2005
The Son & the Sand
January 2005
Making the Most of Another Year
It has been my practice to annually make a visit to Office Depot for
the purpose of purchasing a new calendar for my planner / date book.
This purchasing tradition is always followed by the removal of my old
calendar and the placement of the new year’s calendar.
I am excited by the prospect of another year of ministry on Alabama’s
gulf coast. We want to make the most of another year of meaningful and
creative opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 2005 we will continue to minister through backyard Bible clubs,
campground Bible studies, resort worship, drama, puppets, student led
music, snowbird outreach, holiday events, beach evangelism, random
acts of kindness, and many other creative ministry efforts. In 2005 we
will also continue to minister through hurricane recovery efforts. You
and / or your churches’ students and members may want to consider
partnering with us in ministry during one of our seasons of ministry
(winter…snowbird ministries, spring…spring break outreach,
summer…bybc, beach evangelism, concerts, and fall…festival
partnerships). Please pray for us as we seek to make the most of 2005.
Winter Mission Teams
Many of you were praying for our 2004 / 2005 winter mission teams
during the Christmas break. Students from the following schools:
CumberlandCollege (KY), LeeUniversity (TN), and Cleveland Community
College (TN), worked with Gulf Area Resort Ministries in the areas of
Disaster Relief and Snowbird Ministry. These teams also partnered with
Habitat for Humanity, the ChristianServiceCenter in GulfShores, and
the IslandChurch Recovery Team. Their time with us was a joy.
A Short Note from Thea
We were so blessed by the thoughts and prayers of so many of you
during the holiday season.
We are continually encouraged by the knowledge that you pray for us.
Our God is a mighty and loving God, and one of His greatest gifts is
love that is demonstrated through His people.
We love you so much.
A Repeat Reminder
I shared this idea last month, but I believe it is worth mentioning
again. We are in the process of putting together our 2005 summer
calendar. In 2004, we partnered with over 1,000 volunteers to share
the love of Jesus Christ with GulfCoast visitors and residents. We
hope to make a tremendous impact in the coming summer as well. Please
send your church and / or other churches you know information about
this ministry. Email a church that might be interested today; and
encourage them to consider a missions partnership with gulf area
resort ministries. Ask ministers and church leaders you know to visit
our website for plenty of great information on a 2005 missions /
ministry partnership...
www.barefootbelievers.com
January Prayer Points
><> Various Snowbird Outreach Efforts
><> Continued Hurricane Recovery Efforts, safety, success, and
evangelistic encounters
><> Butch and Vi Reik (Mission Service Corp. Volunteers) will continue serving at Luxury RV this month. Pray for this new partnership as we seek to minister to snowbirds together.
><> Gene and Ruby Buttrey (Mission Service Corp. Volunteers) will be
moving into Island Retreat RV this month. This is the Gene and Ruby’s
third consecutive season to partner with us in ministry. Pray for us
as we seek to minister to snowbirds together and as they assist with
hurricane recovery.
One Last Thing
We find this encouragement in Scripture from the missionary Paul…
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts
and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord
Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
(Colossians 3:16-17)
Thank you for your prayers,
Jeff Ford
Gulf Area Resort Ministries
PO Box 3387
Gulf Shores ,AL36547
251.967.4086
email bbagarm@gulftel.com
website: www.barefootbelievers.com
We are a ministry of the Baldwin Baptist Association and partners in
ministry with the AlabamaState Board of Missions and the North
American Mission Board
The Son & the Sand
February 2005
Keeping Things Fresh
It’s amazing how God’s Word continues to breathe newness into life when
we are faithful to study it. I believe consistent personal Bible study
is the key to keeping all things fresh in the life of a follower of
Jesus.
Recently, Thea and I have begun to spend more time studying the Bible
together during the week. Beyond our couples’ devotionals, I have begun
to focus once again on reading the entire Bible in a year. This pursuit
is possible through a simple commitment to read approximately 15
minutes each day. The One Year Bible breaks the readings up quite well.
I’ve been encouraging everyone to go out to the bookstore and pick one
up. The One Year Bible is published by Tyndale. These types of Bibles
come in several different translations… NIV, CEV, KJV, and NLT. Email
me if you’d like more information. bbagarm@gulftel.com Reading the
entire Bible in a year is a worthy and attainable goal.
Looking Ahead
Here are a few of the most exciting resort ministry projects on the
horizon…
Snowbird Trip to view the Dead Sea Scrolls in Mobile… February 22
Snowbird Fellowship (a Hawaiian Luau) with the Gulf State Park Family…
February 26
Spring Break Missions with Henderson Hills Baptist Church… The team is
traveling from Edmond, OK. Pray for them as they prepare to minister
through various creative resort ministries as well as construction
projects… March 11 through 18
Resort Worship Services with the snowbirds continue at Island Retreat
RV, the Plantation Resort, and the South Baldwin Community Theatre each
Sunday. We are excited to report that the clubhouse has been reopened
at Luxury RV (the building was damaged by Hurricane Ivan) Worship
Services will resume this Sunday ><>
College Students across the country are currently filling out
applications from summer missions 2005. Pray for applicants as they
consider opportunities across in the United States and across the
globe. (We are looking forward to the opportunity to work with another
wonderful staff this summer.) This will be our 6th summer to supervise
summer missionaries! Can you believe it? Time really does fly when
you’re having fun.
We have made plans with over a dozen mission teams in the summer of
2005. In 2004, we partnered with over thirty teams. We hope to do the
same this summer. Keep up the good work by spreading the word about the
many innovative ministry opportunities that are available on Alabama’s
gulf coast.
Something New… Beach Blitz 2005 ><> Visit the website to learn more
http://www.barefootbelievers.com/beachblitz.htm We are excited about
the opportunity to work with students across the county in the summer
of 2005.
Pray for us as we continue to identify ministry opportunities and
community needs this year. God has been faithfully providing for all of
our needs on the gulf coast. He is continuing to open many doors for
the ministry staff. We’ve been called to be “extra flexible” since
Hurricane Ivan has come and gone.
We are anticipating many new opportunities in the coming months. Pray
for us as we experience 2005 with open hearts and open eyes.
One Last Thing
I’d like to share one final encouragement from the source of our basic
instructions before leaving earth. These words are found in the New
Living Translation of the Holy Bible. The Psalmist gives us these
words…
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
May God’s Word light your path as well.
Have a wonderful day. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers.
God bless.
Let us know how we can pray for you too,
Jeff Ford
Gulf Area Resort Ministries
PO Box 3387
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251.967.4086
email bbagarm@gulftel.com
website: www.barefootbelievers.com
We are a ministry of the Baldwin Baptist Association and partners in ministry with the Alabama State Board of Missions and the North American Mission Board
The Son & the Sand
March 2005
A Challenging Mission Field
According to a recent community newsletter, Alabama’s Gulf Coast hosted over 4 million visitors in 2003. Due to Hurricane Ivan, our area received less than 4 million visitors in 2004; however, we anticipate continued growth and tourism in the coming months and years. Excellent information on beach restoration and long term hurricane recovery can be found at www.gulfshores.com. Ministering on the beaches and campgrounds in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a unique and exciting experience. The changing gulf coast landscape has created a number of challenges for our staff and ministry partners. You may want to consider visiting our area in the near future for a church wide or student mission team experience. Pray for us as we approach the exciting yet challenging seasons of Spring and Summer in ’05.
Snowbird TV
Many of our resort visitors are winter residents affectionately referred to as snowbirds. Through the ministries of mission service corp. missionaries and campers on mission, Gulf Area Resort Ministries recently hosted a “snowbird luau” at Island Retreat RV park. The event was filmed by the media professionals at the North American Mission Board. The film crew also captured additional images of the “gulf state park resort family” and a resort worship service at Luxury RV Campground. We are looking forward to the potential ministry partnerships that may result through the work of the snowbird ministry video segment.
I believe that senior adults may be the greatest untapped resource in the local church especially when we consider the many unique ministry opportunities that are available today for an ever growing senior adult population. My prayer is that God would continue to call out senior adults to the adventures of mission field. The senior adults’ mission field can be found in the communities that they live, throughout the United States that they travel, and around the world. If you are a senior adult reading this newsletter and would like to know more about unique mission opportunities, visit us on the web www.barefootbelievers.com
For additional mission project information visit www.answerthecall.net, www.namb.net, and www.imb.org
Another Exciting Spring Break at the Beach
My recent visits to Beech’s RV, Island Retreat RV, Gulf Breeze RV, and Luxury RV for the purpose of securing mission projects for our Spring Break ministry partners were extremely productive. “Random Acts of Kindness” this Spring in the campgrounds will result in many snowbird ministry opportunities. We are also looking forward to fun with the kids at the resort ministry sites through Spring Break Backyard Bible Clubs and Puppet Performances. Construction teams will be working with local churches and residents to assist in the long term storm recovery efforts. Many of the student and adult volunteers will also be “hitting the beach” in the afternoon to share the gospel through hair wraps, face painting, sand sculptures, volleyball games, and many other creative ministry efforts.
Please pray for the ministry partners that make up the following Ministry Teams. The students and adults listed below will be ministering in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during their Spring Break vacation. The teams are from Henderson Hills Baptist Church from Edmond, Oklahoma. The ministry teams will arrive on the mission field on March 12th…
Snowbird Ministry Team… Daryl, Brady, Jon, Mitch, Kate, Rachel, Esther, Jessica, Devon, Megan, Meredith, Kayla, Terri, Skylar, Lela, Ashley, Colin, Will, Cris, Allison, Elizabeth, Cara, Jenny, Chad, and Kelli
Backyard Bible Club Team… Evan, Kimberly, Krystal, Nathan, Alyson, Janelle, Brett, Ryann, Stefani, Julie Ann, Abbey, Shawna, Michael, Tom, Cassie, Megan, Emily, Kyle, Rebekah, Heather, Tate, Ryan, Sarah, Lauren, Paivy, Mary Beth, and Chelsea
Construction Team… Chip, Ken, Ian, Trey, Matthew, Carter, Braden, Hannah, Geoffrey, Emily, Greggory, Phillip, Christopher, Caleb, Steve, Matt, Jarrett, Alex, Trey, Bennett, Jake, Jonathan, Tyler, Dillon, and Max
Puppet Team… Julie, Ryan, Kaylee, Jana, Matt, Ricky, Preston, and Erin
Pray for the youth pastors, Brian and Chris, as they lead the Henderson Hills Mission Team in these and other exciting opportunities.
The 2005 Summer Missions Staff
One of Gulf Area Resort Ministries’ 2005 summer missionaries has been officially appointed. Please pray for Stephanie Robertson. Stephanie will arrive on the mission field on Alabama’s gulf coast at the end of May.
Last summer we worked with 8 summer missionaries, and we hope to have 7 more appointed to our areas in the coming months. The summer missionaries will partner with Thea and me in ministry for the entire months of June and July. The summer missionaries may be working with the following ministry teams as well…
FBC Madison, MS, Willowbrook BC, AL, North Carrolton BC, AL, FBC Decatur, AL, Church at the Crossing, IN, Imagine Ministries Drama Team, AL, Jubilee Baptist Church, AL, Orchid Crest BC, MO, Brewster Road BC, AL, Metamorphosis Ministries, AL, Capstone Church, AL, Woodland BC, AL, FBC Sandersville, GA, Leatherwood BC, AL, New Cannan BC, AL, Mt. Airey BC, SC, Calvary BC, MO, Parkview BC, AL, Timber Ridge Community Church, MO
We are also looking forward to working with students from across Baldwin County in July of 2005. We are calling this associational mission project BEACH BLITZ 2005. For more information on this event visit this corner of our website…
One Last Thing
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Peace in Christ,
Jeff Ford
The Son & the Sand
April 2005
Getting Geared Up
In the spring and summer of 2005 we will continue to minister through backyard Bible clubs, resort worship, drama, puppets, student led music, beach evangelism, random acts of kindness, and many other creative ministry efforts. This month you and / or your church may want to consider partnering with us in ministry during the spring and / or summer. Please pray for us as we seek to make the most of the ministry opportunities in April. Please let us know if there is any way we can serve you and / or your church.
Summer Ministries on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
My recent ministry visits to Beech’s RV, Island Retreat RV, Gulf Breeze RV, and Luxury RV for the purpose of securing mission projects for our Spring Break ministry partners were extremely productive. Preparation for Spring Break and summer ministries is always an exciting time of year. Please pray for our ministry partners that will assist us in sharing the love of Christ this summer:
FBC Madison, MS
Willowbrook BC, AL
North Carrolton BC, AL
FBC Decatur, AL
Church at the Crossing, IN
Imagine Ministries Drama Team, AL
Jubilee Baptist Church, AL
Orchid Crest BC, MO
Brewster Road BC, AL
Metamorphosis Ministries, AL
Capstone Church, AL
Woodland BC, AL
FBC Sandersville, GA
Leatherwood BC, AL
New Cannan BC, AL
Mt. Airey BC, SC
Calvary BC, MO
Parkview BC, AL
Timber Ridge Community Church, MO
Our 2005 summer missions staff is still being assembled. Pray with us as the team comes together. Application deadline is April 20th. Applications can be filled out at www.answerthcall.net
The Close of Another Wonderful Season of Snowbird Ministry
Here’s a list of several of our snowbird ministry partners. Please pray for them as they continue in their ministry efforts elsewhere. We hope to work with these wonderful friends next season.
- Butch and Vi Reik (Mission Service Corp. Missionaries -1st year ministry partners at Luxury RV Campground) The Reiks worked with us in December, January, and February this season.
- Gene and Ruby Buttrey (Mission Service Corp. Missionaries - 3rd year ministry partners at Island Retreat RV) The Buttreys worked with us in January, February, and March this season.
- Bill and Shirley Crews (Snowbird Ministry Volunteers from Ohio – 6th year ministry partners with Jeff at Gulf State Park Campground) The Crews worked with us in January, February, and March by leading a Snowbird Bible study January through March at the South Baldwin Community Theater.
- Betty Glasscock (Snowbird Ministry Volunteer from Illinois – 6th year ministry partner with Jeff at Gulf State Park Campground) Betty worked with us October through March by providing music ministry leadership at resort worship services at Island Retreat RV and the South Baldwin Community Theater.
Snowbird Ministry Recap
This winter our ministry staff led Resort Worship at Island Retreat RV (in partnership with Gene and Ruby Buttrey), Luxury RV (in partnership with Butch and Vi Reik) , South Baldwin Community Theater (a special resort worship service for Gulf State Park “Refugees”), and The Plantation Resort (in partnership with Bro. Don Melton and Shell Banks Baptist Church).
Cumberland College (KY), Lee University (TN), and Cleveland Community College (TN), worked with Gulf Area Resort Ministries in the areas of Disaster Relief and Snowbird Ministry. These teams also partnered with Habitat for Humanity, the Christian Service Center in Gulf Shores, and the Island Church Recovery Team. Their time with us was a joy.
We took 33 snowbirds to visit the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit in Mobile. This was a wonderful experience and our first official Snowbird “field trip.”
With the help of student volunteers, dozens of RVs were washed at Gulf Breeze RV, Island Reteat RV, Beech’s RV, and Luxury RV. We had a fun outreach event at Island Retreat RV with a Luau theme.
In March, a team from Edmund, OK (Henderson Hills Baptist Church) partnered with us in ministry through backyard Bible Clubs, Random Acts of Kindness, Resort Worship Services, and Construction Projects.
Shrimp Festival - Mark Your Calendar
The 2005 Shrimp Festival is October 13-16. Drop me an email or give me a call if you are interested in partnering with Gulf Area Resort Ministries at the Children’s Art Village of the festival this year. Opportunities for Children’s Ministry at the festival are great.
One Last Thing:
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written…
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15
God bless,
Jeff Ford
Gulf Area Resort Ministries
PO Box 3387
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251.967.4086
email bbagarm@gulftel.com
website: www.barefootbelievers.com
We are a ministry of the Baldwin Baptist Association and partners in ministry with the Alabama State Board of Missions and the North American
The Son & the Sand
May 2005
MY MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Do you have your summer missionaries yet? This is the time of year when everyone I see seems to ask me the same question.
The answer… Yes J We are looking forward to working with another wonderful team of committed followers of Christ in the summer of ’05. The Summer Missionaries will arrive at the end of May (Amy, Stephanie, Lindsey, Lauren, and Rebekah). Please pray for these students as they prepare to spend their summer in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. I’ll share with you more about the summer missionaries in the June issue of The Son and the Sand.
We may also add another student or two to the team in the coming weeks. Pray for all of us as we move into another exciting season of resort ministry on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
“SUMMER MISSIONARIES FOR A WEEK”
We will also work closely with 4 high school students (“summer missionaries for a week” / beach blitz) in July. Pray for Abigail, Rachael, Naomi, & Kailey. Some of these students may serve as summer missionaries for the entire summer in 2006 or beyond.
TWENTY FIVE MISSION TEAMS IN ‘05
Please pray for the following church mission teams as they partner with the Gulf Area Resort Ministries’ staff in the summer of 2005.
May 28-31 Lakeside Baptist Church / Birmingham, AL
May 30-June 4 First Baptist Church of / Madison, MS
June 2-5 Willowbrook Baptist Church / Madison, AL
June 4-10 North Carrolton Baptist Church / North Carrolton, MS
June 11-17 First Baptist Church of Decatur / Decatur, AL
June 13-17 First Baptist Church of Frisco / Frisco, TX
June 18-24 Church at the Crossing / Indianapolis, IN
June 20-24 Imagine Ministries Drama Team / Montgomery AL
June 20-24 Jubilee Baptist Church / Daphne, AL
June 25-July 1 2nd Baptist Church of Fort Payne / Fort Payne, AL
July 2-5 Metamorphosis Ministries / Tuscaloosa AL
July 2-5 Capstone Church / Tuscaloosa AL
July 2-8 Woodland Baptist Church / Louisville, KY
July 2-8 First Baptist Church of Sandersville / Sandersville, GA
July 2-8 Baldwin Baptist Association Youth Team
July 9-15 Leatherwood Baptist Church / Alexandria, AL
July 9-15 New Cannan Baptist Church / Union Hill, AL
July 16-22 Mount Airey Baptist Church / Easley, SC
July 16-22 Calvary Baptist Church / Bourbon MO
July 16-22 Robinson Creek Baptist Church / Campbellsville, KY
July 25-29 Parkview Baptist Church / Tuscumbia, AL
July 25-29 First Baptist Church of Tuscumbia / Tuscumbia, AL
July 25-29 First Baptist Church of Lexington / Lexington , AL
July 25-29 North Highland Baptist Church / Littleville, AL
July 30-August 5 Timber Ridge Community Church / House Springs, MO
We plan to add additional teams to the list for “one day” outreach events in the coming weeks as well. Let us know if your church would like to be added to the summer calendar.
ATTENTION: Pastors, Youth Pastors, & Youth Leaders
If you are interested in partnering with Gulf Area Resort Ministries in the Summer of 2005, contact us as soon as possible to schedule a Tuesday or Thursday Outreach Event at the beach in June or July.
Beach Reaches normally last about an hour to two hours in the afternoon. Because of the nature of Beach Reaches, times and locations along the beach are flexible. Beach Reach is designed to share the Gospel message with people on the beach. The beach atmosphere can be a very challenging place to share the gospel. Here are some strategies that your group may want to use as they tackle the challenge of sharing the gospel in a beach setting:
Volleyball games on the beach can easily lead to conversations about what the youth group is doing in the area. People can be invited to day camps and to Family Evening Programs. Witnessing conversations can grow out of volleyball games.
Using thread you can wrap the hair of beach goers. Through this creative tool you can share the gospel message in a way much like a salvation bracelet using the colors of the thread: black, red, white, green, yellow, etc…
Youth can set up a table on the beach and a sign that advertises “FREE FACE PAINTING”. When children come to have their faces painted, they are shown what their choices are. If the child chooses a heart, your youth can talk about God’s love as the heart is being painted, painted flowers can be used to talk about God’s creation. Let your youth come up with face painting choices and stories to that go along with them.
Distributing water on the beach is a great way to share the message of living water (Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst again. The water I give him will be a spring of water welling up to eternal life. – see John 4:13-14). You can print up labels that share this verse or use other creative ways to use free water in your beach reach efforts.
ONE LAST THING
An encouraging word from Scripture…
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Peace in Christ,
Jeff Ford
Resort Missionary
Baldwin Baptist Association
251.967.4086
email: bbagarm@gulftel.com
Another frequently asked question “What’s with the email address?”
That b.b.a.g.a.r.m. stands for Baldwin Baptist Association Gulf Area Resort Ministries J
The Son and the Sand
June 2005
Summer Days Are Here Again
The Public Beach looks a bit peculiar these days. Construction projects and beach renourishment endeavors continue. It’s amazing how quickly our disaster relief, area construction workers, and developers have moved to get us back in business here on Alabama’s beautiful gulf coast. The work continues.
The resort ministries’ staff is excited about the many possibilities that lie ahead in the summer of 2005. As I write this ministry update our summer staff have already been involved in a number of exciting ministries at several area campgrounds and beachside locations. We’ve been experiencing the joys of backyard Bible clubs, beach outreach, puppets, drama, and music ministries.
We led worship at 4 different locations last Sunday morning. Our service at Gulf State Park Campground was excellent. Sunday marked the first resort worship service in the State Park Campground since Hurricane Ivan’s visit. We had the service under a portable canopy. The activities building at the park was off limits due to the damage it received from Ivan. We will continue to lead services at the State Park, Gulf Breeze RV, Island Retreat RV, and Luxury RV throughout the summer. If you are in our area this summer, please come and join us for a great time of praise and worship.
What A Wonderful Way to Spend a Summer Day
This summer our staff is working in specific ministries to provide leadership and direction for all of our missions partners. We ask that you pray for our summer missionaries as the work in the following areas:
Lauren & Amy
Discipleship & Evangelism Coordinators
Stephanie W. & Stephanie R.
Worship & Performance Coordinators
Lindsey & Rebekah
Orientation & Follow Up Coordinators
Here’s an update on our ministry calendar and the many ministry partners that will be working with the Gulf Area Resort Ministries’ staff and summer missionaries.
MAY 24 SUMMER MISSIONARIES ARRIVE
May 28-June 3 Lakeside Baptist Church / Birmingham, AL
June 2-5 Willowbrook Baptist Church / Madison, AL
June 11-17 First Baptist Church of Decatur / Decatur, AL
June 13-17 First Baptist Church of Frisco / Frisco, TX
June 18-24 Church at the Crossing / Indianapolis, IN
June 20-24 Imagine Ministries Drama Team / Montgomery AL
June 20-24 Jubilee Baptist Church / Daphne, AL
June 25-July 1 2nd Baptist Church of Fort Payne / Fort Payne, AL
July 2-5 Metamorphosis Ministries / Tuscaloosa AL
July 2-5 Capstone Church / Tuscaloosa AL
July 2-5 River’s Edge Baptist Church / Iowa Falls, IA
July 2-5 New Hope Baptist Church / Pell City, AL
July 2-5 Wilton Baptist Church / Wilton, AL
July 2-8 Woodland Baptist Church / Louisville, KY
July 2-8 First Baptist Church of Sandersville / Sandersville, GA
July 2-8 Baldwin Baptist Association Youth Team
July 9-15 Leatherwood Baptist Church / Alexandria, AL
July 9-15 New Cannan Baptist Church / Union Hill, AL
July 16-22 Mount Airey Baptist Church / Easley, SC
July 16-22 Robinson Creek Baptist Church / Campbellsville, KY
July 25-29 Parkview Baptist Church / Tuscumbia, AL
July 25-29 First Baptist Church of Tuscumbia / Tuscumbia, AL
July 25-29 First Baptist Church of Lexington / Lexington , AL
July 25-29 North Highland Baptist Church / Littleville, AL
July 30-August 5 Timber Ridge Community Church/House Springs, MO
AUGUST 6 - SUMMER MISSIONARIES DEPART
Reminiscing About My Summer Missions Days
The 2005 summer missionaries may get a little tired of the phrase, “I remember when I was a summer missionary, and…” I can’t help it. I just love to reminisce. Our current adventures in ministry are often a springboard that call to mind my years of summer missions while in college.
I’d like to compile some summer missions memories from our current staff, previous staff, and The Son & the Sand readers for the July issue of our newsletter. Please send me your summer missions memories in the next couple of weeks if you get a chance. If you haven’t been a summer missionary before but you have been on a mission trip with your church then send me your stories, too. Thanks.
The Missionary Paul’s Encouragement to the First Century Church
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message)
Have a great month.
Let us know how we can pray for you, too.
In Christ,
Jeff Ford
Resort Missionary
Baldwin Baptist Association
The Son and the Sand
July 2005
Summer Missions Testimonies
Here are a few of the testimonies that The Son and the Sand readers have sent me in the past few weeks…
I have a summer missions memory that I’d like to share. In the summer of 1986, I served in Zanesville, Ohio. Pastor Sam used to live and work in Texas for a brewery. But the Lord saved him and called him into the ministry to preach. He was a powerful, wise preacher who taught me a lot about evangelism and walking with God. My summer missions partner and I went door-to-door with Pastor Sam in the neighborhood surrounding the small church. Watching him minister to people and witness to people stirred my own soul so that before long, I was the one ministering and witnessing to people at the mall and at the playgrounds and in the neighborhood.
I remember one Wednesday night before prayer meeting, Pastor Sam called my partner and me over. He told us that he had a personal prayer request that he wanted to bring before the Lord, and he wanted us to silently pray with him as he prayed aloud. I immediately became concerned for Pastor Sam’s health, but then I heard him say the most sincere, heart-warming prayer - not for health or life - but for a pair of shoes because his had a hole in the bottom due to all the door-to-door ministering he’d been doing. He begged God not to take him off the street due to such a simple thing that he knew God could solve. I was amazed because I had never heard a prayer for something so trivial before. Yet, at the same time, I was filled with awe at the relationship Pastor Sam had with God - that he would turn to God (not Wal-Mart) for a pair of shoes!
Prayer meeting was especially moving that night; the Holy Spirit was almost tangible in the church. Then, after most people had gone home, and Pastor Sam and my partner and I were closing up the church, a man came in the door and walked directly toward us. He told Pastor Sam that he was very sorry that he didn’t make it to prayer meeting that night, but that he had been praying in his car on the way home from work, and God very clearly told him to give Pastor Sam a pair of his shoes. So, he had been at home during prayer meeting going through all of his shoes trying to decide which pair he should give to Pastor Sam. Then, he handed Pastor Sam a brown paper bag. In it was a pair of shoes that were obviously not new, but that fit Pastor Sam perfectly. The four of us went to the altar of the church and praised God for being so loving. It was a night that taught me many lessons about God, about prayer, and about doing what God tells me to do.
- Rhonda Courson
I remember the first mission trip I ever went on. It is the story of my life, aside from this trip, but the details were planned in 2 weeks and I was halfway around the world away from everything and anyone that was familiar. I’ll never forget thinking after I had been there 2 months, here I am, halfway around the world, I’m not barely 19, and all because I said “here I am God, use me.” And what an incredible life changing experience. I was young and fearless, and my faith in God’s protection and provision was immeasurable. I wish everyone could experience what I experience in such a real way. That is what I love about missions. You say ‘here I am God, use me’ and then you hang on for the ride as you become as flexible as taffy. Anyone who has done missions has to just laugh at the phrase “be flexible” because you have no idea how flexible you can be until you do a mission trip that God is in control of.
- Angela Parrish
HERE ARE SOME MORE WONDERFUL MISSIONS TESTIMONIES FROM SOME OF THE STUDENTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY SERVIING AS SUMMER MISSIONARIES WITH US HERE IN GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, AL…
Many very exiting things have happened in this first month of summer missions. I have made so many good friends and good memories. For the past two weeks I have worked at Orange Beach First Baptist Church in their O.B. Outfitters. I helped in the pre- kindergarten class with about 20 five- year- olds. It was an extremely interesting experience. Throughout the week I had kids who called each other names, karate chopped each other, wet themselves during nap time, and (one of my favorites) pulled each other’s hair out. Not to mention the one who pulled his pants down in front of all the girls!
On one particular day, I had about had it. The kids were doing everything I told them not to do. We were getting ready for our lesson and I told the kids to sit down around the campfire that we had made in the floor. One little girl stood up and walked over to me. About this time I was thinking, “Since when does sit down mean get up?” Before I could tell her to sit down she looked up at me with the most precious smile on her face and said, “I want to be just like you when I grow up!” My heart melted right then. That one small comment from that one little girl completely turned my day around. I realized that what I did mattered to each and every one of those kids. They didn’t mean to disobey me, they just had not been to school yet to learn how to stand in line or sit in a circle. The rest of camp was a wonderful experience, and I would never trade the memories I made for anything.
- Stephanie Robertson
For the past two weeks I have been working with First Baptist Orange Beach with their day camp VBS. One funny memory I have from my time here is at a Mexican Restaurant. One night all the college VBS workers and summer missionaries went and ate Mexican. We were done eating and were just hanging out and talking when all of the sudden the booth that I and another summer missionary were sitting on broke and we were both suddenly sitting on the floor. We also have butter in our fridge that is taped up due to an injury it sustained by being dropped. Laughter has helped us make it through a variety of situations this summer.
On a more serious note it has been wonderful being able to meet so many new people from various backgrounds and places. Starting conversations with random strangers is not something that I was used to but my comfort zone has been stretched and now it is fun to talk to random strangers and learn more about them. It is really awesome when we are allowed to move the conversation to a spiritual topic. Through the ministry here we are able to sow many seeds and it has given us encouragement to keep going even when we are tired. I thank you for your prayer support; the prayers can definitely be felt. There have been days when it seems impossible to keep going due to the heat or fatigue or a combination of both but by your prayers and claiming Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” God gives us the energy needed to serve Him.
- Amy Yopp
While serving in Gulf Shores, I have had the privilege of meeting many people. The neat thing about this experience is that I am closely associated with the other summer missionaries. When I arrived in Gulf Shores, I met my partners. I knew two of my five partners prior to my arrival. That night I got the opportunity to talk with my other three partners and in some way we all seemed to have a connection through different people and our lifestyle. It was really neat how we all seemed to have the same family background and experience.
When I arrived at my new home, I got to meet our other roommates. It was so weird. I knew a lot of the same people that the other girls knew. We instantly had the opportunity to talk about high school friends that are now in college. It gave us all the opportunity to catch up with old friends while making new friends. It made us feel that we already in a way knew each other. It was really neat the way this whole summer has started. When I got here, in many ways, I felt like I was still at home. This unusual phenomenon has made this summer a blast.
- Stephanie Wallace
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all of the prayers and financial support. God truly has blessed me this first four weeks of the summer. In addition to working at the RV parks and the beach, I have had the honor of co-teaching a kindergarten class at O.B. Outfitters – the two week day camp at First Baptist Orange Beach.
One of the most difficult challenges has been in talking with a child about “asking Jesus to come in their heart.” On the last day of camp as he was leaving, he reminded me to make sure that the pastor called his parents. He wanted to go to church. I am so excited to see how this camp will continue to have an eternal impact on the children, the church, and the community.
- Rebekah Loggins
Summer of 2005 Partners in Ministry
We’ve had the privilege of working with over 200 volunteers from the following teams in May and June:
May 28-June 3 Lakeside Baptist Church / Birmingham, AL
June 2-5 Willowbrook Baptist Church / Madison, AL
June 11-17 First Baptist Church of Decatur / Decatur, AL
June 13-17 First Baptist Church of Frisco / Frisco, TX
June 18-24 Church at the Crossing / Indianapolis, IN
June 20-24 Imagine Ministries Drama Team / Montgomery AL
In July, our staff will partner in ministry with these teams:
June 25-July 1 2nd Baptist Church of Fort Payne / Fort Payne, AL
July 2-5 Metamorphosis Ministries / Tuscaloosa AL
July 2-5 Capstone Church / Tuscaloosa AL
July 2-5 River’s Edge Baptist Church / Iowa Falls, IA
July 2-5 New Hope Baptist Church / Pell City, AL
July 2-5 Wilton Baptist Church / Wilton, AL
July 2-8 Woodland Baptist Church / Louisville, KY
July 2-8 First Baptist Church of Sandersville / Sandersville, GA
July 2-8 The Baldwin Baptist’s “Summer Missionaries for a Week”
July 9-15 Leatherwood Baptist Church / Alexandria, AL
July 9-15 New Cannan Baptist Church / Union Hill, AL
July 16-22 Robinson Creek Baptist Church / Campbellsville, KY
July 25-29 Parkview Baptist Church / Tuscumbia, AL
July 25-29 First Baptist Church of Tuscumbia / Tuscumbia, AL
July 25-29 First Baptist Church of Lexington / Lexington , AL
July 25-29 North Highland Baptist Church / Littleville, AL
Your church may want to consider an August 2005 or Summer 2006 partnership. Let us know how we can assist you.
One Last Thing
In Isaiah 41:10 you can find this encouragement…
Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
(The Message)
Have a great rest-of-the-summer.
Let us know how we can pray for you, too.
The Son and the Sand
September 2005
When the Leaves Begin to Change
The Autumn season brings many beautiful sights and sounds. This is the time of year when a drive to visit family, in North Alabama, is a must. We love to see the beautiful leaves on Whitney Mountain (near Oneonta, AL) after they change. Just as the leaves change, our ministry is also in the midst of change. We’ve gone from working with hundreds of student volunteers, to a quieter time on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Now is the time for a lot of groundwork as we prepare for senior adult ministry. We look forward to our winter friends (snowbirds) and their time in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Beyond the preparations for the fall and winter, we also have much to do in the area of our Spring Break and Summer 2006 ministries. Pray with us as we make the necessary connections to ensure dynamic and effective year round ministries along the Gulf Coast.
Looking Ahead
We’ve got a lot of things to look forward to in the next couple of months. Here are a few of them…
SEPTEMBER 8TH CHURCH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 20TH SHRIMP FESTIVAL PLANNING MEETING
SEPTEMBER 29TH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
OCTOBER SNOWBIRD MINISTRIES RESUME
OCTOBER 13TH through 16TH NATIONAL SHRIMP FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 17TH & 18TH ASSOCIATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING
In between these key dates we will be preparing for the arrival of our snowbirds. We will also be building the foundation for another amazing Spring Break and Summer season as we look toward the 2006 calendar.
Pray for Me, and I’ll Pray for you
And one day love will bring us back around… again. Can you guess where these words came from? If you guessed Michael W. Smith’s popular song from back in the eighties (Pray for Me) then you are right.
Aside from being a great song, this message is one that is quite appropriate for this month’s newsletter. The road ahead will undoubtedly be filled with many joys and challenges. Please pray with us as we look ahead to another season of snowbird ministry (October through April). Let us know how we can pray for you as well.
One Last Thing: Learn a Life of Love
The missionary Paul’s powerful encouragement to the early church…
“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” Ephesians 5:1 & 2. (The Message)
In Christ,
Jeff Ford
Resort Missionary
Baldwin Baptist Association
The Son & The Sand
October 2005
Hurricane Relief Update
My recent visit to Pascagoula, MS was quite an eye opening experience. I worked with a team of church members from the First Baptist Church of Robertsdale and Project K.A.R.E. and a team from Haven Fellowship Church (Conyers, GA). We distributed food, clothes, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies. We also tore out sheet rock and insulation from a flooded home. If you are interested in “rolling up your sleeves”, and joining the Baldwin Baptist Association and BaldwinCountyChurches in the relief effort please visit www.projectkare.org for more information.
Last year, during Hurricane Ivan cleanup I worked with my Dad, and recently through Hurricane Katrina cleanup I was able to partner in a ministry project with my brother, Scott Ford. Scott is the youth pastor at Haven Fellowship in Conyers, GA. He and his team of high school students worked extremely hard in their relief efforts on Dauphin Island (near Mobile, AL) and Pascagoula, MS. It was a joy to serve with them.
2006 Summer Interns… A Unique Ministries on the Horizon
Beginning in May of 2006, Gulf Area Resort Ministries will partner with between 10 to 20 college students from Alabama to minister to GulfCoast visitors and residents. Please pray for us as we begin taking steps to prepare the mission field for this new ministry project.
Here’s a Quick Ministry Overview and Q & A for those interested in the Summer Interns Project…
Over 5 million people visit the Alabama Gulf Coast each year. Imagine what opportunities are available to serve in this area! Fifteen positions are available for students to work secular jobs (primarily in hotels and tourist areas) where they will be allowed to conduct ministry projects on site. Interns will build relationships through Kid’s Clubs (BYBC type ministries at the hotel pools), prayer walking, beach ministry, and other resort ministries.
These students will be paid as an employee of the hotel or other work site. This is an excellent opportunity for students who want to serve as a missionary but need to make some money during the summer!
- How many students will take part in this summer missions endeavor? A maximum of 15 students will take part in this project in the summer of 2006.
- Who will recruit, interview, and appoint these summer missionaries?
The Collegiate Ministries Office at the State Board of Missions. Contact person: Scotty Goldman. Talk to your campus minister for more details as well.
- Where will the summer missionaries live?
The Baldwin Baptist Association (www.baldwinbaptist.com) mission house in Silverhill and / or the mission house at the FirstBaptistChurch of Orange Beach.
- Where is this type of ministry already happening?
Orlando, FL, West Yellowstone National Park in Montana, and Gatlinburg, TN.
- Is this the first summer Baldwin Baptist Association has supported a program like this?
Yes.
- Where will the students that take part in the program come from?
The students will be coming from all across the state of Alabama’s Baptist Campus Ministries.
- What is the length of service?
8 to 10 weeks.
- Will “regular” summer missionaries also work with the resort ministry in the summer of 2006?
Yes.
What Else is Going on?
Between now and May of 2006 Gulf Area Resort Ministries will be involved in variety of ministry projects including the 2005 National Shrimp Festival ( www.nationalshrimpfestival.com ), Snowbird Ministries at Island Retreat RV, Gulf Breeze RV, The Plantation Resort, Luxury RV, and the Gulf State Park Campground, Spring Break Ministries, and Beach Blitz 2006.
Prayer Requests
- New Opportunities and Innovative Ministry Efforts in October of 2005
- Hurricane Relief Efforts of the Baldwin Baptist Association and Project K.A.R.E.
- Our friends The Townsend Family (residents of New Orleans, LA)
- Our friends Grant and Ashley Martin (Newlyweds as of October 8th)
- Nathan Diehl and the BCM college ministry at Faulkner State Community College
- Scott and Dixie Ford as the prepare for the arrival of baby #2 J
- Jeff and Thea’s ministry efforts along the Gulf Coast and throughout Baldwin County.
We greatly appreciate your prayers as we seek to serve people in the name of Jesus Christ through resort ministries.
Let us know how we can pray for you this month.
One Last Thing
Some wisdom from Scripture…
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two—faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. James 3:17-18
Have a great month,
Jeff Ford
Resort missionary
Baldwin Baptist association
www.baldwinbaptist.com ), and we are partners in ministry with the Alabama State Board of Mission ( www.alsbom.org ) and the North American Mission Board ( www.namb.net)
Gulf Area Resort Ministries is a ministry of the Baldwin Baptist association (
The Son & The Sand
November 2005
“The Longer I Preach, the Longer I Preach”
I’ve been preaching since 1999. Most Sundays I preach at two different locations. I preach once at 9am and then again at 10:30am. The places that I preach vary depending on what time of year it is. I have had many opportunities to preach in various churches over the past six years; however, most Sundays I can be found at a campground worship service or on the beach preaching. These types of worship services are unique. The posters that we put up at places like Island Retreat RV park, Gulf Breeze RV park, and Luxury RV to promote resort worship services typically read “everyone is welcome”, “dress casual / come as you are”, and “come join us for a wonderful time of worship.”
The entire resort worship service is typically between thirty and forty five minutes long, but it seems that the longer I preach, well the longer I preach. What I mean is the first year or two that I would share sermons at resort worship services, I would often receive comments such as “your sermon was not very long.” I thought this was quite amusing since preachers of all backgrounds and denominations are often teased for how long their sermons are. Well now that I have been at it for a few more years I no longer receive comments based on the “shortness” of a sermon. Now it is more likely that someone may make a comment on how long (not short) my sermon was.
Now that I have said all of that, I would like to invite you to a resort worship service. If you are in our area and have the time, we would love for you to come and be a part of a truly unique worship experience. Go to the resort ministry website, www.barefootbelievers.com, drop us an email, and we can send you the directions and the time of our next worship service. I’ll try to keep the length of the sermon reasonable (ha, ha, ha), and I will be sure and share a challenge to you from God’s Word. See you soon.
Planning for the Summer of 2006
How long does it take to prepare for a summer of resort ministry on Alabama’s GulfCoast? I would estimate approximately 12 months. That’s right, preparing for a summer of ministry is a year round affair. I received several emails and phone calls last month regarding mission team partnership possibilities and other contacts related to our new 2006 “barefoot believers interns” summer ministry as well as those related to regular summer missions opportunities for ‘06. We have much to do between now and the fast approaching summer season. Please pray for us as we push ahead. The harvest is great (for more see Luke 10:2). We look forward to another summer filled with many wonderful opportunities to share the Good News.
An Update from “Uncle Jeff” and “Aunt Thea”
Here’s the latest on the ever expanding Ford Family. (Jeff’s brother Scott, his wife Dixie, their daughter Allie, and Allie’s brand new baby sister) They live in Conyers, GA.
Amber Madison Ford was born on Wednesday, October 26 at 12:11 a.m. She weighed 6 pounds and 13 ounces she was 19 inches long.
Please pray for Scott, Dixie, Allie, and Amber.
Prayer Requests
><> Betty Glasscock will be traveling to Alabama’s Gulf Coast in November. Betty is from Illinois, and she works with the resort ministry each season. Pray that she would have a safe trip.
><> Amber Madison Ford, our new niece J
><> Ongoing Resort Ministries at Various Resort Locations
><> Bill and Shirley Crews. This couple will be working with us again in December of 2005. Pray for them as they safely make their way back to Alabama. The Crews Family is from Ohio.
><> The Baldwin Baptist Association is currently preparing for a special missions event that will take place in February called an On Mission Celebration. Missionaries from all over the world will visit Baldwin County to help educate and inspire the churches that are connected to our association. Please pray for us as we help plan this uplifting event.
><> An answered prayer: In October the resort ministry staff and over 80 volunteers provided wonderful encouragement to thousands of children and adults at the Children’s Art Village of the 2005 National Shrimp Festival. www.nationalshrimpfestival.com A special thanks to college students from FBC Decatur and Fred, Kim, and Korey Bueto and the dozens of other resort ministry / children’s art village volunteers.
One Last Thing
Some truth from Scripture…
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1st John 3:16
Keep us posted with your prayer concerns.
God bless you,
Jeff Ford
resort missionary
Baldwin Baptist Association
Gulf Area Resort Ministries is a ministry of the Baldwin Baptist association ( www.baldwinbaptist.com ), and we are partners in ministry with the Alabama State Board of Mission ( www.alsbom.org ) and the North American Mission Board ( www.namb.net ).
The Son & The Sand
December 2005
www.barefootbelievers.com
December 2005
www.barefootbelievers.com
A Very Merry Christmas
Friends, Family, and Resort Ministry Advocates,
We are writing to wish you a very Merry Christmas. The holidays can be
a bit stressful at times; however, our hope is that through visits with
family and friends and a little break from our daily routine we will
all experience the Christmas season with joy in our hearts. The cooler
temperatures, neighborhood Christmas lights, and the countless other
sights and sounds of Christmas can enable us to slow down our busy pace
and reflect on the reality of Jesus in our world today.
May God bless you. May Christmas bring you a deeper connection with
your loved ones and with the Savior.
Looking Ahead
Here’s a list of some of the important ministry events that lay ahead
in December and January.
- At the beginning of DECEMBER our partners in ministry, Bill and
Shirley Crews, will arrive (they are snowbirds from Ohio)
- Snowbird Bible Study begins in DECEMBER
- Jeff will share about resort ministries at Foley High School’s First
Priority Club Meeting on DECEMBER 9th
- Gulf Area Resort Ministries will be recognized at Habitat for
Humanity Volunteer Recognition Gala on DECEMBER 10th
- PM Snowbird Christmas Candlelight Worship Service on DECEMBER 18th
- Partner with Bethel Baptist Church from Moody, AL for Gulf Shores
Mission Project DECEMBER 29th
- Chaplaincy to Campgrounds and Resort Worship continues in DECEMBER
and JANUARY
- In JANUARY, Seminary Classes resume for Jeff @ Pensacola Ext. of NOBTS
- Our partners in ministry, Gene and Ruby Buttrey (from Tennessee),
will move into Island Retreat RV at the beginning of JANUARY
- Snowbird Resort Worship will resume at the South Baldwin Community
Theatre on JANUARY 1st
Additional Prayer Requests
><> Ongoing Resort Ministries at Various Resort Locations
><> Bill and Shirley Crews. This couple will be working with us again
in December of 2005. Pray for them as they safely make their way back
to Alabama.
><> The Baldwin Baptist Association is currently preparing for a
special missions event that will take place in February called On
Mission Celebration. Missionaries from all over the world will visit
Baldwin County to help educate and inspire the churches that are
connected to our association. Please pray for us as we help plan this
uplifting event.
One Last Thing
Remember Jesus is truly the reason for the season…
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ
the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger.
Luke 2:11-12