The Master's Builders at Camp Garwood

By Nelda Malone, Reporter

The Master’s Builders began work on a newly poured slab at Camp Garwood in Garwood, Mo., on March 31. The camp is about 12 1/2 miles northeast of Van Buren, Mo. This was our first time going to Camp Garwood to work, and we were blessed during our time there. Camp Director Chris Polk and his wife, Laura, were so caring and concerned about our needs as we settled in for two weeks of work. We were all able to stay in a newly renovated dorm there, which made it so convenient for the job site and the cafeteria.

We were at Camp Garwood to help with a 20’ x 60’ building. This building’s design includes two living quarters on one side (for visiting evangelists, group leaders, etc.), and a nurse’s station and quarters on the other. Chris Polk wanted to include a nice breezeway with a large ceiling fan and benches between the two sides of the building. This will help facilitate check-in and a cool-down area for campers. The Builders framed the building, put in doors and windows, hung metal siding in two colors on the exterior and ran the electrical wiring for the building. Joe McElroy and Jacob Hale of McElroy Construction did the trusses and added the metal roofing. It was such a pleasure to have these guys do this work, as The Builders are no longer able to set trusses!

While we were there, this area of Missouri and Arkansas had historical and catastrophic flooding. The Builders were unable to work on the building for two days. Several locations around the area received up to 15 inches of rain, and the creeks and hollows filled up quickly! We had to watch the camp creek closely for a couple of days! There were also several tornadoes. We were thankful that none touched down near the camp. The rain set us back, but we enjoyed two afternoons of movies in the cafeteria and some delicious meals.

The BMA Churches of Southeast Missouri kept us well-fed! We were overwhelmed and blessed by their commitment to making sure we lacked for nothing. Meals, supplies, desserts and snacks were either brought in, or money was sent to help provide us with meals. Thanks to the many churches that provided a meal or hosted The Builders for a meal. A big “Thank You” to everyone for loving on us through your kitchens! The folks at Ohlman even came in one evening during the rain and fried fish with all the fixings for us for supper!

Several special ladies volunteered their time to make sure we remained well-fed and organized during our stay at the camp. One of these ladies was Janet Widger, who had experience serving with the “Just The Crumbs” Disaster Relief ministry when they responded to North Carolina last year. The town of Des Arc was almost totally destroyed in the March 14 tornado outbreak. Janet, along with two of our Master’s Builders ladies, had the opportunity to assist Just the Crumbs as they responded to the need in Des Arc and witnessed firsthand the full impact of their ministry.

While working at the camp, we had the opportunity to reconnect with Melvin Meade and his wife, Carolyn, former missionaries to the Philippines. What a surprise to learn they were so close and then be blessed to attend their church services and eat a meal with them! We also learned that Bro. Meade is an accomplished artist and craftsman. He gifted each Master’s Builders family with a beautifully decorated cedar birdhouse. Thank you to these special people and their church family.

Several men came and helped with the building when they could, and they were a great blessing to The Master’s Builders. Thank you to each one who helped us with this project.

There is only so much I can share in these reports. Please “Follow us” on Facebook! “Like” us at “The Master’s Builders” (arbor logo), and you’ll be able to follow all the details of each job, including pictures! This was job #193 for The Master’s Builders.

We plan to head to Go Forth Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas, to work next. While there, we plan to help with framing walls inside a metal building to provide a gym space, classrooms, a kitchen and bathrooms.

Please pray for The Master’s Builders ministry! We need workers if we are to continue. If you have questions about this ministry or if your church has building needs, contact Mike Green at (972) 935-3877, David Axe at (903) 918-0702 or Eddie Sikes at (479) 462-1675.