Gordon Welch still remembers the impact Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center had on his life.
Welch, minister of music at First Baptist Church, Selma, shared his story at a dinner May 1 to raise money for Shocco’s capital campaign. As other Shocco supporters listened, Welch told of attending an “Older Children’s Music Week” at the Talladega conference center when he was in fourth grade.
“This is when I first felt an interest in music and now I recognize the beginning of God’s work in my life to serve Him through music ministry,” Welch said. “I now bring children to this same event and lead in conferences, so the cycle of Shocco ministry continues.”
Welch’s testimony is typical at dinners being held throughout the state (see locations, page 11) this month to raise money for Shocco’s expansion. The campaign seeks to raise $6 million for the construction of a 52,000-square-foot worship facility.
Chester Jernigan, chairman of Shocco’s board of trustees, said the new worship center will have a capacity of 1,200 and will include expanded dining room and child care space. Construction is set to begin Sept. 1, with completion by fall 2002.
Officials with Shocco said the new facility is necessary to meet the increasing demands as Shocco seeks to minister to even more individuals.
“We are excited and humbled by the enthusiasm from individuals across the state,” said Wendy Westerhouse, conference relations associate with Shocco. “Testimony after testimony shows the life-changing impact this ministry has had through the years. We look forward to sharing the vision of the future for Shocco Springs with people in each area.”
Interested individuals are asked to bring commitment cards to the dinner in their area. Cards were mailed to homes in Alabama and are also available by calling Shocco Springs.
Those making pledges will have from June through May 2004 to honor their commitments. Shocco representatives said individuals who cannot attend the dinners can still make pledges.
Shocco’s ministry is not limited to guests. Lisa Everage of Huntsville said Shocco is where she became a Christian while working as a summer staffer in the summer of 2000.
“Shocco is an awesome place to work,” she said. “The leaders have a love and concern for everyone who visits and works there. It is a place to grow physically, spiritually and emotionally.”
Individuals who wish to make dinner reservations or receive commitment cards can call Shocco at 1-800-280-1105 at least one week before the dinner in their city.
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