An Alabama church teamed up with Vintage Church in Metairie, Louisiana, on June 9, to build a playground that not only will serve as a recreational gathering place for their community but will become fertile ground to develop relationships for Christ.
The playground, built by 15 members of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Brantley and 25 members of Vintage Church, will feature slides, a small merry-go-round, steppingstones and alligator and frog spring riders.
Elm trees will soon be planted, and benches, picnic tables and fencing will be installed.
Vintage Church generations director Nick Perret said his church was encouraged that the Alabama team gave up a portion of their summer vacation to assist in building what will become yet another outreach arm. The church, averaging 200 in Sunday worship, also participates each month in food distribution in Metairie and hosts a Hispanic worship service.
“For several years we have been wanting to complete this playground so we could have another way to connect with our neighborhood, and when we found out the Alabama team would help us, our church was very excited,” Perret told the Louisiana Baptist Message. “Having them join us really is a shot of encouragement to our church and even our neighbors who are seeing this being built.”
51 projects
The playground is one of 51 projects associated with Serve Tour, June 9–10, an effort that seeks to involve participants in compassion ministry projects in Houma and New Orleans as a foundation for evangelism.
Mark Perry, pastor of Mount Zion Baptist, said the team of mostly teenagers was among 55 from his church who will participate in 13 Serve Tour projects throughout the weekend in New Orleans.
“Our church is heavily invested in missions, and these types of trips reinforce the passion we have for reaching others with the gospel,” Perry said. “Much like in Brantley, there are needs here and our church will do whatever it takes to serve those who need Jesus.”
Helping the community
Jackson Mitchell, a 10th grader from Mount Zion, said the trip fulfills a calling to be on mission for Christ.
“The Lord has called me to help and serve those not just in my own community, but others like New Orleans who need Jesus,” Mitchell said. “Everyone needs His love, and it’s so cool to go to the different areas of the city to share His love.”
To see more photos from the team’s work, click here.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written by Brian Blackwell and is part of the team coverage of Crossover and Serve Tour events by staff members from the Baptist Message, The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Paper.
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