Networking with Baptists provides places to plug in

Arthur Parker’s advice for senior adults who are interested in missions work is simple: “Find out what’s going on and get involved.”
   
There are many opportunities for senior adults to get involved in missions work on the local, state, national and even international level. As with many things, taking the first step is often the hardest part, so here are a few suggestions on how to get started.
   
–Contact the Alabama State Board of Missions (SBOM). The mission of the office of global partnerships/volunteers in missions at the SBOM is “to encourage and facilitate hands-on missions involvement by Alabama Baptists.” Reggie Quimby, director of the office, can direct you to missions opportunities around the state.
   
The State Board of Missions also coordinates volunteers for disaster relief missions.
   
These units, under the direction of Tommy Puckett, work with the Red Cross and the Salvation Army to provide services after a natural disaster.
   
Kathleen Parker of First Baptist Church, Robertsdale, is a volunteer who works with a unit that feeds people during times of disaster. After the terrorist attacks of 9-11, she and other Alabama Baptist relief workers fed more than 5,000 meals a day at Ground Zero.
   
Disaster relief units are often called after hurricanes as well, and the teams spend countless hours providing clean drinking water, clearing trees and cleaning houses that have been flooded. Other teams provide child care to families as they complete paperwork for insurance companies and government assistance.
   
“People are vulnerable after a disaster, but we don’t force ourselves on them until they welcome us to,” said Arthur Parker. “It’s a wonderful experience to see people come to Christ through a disaster.”
   
The next disaster relief training is March 26–27 at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center in Talladega.
   
–Contact your local associational office. Many local associations coordinate teams to work on various projects in their area.
   
The Baldwin Baptist Association, for example, coordinates the Baldwin Baptist Builders, who work on projects sponsored by the North American Mission Board and on renovation projects for local churches.
   
Directors of missions can also guide you to organized programs at churches in your area, including homebound ministries and meals-on-wheels, that may need additional volunteers. 
   
–Network, network, network. Tell your pastor, your Sunday School teacher, and your friends that you want to get involved in missions work.
   
Ask them to pray for you in your efforts and to keep their ears open for opportunities. You may even inspire those around you to work with you to meet a need in your community.