Russell Association strong in missions

Volunteers with Russell Baptist Association’s Builders for Christ may not be experts when it comes to construction projects, but they do not let that keep them from their ministry, said director of missions Wayne Burns.
   
During the past nine years, more than 280 association members have traveled across the United States to help build sanctuaries, auditoriums and other facilities for churches in need.
   
“We are just believers being obedient to His call in making a difference for His Kingdom,” said Burns.
   
“The volunteers pay their own expenses, give up their vacation time, cook most meals for themselves and in general try not to be a burden on the church we are there to help. We go to serve, not to be served.”
   
Since its beginning in 1993, Russell Association’s Builders for Christ team has taken on many sizable projects, and God always provides a way for them to accomplish their goals. “Each year has its own set of miracles,” said Burns. “God always overcomes obstacles, provides financing, opens many doors and changes hearts. The blessings are too numerous to list.”
   
Every year, a steering team reviews construction needs posted on the North American Mission Board Web site and identifies about five projects that the association may be able to help.
   
After months of prayer, a project is usually chosen by December for the upcoming summer. Once at the site, an average day begins with a meal and a time of devotion, testimonies and praise. “After experiencing God in a time of worship, our bodies become energized and the building will go up,” said Burns.
   
Originally five members of First Baptist Church, Phenix City, pioneered the association’s first Builders for Christ missions team with a trip to Colorado.
   
In its growing stages, Russell Association partnered with a West Metro Atlanta group. Five years later while in Alaska, the association sensed God’s calling to begin its own group since the number of volunteers has grown dramatically.
   
During the past four years, the number of volunteers has increased from 30 to 83. To date, members from seven Russell Association churches have traveled to Washington, Nevada, Alaska, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Oregon, Colorado and Montana. Last year, the Builders for Christ team went to Missouri for one week to help build a church auditorium.
   
In addition to their national building ministry, the association often offers construction services to local churches as needs arise. This past summer, volunteers painted a fellowship hall for Pine Grove Baptist Church, Phenix City.
   
“Builders for Christ is, in almost all trips, a life-changing experience,” said Burns.
   
“There have been men called into the ministry, become deacons, families reconnected, marriages strengthened, those that God has freed from addictions and many more.”
   
The association plans to continue answering God’s call in the upcoming years.