Despite the difficult economic times, Alabama Campers on Mission (COM) is riding high, boasting record-setting numbers over the past six months.
Since March, 278 volunteers have worked 18,616 hours to complete 15 projects. Membership also has increased by 19.
Alabama COM’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. It was recognized as the 2009 National Honor Chapter by the national COM organization for its number of projects, volunteer hours, members involved and professions of faith during its biannual rally Sept. 25–27 at River Country Campground in Gadsden.
“It just seemed we had more people participating in the projects and more things got accomplished. To attain that much when the economy is distressed I think was very good,” said Pete McKnight, president of Alabama COM and a member of First Baptist Church, Eufaula, in Barbour Baptist Association.
“We don’t say this to give glory to ourselves but to give God glory for what He has done,” McKnight added.
This summer alone, Alabama COM completed 10 projects — five in Alabama, one in Maine, one in New Hampshire, one in Tennessee, one in New York and one in Canada — working multiple projects every week from May 18 until Aug. 21 and for most of September.
“When we worked at Hopewell Baptist Church in Andalusia, we had a tremendous amount of people who came out to work with us. There was a total change in the people’s outlook,” said John Baughman, secretary of Alabama COM and a member of Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, Montgomery, in Montgomery Baptist Association.
Members of Alabama COM took time to review the past six months and look ahead to the next six at the rally. Pre-rally events began Sept. 23 for early arrivers, including a fishing rodeo, a golf tournament, seminars and a talent show.
On the last day of the rally, Bob Terry, president and publisher of The Alabama Baptist, was the featured speaker. He challenged the 109 people in attendance to keep on doing God’s work.
“It really made us want to continue to serve God in what He is calling us to do,” McKnight said.
And that is what Alabama COM plans to do — continue to serve God while upholding its mission to relate its Christian faith to others through word and deed, remembering to be genuine and sensitive in its relationship with other people and using its equipment and skills as a free service in furthering the gospel of Christ.
The next six months are booked solid with projects, McKnight said. “It is going to be even bigger and better.”
For more information, visit www.alabamacom.org.
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