After they pounded the last nail into the wood frame, the Alabama Campers on Mission (COM) participants wiped their brows and studied their handiwork. Then they gathered their tools and retired to their campers.
These mostly retired men and women only retired for the evening, however. The next morning, they would be back at work, sharing the love of Jesus while camping and participating in missions activities such as constructing a new worship center and Sunday School rooms for Community Baptist Church, Maylene, this July and August.
“Anytime you can be the Lord’s hands and feet and get something done for a church, that’s exciting,” Alabama COM President Walt Miller said. “And that’s exactly what Alabama Campers on Mission is doing.”
In 2007, 194 Alabama COM members worked on 34 projects in Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Mississippi and Montana, totaling 45,572 man-hours. And of the 29 COM chapters, representing 40 states, sponsored by the North American Mission Board’s adult volunteer mobilization team, Alabama COM ranks in the top three for size with 270 units (individuals or couples) and volunteer hours, according to Miller.
Throughout this summer, Alabama COM members helped construct buildings for small country churches that couldn’t afford to hire contractors. “We can build or renovate a church for 40 percent of what a contractor would cost,” Miller said, adding that even though the group members’ average age is 70, they construct the building at about the same speed as professionals because of their desire to finish it for the Lord.
For member Doug Morris, of Montevallo, a desire to work for the Lord was what fueled his decision to come onboard with Alabama COM after he retired from teaching in 2000. “I bought a travel trailer so I could go and help one time, and I guess you could say I was hooked,” he said.
Now Morris travels around the country year-round, living out of his camper in order to extend his helping hands. “It’s such a great thing to know that you have helped the kingdom of God. It helps you sleep well at night,” he said.
It also helps churches serve their congregations well for years to come.
Several years ago, Alabama COM members built Community Baptist’s current sanctuary, but when the Shelby Baptist Association church grew from 50 people to 250 people in three years, their services were required again.
Senior Pastor Bo Brown didn’t think he could find the words to describe the magnitude of what Alabama COM does.
“This is their missions work,” Brown said. “This is their call. They eat, drink and sleep this. They are incredible.”
Clyde Mitchell, of Brent, has lived construction with Alabama COM for 17 years. Working at Community Baptist marks his 127th project.
“I love to work with wood, and it’s satisfying that you help somebody and the church,” Mitchell said. “As long as I’m physically able, I’ll do it.”
While the men spend their days buried in wood and Sheetrock, the women volunteer their time and abilities in the church and community. They also hold Bible studies, host campground ministries and perform skits at retirement homes.
At Community Baptist, the women sewed reversible dresses and pants for the church’s missions volunteers to give away overseas.
“We have a love for others, and we want to help, too,” Alabama COM member Glenda Short said. “We don’t take from the churches; we give to the churches.”
For more information on Alabama COM, visit www.alabamacom.org or call Miller at 205-907-0577.
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