CAMPERS ON MISSION
N AT I O N A L N E W S L E T T E R
October 2016 Jerry & Renee McGovern
CONTACTS:
STATE PRESIDENTS
Al Bill Foster
334-863-6088
AZ Darla Farella
307-629-05 49
AR Winifred Cox
479-858-9086
CA Ray Pardee
925-689-3232
CO Larry Walker
970-275-3533
Fl Joe Rotunda
386-688-2380
GA Jim Wauford
770-845-3281
IL Don Kragness
618-983-5546
IN Jerry Miller
812-726-5378
IA Dave Short
641-275-2341
KS/NE Gary Shaw
405-388-4898
KY Vernon Hendricks
270-256-1516
LA Keith Brown
225-926-9410
MS Jimmy Ford
601-569-9292
MO Mark Harpham
816-797-0797
NM Dale Gray
505-884-7506
NC Bob Silver
828-275-2088
N.East David Book
802-223-5625
N.West Jack Birdwell
360-607-9438
OK Marvin Smith
918-791-8931
OH Tony Geiger
419-547-8250
PA/NJ Bill Hoops
570-538-3929
SC
Bill Broome
864-446-7625
TN
GeneHaynes
931-209-5247
TX
Cecil McCormick
325-537-2542
WY/MT/ND/SD
Joe Seacrist
307-247-1203
Regional Representatives
RG 1 David Book
802-223-5624
RG 2 Carolyn Adkins
229-273-2920
TRNGBarbara Rotunda
386-208-8555
RG 3 McGoverns
479-253-5879
RG 4 Gil Chard
423-367-6300
RG 5 Carolyn Walker
316-648-3759
RG 6 Vacant
Interim National Coordinator
Jerry & Renee
479-253-5879
McGovern
479-363-7035
[email protected]
[email protected]
National Rally June 20-22, 2017, Dothan Alabama
National Peanut Festival Fair Grounds
Executive Team/Committees working diligently planning the National Rally
Will they like what
we have planned for
the
National
Rally?
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF ALABAMA
Read All About It
UPDATE ON THE 2017 NATIONAL RALLY
First of all let me remind everyone of the dates and place
for the 2017 COM National Rally. The dates are June 2022. However we expect folks to start arriving as early as
Sunday June 18th. The place is the National Peanut
Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama.
Please,
everyone, put this on your calander for next year. We are
planning some interesting and exciting things to go on
Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning before the rally
begins. Let me wet your appetite....First of all we plan on
having Flea Market with lots of neat things for you to
browse through, bus tours to some interesting places in
the Dothan area, a meal will be available on Monday
evening with some special entertainment. All in all we
hope to have a full, entertaining, and educational week
lined up for you. As we get closer to the Rally we will be
giving you more information on what you can expect. See
you next year in Dothan, Alabama where will be
“PRAISING JESUS IN THE HEART OF DIXIE”.
The Alabama Campers on Mission National Rally Team
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Lifetime Achievement Awards Presented at Fall Rallies
Jerry Miller/Indiana President Presenting Award
You Are
A Blessing
Cheri Ellis Hartman
Tennessee COM
Receiving Lifetime
Achievement Award
from National
Coordinators at
Tennessee Fall Rally
Robert and Connie Laubscher/Lifetime Achievement Award
THANK YOU FOR BEING
FAITHFUL SERVING OUR
LORD
COM
Jim and Catherine Freeland
Tennessee West
Regional Coordinator
From Indiana COM
Jack Sudduth
Receiving Lifetime
Achievement Award from
National Coordinators Jerry
and Renee McGovern at
Indiana Rally
Receiving the Lifetime
Achievement Award
for Larry and Susan
Brown
Membership is highest position in organization. They work directly for
The Holy Spirit!!
Tennessee East
Regional Coordinator
Henry and Carolyn Phillips
From Indiana COM
Joel O’Brien
Receiving Lifetime
Achievement Award from
National Coordinators Jerry
and Renee McGovern
Receiving the
Lifetime Award for
David and Ann
Mahon
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Indiana
Indiana
Campers
on
Mission
held its fall rally at Highland
Tennessee
Lakes Baptist Camp September 9,10, 11, 2016 with a work
Tennessee Campers On Mission received a request in June to week after.
participate in a Mission Revival Week at Parkway Baptist
Chur ch, Jackso n T ennessee, in mid August .
State Chapter News
To the best of the current officers knowledge, we had never had
this type of request before. Doyle and Pam Combs prepared a
power point presentation around the idea "Let us get acquainted
with you." They used pictures of our work at the Tennessee
Childrens' Homes (Chattanooga and Brentwood), the Baptist
Boys Ranch, and Linden Valley Conference Center. All were
c o n st r u c t io n t yp e o f b u i ld i n g
or
rep air .
The emphasis was that we do not require you to be an expert in
the activity, we will use experts to train you. (God doesn't call
t he
qualified,
He
qualifies
t he
c a l l e d . ) We enjoyed the company of our Interim National
Coordinators, Jerry and Renee McGovern, and their help
Doyle, Pam, Gene Haynes (TN COM President), and Billie for a few days.
Haynes (TN COM Secretary) traveled to the church and Doyle
presented the information. From that encounter, Tennessee We were joined by a couple from Ohio and got to know and
Campers On Mission received a request for assistance from love them.
Camp Agape in Benton Tennessee. We talked with a non-COM
person that volunteered at Camp Linden, and he put in his Jerry and Renee awarded two of the three recipients with the
application at our Fall Rally
Lifetime Achievement Award. Indiana President Jerry
PAM AND DOYLE COMBS/TENNESSEE COM
Miller awarded another couple their award later in the week.
Our group worked on putting a new metal roof on one of the
conference centers, plus on a shelter that a local bank paid
for. It was built so that the local YMCA day kids, would
have a place in the (wilderness) to go for a day out now and
then.
The ladies did landscaping and painting. One lady helped
with one of the roofing projects. Our last scheduled project
for this fall in Indiana is a week at Camp Challenge in
Indiana October 3-7 at Bedford Indiana. Please check out
ou r o p p o rt u n i t i e s
li st ed
on
o u r we b si t e.
(indianacampersonmission.com) And Face Book at
(indianacampersonmission)
What a testimony going to Missions Revival Meetings.
Mission Week at the churches in your area are a fantastic
way to share what we do. Have a dvd of your COM group
with past projects etc. Professional looking display is a plus.
Be prepared to answer questions people may have about
Campers on Mission. Plus have a lot of COM brochures to
hand out.
Primary Objective is
Sharing Jesus with the
lost and supporting
mission outreach
Kansas/Nebraska
Kansas/Nebraska had their Fall Rally September 18-25 at
Weir Baptist Childrens Camp in Weir, Kansas. New officers
took office at the business meeting. Gary Shaw is the new
President for Kansas/Nebraska. They also did sign up sheets
for committees and chairmans for the National Rally they
will host in 2019 at the fairgrounds in Hutchison Kansas
They are off to a great start for June of 2019. Carolyn
Walker Regional Representative for Region 5 was in
attendance at the rally as were the National Coordinators,
Jerry and Renee McGovern. Doing a great job Kansas/
Nebraska.
Florida
Greetings from Florida Campers On Mission.
We have just ventured into a very large long term project and
want to invite all COM members to join us. The Baptist College
of Florida located in Graceville, Fl. has recently acquired
ownership of the Blue Springs Baptist Conference Center and
Camp located in Marianna, Fl. Subsequently Dr. Tom Kinchens,
President and CEO of Baptist College reached out and requested
the Florida Campers On Mission to come along side Baptist
College in a partnership effort to restore and revitalize the Blue
Springs property which will now be known as Baptist College of
Florida Blue Springs Campus.
State Chapter News
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Campers on Mission worked on a continuing
project at Romulus OK. that was started last year. The men
did the framing and now have completed the drywall and
dropped the ceiling. Building includes, fellowship hall, two
bathrooms, two utility rooms and a kitchen with two
pantries. The guys worked on this during the state rally and
continued September 26-September 30.
The Conference Center and Camp presently consist of over 100
acres of beautiful property where there is a lodge with over 90
motel type rooms, a commercial kitchen and dining facility that
seats over 200, a Chapel/auditorium that holds 300, along with
several classrooms and meeting rooms.
The children’s camp consists of another commercial kitchen,
dining hall, Chapel/auditorium, and 3 large dorms that will house
150 children/young adults. There is also separate housing
facilities for chaperones, camp nurse, first aid station and several
large classrooms. The Olympic size in-ground pool, sports fields,
hiking trails, obstacle courses, zip-line, large clear spring fed
lake, paddle boats, canoes, and other amenities are just waiting
for the opportunity to be enjoyed by young and old alike.
GREAT JOB OKLAHOMA
=============================================
Kentucky
Kentucky held its Fall Rally at Beech Bend Campground -in
Bowling Green, Ky. On October 7-9, 2016. On Saturday
October 8th we held our Business Meeting for the
purpose of reviewing this past years mission
opportunities that were completed. And to elect
of fi c e rs for the new year. Listed below are our officers for
the 2016-2017 ministry year for the Kentucky Campers on
Mission:
Vernon Hendricks-President
Annie Brown
-Vice President
Royce Tucker
-Project Coordinator
The immediate plan is to add 12 full hook-up sites to the area
next to the dining hall so that Campers On Mission folks who
want to volunteer in the camp area will be close. There is already
a camping area with full hook-ups (water, sewer, electric) a nice
bathhouse and washer/dryers for Campers to use and we plan to
add at least 50 more sites to this area as willing workers become
available. The possibilities of service, training, and spiritual
growth between Campers on Mission and the students of Baptist
College are limitless. We share a big vision and want to invite
all Campers On Mission to feel welcome to join us, whether it is
a week-end, a week, a month or even longer. There is something
for everyone here.
There is another venture starting in January on the main campus
of Baptist College of Florida. Plans are in the works for
constructing a 9200 sq ft building for classrooms and offices.
There are 28 full hook-up sites on this property. The cafeteria
serves 5 star meals. Any COM member who wants to be a part
of this construction project is welcome to join our team. The
contractor has worked with Campers On Mission in the past and
welcomes everyone to come alongside with them.
Our last project for the year was October 10-21 at Bethel
Bible Village in Hixson, TN. This is a Christian Group
Home and School for children of families in crisis. It holds a
most special place in the hearts and lives of the Ky-COM
who minister there Attached below is a You Tube video of
our recent visit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0LXhvPzwJw&sns=em
There is a lot of work to be done, both new construction at the
main college campus as well as restoration and revitalizing the
PLEASE GO TO THIS YOU TUBE ADDRESS AND Blue Springs campus. If you would like more information about
WATCH THIS IT IS AN AMAZING TRIBUTE TO how you can be a part of this venture, please contact Joe
Rotunda, President Florida Campers On Mission, via email
KENTUCKY CAMPERS ON MISSION
[email protected]; cell phone 386-688-2380
WATCH IN WEEKLY CORRESPONDENCE FOR SPECIFIC SKILLS
NEEDED STARTING IN JANUARY 2017. ASKING ALL COM’RS THAT
DO NOT HAVE A WINTER PROJECT YET TO PLEASE CONSIDER THIS
PROJECT!!!
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STATE CHAPTER NEWS-cont.
From Your National Coordinator
Alabama
Alabama held their Fall Rally in Gadsden, Sept. 28Oct.1. at the River Country RV Park. Started off with
an awesome potluck. Entertainment by fellow COM
members.
There was a fishing contest early in the morning, with
many contestants doing their best to catch the big one.
There were many little fishes caught Bill Foster many!!
We have so enjoyed traveling and meeting so many
Campers on Mission the last few weeks. Each chapter so
different yet similiar. The one common denominator that
is the same, the love you have for each other, love for The
Lord, and love for the project/people you work with and
for. We look forward to meeting many more COM
members in the near future!
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING
National Coordinators attended rally and spoke in one of
the evening meetings. New officers were presented as
follows: President-Bill Foster Vice P.-Nora Thompson.
*PRESIDENTS/LIAISONS EMAIL NEW OFFICERS
WITH THEIR INFORMATION TO NATIONAL
COORDINATOR
The Executive Team/Committees met to continue
planning the National Rally for 2017, June 20-22, at the
Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama
*ADD NATIONAL COORDINATOR TO YOUR EMAIL
LISTS (SUCH AS YOU WOULD A NEW MEMBER)
Alabama has many projects going through out the state
such as Baldwin Baptist Camp, Shocco Baptist
Conference Center and Oneida Baptist Institue
*JANUARY 30, 2017 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE
COM CHAPTERS TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS
FOR THE “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT” AND
“CAMPER OF THE YEAR” AWARDS.
Award Nominations:
Nominations for the awards will be received by the
national coordinator until January 30th each year. They
may be submitted by chapter presidents, a committee
within a chapter or a group of 10 or more individual
COM’ers. Each chapter is encouraged to submit
nominations.
Thank you Alabama for all the lives you are touching
through Campers on Mission!!!
South Carolina
During the month of August, a group of campers worked in
Hemmingway/Johnsonville area with SC Disaster Relief
Rebuild. During the time there, we were able to either
finish or reroof two houses, build deck entrances at another,
hang doors and install crown molding and baseboard, and
tile laundry room and bathroom, and paint at another, and
paint on the interior of two more homes. One homeowner
was able to return home for the first time since October,
2015. The SC Disaster Relief Rebuild in ongoing. If you or
a group would like to participate, contact Jack McCormick
at 678-294-7461.
Lifetime Achievement Award is limited to individuals/
couples that have maintained a high level of effective
COM participation over an extended period of time, at
least 8 years or more. The recipient of the Lifetime
Achievement Award is ineligible for the Camper of the
Year award in the same year.
The Camper of the Year Award is limited to individuals/
couples that completed exceptional tasks or participated at
an exceptional level of effective participation over one of
the last several years. The recipient of the Camper of the
year award is ineligible for the Lifetime Achievement
Award in the same year.
After our Fall Rally, a group worked at Pine Hill Baptist
Retreat neat Bennettsville. An exterior wall was replaced,
sheet rocked, painted, and vinyl was installed on the
exterior. The ladies spruced the grounds in preparation of
the coming associational meeting. The dorms were also
cleared for an event the following week. The men checked
out two additional projects in this area during the week.
During October, a group will be doing maintenance work at
White Oak Conference Center near Winnsboro. In
November, plans are in place to do maintenance at Lifeway
Ridgecrest
In 2016, our chapter has had two couples who have served
as chaplains at Hunting Island State Park near
Beaufort. Praise God!
PRAISE REPORTS TURNED IN BY DECEMBER 31
MEMBERS TURN INTO YOUR PRESIDENT OR
OTHER DESIGNATED PERSON.
IN TURN PRESIDENTS WILL FORWARD ALL
INFORMATION TO NATIONAL COORDINATOR.
Communication is the
Life Blood of COM
COM
55
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
Waianae, Hawaii-Puu Kahea Baptist
Conference Center
Couples must stay at least one month and should be in
good health. You will have some long days when you are
on your feet a lot, including climbing stairs. You should
be flexible to do what is needed. Work includes
maintenance & upkeep of PKCC including cutting &
weed eating grass, pruning trees, repairing anything that
needs it, painting, dishwashing, cleaning rooms and
helping in the kitchen, etc. Advantages: free lodging with
a kitchenette, plus free cafeteria meals when have they
guests. The use of the PKCC's van to do sightseeing (2
days/week) & shopping and a chance to spend a whole
month in "PARADISE." For more details the Website
is: http://www.pkcc.org. Phone: 808-696-3467 Email
address is [email protected]
Melrose Florida Project
Lake Swan Camp in Melrose, Fl has asked for volunteers
for their fall/winter season.They have all kinds of
projects available [painting, carpentry, yard work etc.].
They have 62 acres with 30 cleared. There are 9 full
hookups available and some meals can be provided. For
more information or to schedule a space call the
Director, Perry Rollins at 352-494-6145.
FLAGLER COLORADO
Wheatland Conference Center in Flagler, CO is looking
for a retired/semi-retired couple to be resident
managers. This is mostly a retreat ministry, with the
potential for some mini-camps. Lodging, utilities, TV
and internet provided along with a monthly stipend. For
more information, call Daniel Walker at 970-799-
6277.
ADA OKLAHOMA
The Cowboy Church in Ada, Oklahoma burned down a
few weeks ago. They are wanting to tear down the
building and save useable materials. It is the 3 Crosses
Kent Lance Arena & Youth Camp in Ada Oklahoma.
There was no insurance and that is why they would like
to salvage as much material as possible. 12 full hook ups
available. If interested in volunteering please call
Randall
Christy
918-237-6470
or
email
[email protected]
RUSKIN FLORIDA OPORTUNITY
Per our phone conversation, I am reaching out to the
Campers On Mission for help in building a 3 bedroom / 2
bath house. My Warrior’s Place is located in Ruskin, FL
and our website is www.mywarriorsplace.org
My Warrior’s Place is a 501 (c) (3) organization that was
founded after my son was killed on a combat mission in
Afghanistan. My Warrior’s Place is a retreat center for
Veterans, Military Service Members, First Responders
and their families, as well as the Families of the Fallen. We
provide a safe haven and programs where healing can begin
for those who have endured the horrors of war and/or the
death of a warrior.
The footers for the stilted building have just been completed
(see attached photos) so we are now in desperate need for
framers. We have the framing package supplies. Of course
after that we will need help with the rest of the build.
We do have a building contractor donating his time and we
the building permits and blueprints. We also have some local
electricians and plumbers who will also be donating their time
to help us with this project.
We do have 2 RV pads that offer water, electric and septic on
the property. We also have a state park within 2 miles of our
property that also has RV hookups.
We can provide at least 1 meal per day (dinner) along with
water and gatorade that the workers will need to stay
hydrated
Sincerely,
Kelly Kowall (Proud Gold Star Mother of Spc. Corey Kowall)
Cell Phone 727-207-5844
[email protected]
www.mywarriorsplace.org
(813) 321-0880 COM’rs go to their website and read about
this amazing organization, what a story.
URGENT NEED/CONE OASIS BAPTIST CAMP
Rick Hall, urgently needs volunteers to help as camp hosts,
kitchen duties and maintenance for Cone Oasis Baptist Camp
near Santa Rosa, Texas. They will be hosting 120 people per
week for the next three months. Rick has requested help from
Campers on Mission. There are 10 to 12 RV sites available
for volunteers at the camp. Three meals a day will be
provided.
Contact Rick Hall: 956-404-7656
NEW UPDATES COMING SOON FROM RICK: MORE
NEEDS FOR CONE OASIS
THE COVE IN NORTH CAROLINA
There are openings to help at The Cove in Asheville, North
Carolina. Many areas of opportunities to serve in this
beautiful area of North Carolina. Maintenace, housekeeping,
office tasks, etc. Many COM’rs have enjoyed volunteering at
The Cove
Dates Available: 2016
November-2 sites available-November 18-30
December-4 sites available entire month of December.
2017 Dates Available:
March 1-30-1 site
July 1-7-4 sites
Contact Kristie Jones- 828-771-4854
(cont)
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(cont) Mission Opportunities
May 1-16-1 site
May 17-27-2 sites
June 1-10-4 sites
site
June 11-30-4 sites
site
August 1-19-1 site
August 20-31-4 sites
September 1-30-1
November 1-30-1
THE GREAT PASSION PLAY EUREKA
SPRINGS ARKANSAS
Lord Thank
You For
Talents To
Serve You In
COM
FOR SALE
Volunteers needed year round at the Passion Play. Play runs
from May to October every year. Full hook ups are provided
for volunteers. Working 20 hours a week as a volunteer your
site is free. There are many projects to get involved in at the
Passion Play. You may even be in the play itself, work in the
gift shops, be in the Holy Land Tour and many other projects.
Such as:
Stucco Project Roofing in Holy Land Pot Hole Repair
Plumbing/Theatrical
Tree Trimming
Cleaning
Landscaping
Mechanical Repairs
Plastering
Secretarial/Office
Painting
Sewing Costumes
Working with Animals
Much general maintenance. If you need a Winter or Spring
Project, the Passion Play is the place to go. There is always
much to do at this beautiful place in the Ozarks. If you have
questions on projects contact Kent Butler
[email protected]
FOR SALE: 2015 Dodge Ram Diesel with 6,100 miles
for $25,000, and 2003 Gulf Stream Mako, 5th wheel
camper 27 ft. For $7500. Inquire call 309-699-0681
Thank you Irma Burnett
==========================================
Fifth-Wheel Trailer for Sale 2007 Paradise Point made
by Cross Roads. 3 sides, 36 ½ feet long
New roof, new
refrigerator, tires-2 years old, Hitch included
318 253-8246, 318 623-9376 $14,500
========================================
FOR SALE: Tow Dolly, almost new, call 931-210-4382
=========================================
ATTENTION-GOOD NEWS
FROM NATIONAL COORDINATOR:
JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA PROJECT
PROJECT UPDATE from COM Coordinator Jerry Ruiter.
The Indiana and Missouri COM have gone home and there is
still much work to be done both at the The Point (church) and
at The Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary at
Wesconnett Baptist Churches in Jacksonville. We really need
a long term (2-3 year) work/coordinator to stay at RV sites at
The Point on Saint Johns Ave. in Jacksonville.
Contact Jeff Stockdale, Pastor- Home 904-388-7601 Cell 904769-1438 email: [email protected]
HOLLY SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI
WE WERE CONTACTED BY A VERY WELL
KNOWN CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE ASKED FOR
INFORMATION ON CAMPERS ON MISSION.
THERE WAS AN EMAIL TYPE INTERVIEW WITH
QUESTIONS AND A PHONE CONFERENCE
INTERVIEW THIS WEEK.
THIS IS EXCITING FOR COM, AS IT WILL BE A
GREAT TOOL WHEN WE GO TO MISSION FAIRS,
BOOTHS AT OUR CONVENTIONS.
THE QUESTIONS WERE VERY IN DEPTH, AND
MUCH CLARITY ON WHO CAN BE IN COM, NO
RV NEEDED, FAMILY MAY COME, VOLUNTEER
AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE OR COME FOR A
WEEKEND, A WEEK ETC. THE FLEXIBILITY OF
COM IS THE BEAUTY OF THIS ORGANIZATION.
If your looking for an opportunity to serve a community that
was effected by a tornado on December 23, 2015, this is it!
Even though we have completed a lot of work, there is still a
lot more to be done. We have roofing, sheetrock or drywall,
flooring, ceiling, painting, fencing, some plumbing, some
electrical, and complete rebuilds.
During the first 6 months we had plenty of volunteers, but
now even though we have plenty of work, skilled volunteer
groups are few and far between.
RV parking is in Holly Springs, it is 7 miles from project.
There is a charge $18 per night. If we do not have volunteers
already booked you can stay at our volunteer house (no fee
but will accept a donation gladly) across the street from my
office in Holly Springs which accommodates 10 adults
comfortably. It has 2 bathrooms with showers and a kitchen
and is walking distance from many churches. Tuesday and
Thursday meals at the Cafe.
Contact Lois Harrision, Volunteer Coordinator-Sacred Heart
Southern Missions Phone: 662-252-1336 or 901-626-5432
ONLY GOD CAN GIVE COM THIS TYPE OF
EXPOSURE AT A TIME WHEN COM NEEDS NEW
BLOOD SO WE MAY MENTOR THE NEW
MEMBERS, TEACH THEM WHAT WE HAVE
LEARNED OVER THE YEARS. PRAISE THE LORD!
ARTICLE SHOULE BE PUBLISHED IN MAY OR
JUNE 2017.
Jer 29:11-13
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