Ministry takes gospel across the paths of beach-bound Gulf Shores tourists

As the summer comes to a close, vacationers to Gulf Shores and nearby Orange Beach may be under the impression that things will be slowing down on the Alabama Gulf Coast.  While that may be somewhat true due to school starting back, it instead simply translates into a new season of ministry for Jeff Ford, director of Gulf Area Resort Ministries (GARM).
   
This year marks the fifth summer that Ford, 28,  has been operating GARM out of the Baldwin Baptist Association.  Through a variety of outreach endeavors such as day camps, beach witnessing and public concerts conducted at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, vacationers have been given the opportunity to meet Christ through means and a location they wouldn’t expect.
   
During this past summer, missions groups from as far away as Wichita, Kan., and Peoria, Ill., made the trek to conduct the various ongoing ministries.  In addition to being in contact with the leaders of these groups, Ford is also the immediate supervisor of six summer missionaries who help lead in the activities.
   
His laid-back demeanor makes the Gadsden native seemingly      tailor-made for ministry in a relaxed setting.  Assisting in GARM with him is his wife, Thea, who is a teacher at nearby Foley High School. The two originally met at Student Week ’93 at Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina. They became reacquainted and eventually started dating after participating in interview weekend for Baptist Campus Ministries summer missions positions in 1996. He was at Jacksonville State and she was at Auburn.
   
One might assume that the work levels off at the close of summer, but here that’s not the case.  After a brief time to recharge his batteries, Ford dives into the normal vacation off-season. Thousands of retired couples, affectionately referred to as “snowbirds,” flock to Alabama’s shores from Michigan, Ohio, Canada, Indiana and many other places.
   
“Those snowbirds who have experienced Jesus Christ and His forgiveness of sin are partners in our ministry efforts,” Ford said.  “They become involved in and help lead weekly Bible studies, bicycle club, missions projects and monthly fellowships. [This past] March we [were] involved in a community building project.”
   
Margaret Juhl, 68, is a retiree from Cedar Falls, Iowa.  She and her husband have been living in their motor home for four years, visiting children, friends, and family from May to September before heading to warmer weather.
   
“We are full-timers and so appreciate this ministry,” Juhl said.  “Jeff seemed so young [upon meeting him] and yet had such a heart for the Lord.  He and Thea have such a sweetness about them.
   
“A couple of years ago, I was helping set up chairs when Jeff asked me if I could play the piano.  I said ‘Thank you, Jesus!’ I had played for years in church, so you could imagine my joy in being able to do it again.”
   
Ford plan to take a group of travelers to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) and partner with the ongoing Senior Adult Mission Lab there.  A goal of Ford’s is to get more adult missions teams involved in the ministry
in addition to  students.
   
During the fall and winter months Ford is busy conducting and overseeing several outreach events.  In October, the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce will host a shrimp festival.  At this, a missions team from north Alabama as well as local students will be operating several outreach events.
   
Every Sunday, Ford makes his way to several local campgrounds to preach to the snowbirds encamped there.  Involved in this ministry are several retired couples from across the country working through the North American Mission Board’s Campers on Mission and Mission Service Corps.
   
“Gene and Ruby Buttrey are great in helping with the ministry, “ Ford said.  “Gene is the campground chaplain at Island Retreat RV.  He also uses his guitar in playing bluegrass and country music concerts,” Ford noted.
   
“There are so many others who make the ministry possible, but we’re always looking for more volunteers.  We need more help to share the gospel,” he said, noting the many people “who need a life-changing experience in Christ.”
   
When not preaching Ford visits people in hospitals, at campgrounds, speaks to missions
groups and pursues a master of divinity degree at NOBTS.