Shocco ‘a place of opportunity’

It’s evident that in God’s economy, there is no recession,” Buster Taylor, executive director of Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center, said as he delivered his report to the Alabama Baptist State Convention on Nov. 17.

Acknowledging Shocco Springs’ core mission to “provide a distinctly Christian environment for spiritual transformation and renewal,” Taylor noted that more than 130 people made public professions of faith in Christ through the center’s camps, retreats and other events in 2010.

The Book of Reports indicates overall attendance is down but points to an “upward trend” in several areas; summer attendance was steady at more than 18,000 and international groups are increasing.

The Book of Reports also noted that major renovations of facilities have been completed and more are ongoing. In addition, Shocco is increasing its media presence, with an improved website, electronic newsletters, Internet videos and slideshows and social networking.

Cory Horton, pastor of Elkdale Baptist Church, Selma, recounted his experiences at Shocco from attending camps as a child to meeting his wife to working there to help pay for seminary. “God is a God of opportunity, and Shocco has been a place for that in my life,” he said.  (TAB)