in Bible Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary so he could combine his medical knowledge with the biblical to render a greater service. He is a member of the American Christian Counselors Association. Dr. Layman and his wife, Margie, have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. They reside in Knoxville.