1

C O N T A C T S :

ALCOM: Ray Van Slyke 251- 422-8954

AZCOM: Tom Demand 480-984-1074

ARCOM: Winford Cox 479-858-9086

CACOM: Ray Pardee 925-689-3237

COCOM: Jim Thrailkills, 970-379-7979

FLCOM: David Cornish 850- 313-3078

GACOM: Flinn Gregory, 229-641-3480

ILCOM: Leroy Burnett, 309- 253-8557

INCOM: Roseanna Kincaid 765-376-7507

IACOM: Peter Brent 515-975-5018

KS/NECOM: Larry Smith 620-229-0242

KYCOM: Ann Brown 270-314- 5357

LACOM: Bill Austin, 318-224-0843

MICOM: Inactive

MSCOM: Rickey Youngblood

228-217-3955

MOCOM: Mark Harpham, 816-797-0797

NVCOM: Inactive

NEW ENGLAND COM ( CT, MS, ME, NH,

RI, VT ) : David Book, 802-598-8717

NMCOM: Dale Gray, 505-884- 7506

NCCOM: James Saunders, 828- 577- 9162

NORTHWEST COM ( OR, &WA ) :

Jack Birdwell 360 - 607-9438

OHCOM: Inactive

OKCOM: Tom Goins 918- 269-0973

PA/NJCOM: Bill Hoops, 570- 660-9519

SCCOM: Wanda Lewis 843-623-4551

TNCOM: Mike Pender, 931- 260- 8447

TXCOM: Jim Huddleston, 281- 331-6463

UT/IDCOM: David May, 208- 989-2202

VACOM: ( See NCCOM )

WY/MT/ND/SDCOM: Joe Secrist,

307- 247-1203

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:

Region 1: David Book 802-598-8717

Region 2: Larry Davis 850-997-3864

Region 3: Ricky Youngblood 228-475-1755

Region 4: Jim Page 618-289-4775

Region 5: Norman Marcum 785-266-5118

Jim Thrailkill 970-379-7979

Region 6: Kathy Anderson 360-882-1965

C A M P E R S O N M I S S I O N

N A T I O N A L N E W S L E T T E R

January 2013

Larry Davis, Editor LARRYDAVIS4@JUNO.COM

The duties of a minister

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and

the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of sea-

son; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when

they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves

teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be

turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangel-

ist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my depar-

ture is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous

judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appear-

ing. 2 Tim 4:1-8 (KJV)

As campers each of us minister “as we go”. These verses highlight our highest priority

of reaching out to the lost while there is still time. In America we are experiencing people turn-

ing away from the truth. God is being removed from large areas of American life. Christians are

beginning to experience persecution. The government, media and court systems seem intent on

making Christians second class citizens. Now Christians are demeaned and ridiculed for prac-

ticing their religion in accordance with the Bible. Some are trying to exclude Christians from our

constitutional rights to freedom of religion. These afflictions do not relieve the campers of their

responsibility to reach out to the lost. We are to endure the afflictions and continue our efforts to

reach the lost.

As stated in the last newsletter, we reach the lost by exposing them to campers that ex-

emplify Jesus. The lost would be exposed to more campers if there was an active chapter in

more states. Eighty percent of our national membership is in the 11 states in regions 2 and 3.

The COM should have a vision of chapters in each state to reach out to the lost and encourage

campers from the more active chapters to come work in states with limited exposure to the

campers. To do this we will need some COM missionaries to focus on geographical areas with

limited or no exposure to the campers. There is no shortage of opportunities. Minimal involve-

ment may be as limited as taking a team to work on a project in the geographical area and reach-

ing out to potential members while in the area. A real serious involvement may require spending

most of your time over a several years dedicated to mission projects and COM outreach in the

selected geographical area. Jim and Nancy Thrailkill have committed to spend the next several

years growing the number of campers in region 5. That is a tremendous geographical area and

they could use some help.

Are you willing to ask the Holy Spirit to give you some guidance on your role in this

area of ministry? Are you willing to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in this area of the ministry?

If you feel lead by the Holy Spirit to participate in this urgently needed mission opportunity,

contact Larry Davis at larrydavis4@juno.com .

The TXCOM is giving us a chance to get involved with just such a ministry at the 2013

national rally. They have a vision of campers in blue COM shirts covering the town of Mineola,

Texas spreading goodwill, information and our unique talent of helping where we are needed.

‘Sharing Christ As We Go’ will be the mission so we are a testimony to the one who sent us.

Campers on Mission have a wonderful opportunity to leave a lasting impression and demon-

strate our servant’s heart. Everyone who comes after us will know that the area has been made

better because people who serve the Lord took time out of their travels to serve this community.

Mineola’s mayor is thankful for our willingness to get involved. He is personally work-

ing on a list of mission needs. The TXCOM is asking the 2013 national rally attendees to come

early and plan on working in the town of Mineola on June 18, 2013. There is more on this minis-

try on page 10 of this newsletter.

We still need a chapter or region to volunteer to host the 2015 national rally. Are you willing?

2

COCOM Colorado Campers on Mission have had a few members work-

ing during the winter. One couple has been serving in the Yuma

area thawing the ice in an RV park owned by non-Christians.

The environment there has been almost like working in a closed

country, where even mentioning God brings persecution. The

COM have been shining the light through service, and the ice is

slowly breaking up. One couple has been working with homeless

“campers” in campgrounds in the mountains in northern Arizona,

meeting physical needs and sharing Christ. They have collected

and distributed blankets, provided water in a dry campground,

and shared coffee and Christ with several folks who have never

been shown His love before. Lives have been changed through

simple acts of kindness. Several COCOM members will be as-

sisting with Project Quartzsite, from January 17 through 25 in

Quartzsite, AZ. Praise God for lives turned to the Lord through

the ministry to the homeless, and hearts opening to the Word in

the Yuma area. - Jim & Nancy Thrailkill

FLCOM

Our Leaders: The members elected their leaders for the com-

ing year at the Fall Rally in Williston, FL. Since some of the

leaders stood for reelection in the same position, such as the four

Wagon Masters, Treasurer and Chaplain, and others moved up

from previous positions, there were only a new faces on the lead-

ership roster. Those new folks are Ben and Amy Leighton, who

were elected State Wagon Master, and Glenn and Eileen Ansley

were appointed as Web Master and Newsletter Editor, (see their

photos below).

Ben and Amy have been long-

time members of FLCOM and

they have worked tirelessly in

many service opportunities over

the years. Since Ben is a licensed

electrician, most of their work has

focused on construction projects.

However, they have also served

regularly at the Florida Straw-

berry Festival in Plant City, and at

various other ministries.

Glenn and Eileen Ansley joined

FLCOM only recently but they

started with a flurry of activity from the beginning and have not

slowed down. Since they possess particular expertise in web

page design and management, they were asked to become the

new web masters for the FLCOM web page:

www.flcampersonmission.org. They have done a wonderful job

with the web page, check it out! As the previous newsletter edi-

tor, I asked them if they would

be willing to assume responsi-

bility for publishing and dis-

tributing the quarterly newslet-

ter and, happily, they agreed to

do that as well. All the mem-

bers of this chapter join me in

thanking the Leightons and

Ansleys for answering the call

to help lead Florida COM in

this wonderful ministry!

Our Focus: Since the night that the current officers were in-

stalled, I have, at every opportunity, emphasized two critical ele-

ments of our service. First, we need to keep focused on our pri-

mary purpose of ministry; that is to share the Gospel of salvation

through faith in Jesus Christ. Regardless of the type of service

we are providing, we must be very intentional in finding or mak-

ing opportunities to share the Gospel with those who so desper-

ately need it.

The second point I emphasize is that we take every opportunity

to share Campers on Mission with churches, regional corporate

leaders in the Body of Christ (such as Directors of Missions in

the SBC), and other ministries, and ensure that they know

"WHAT CAMPERS ON MISSION CAN DO FOR THEM."

This can be done by our members at large as well as our COM

Ambassadors. The most frequent opportunities for sharing our

organization are the "Missions Fairs" that many churches hold on

a regular basis. All a member need do is contact the organizers

of these events and ask for a booth or table. We have all the sup-

plies they will need to do a great job of telling others about

Campers on Mission – COM enrollment forms, brochures, logo

pens, display boards and collages with photos depicting the many

ministries in which we are involved. Another very helpful tool

for this effort is the four-minute DVD that tells all about the or-

ganization.

Praise: This was the 18th year that we have ministered at the

North Florida Fair in Tallahassee. The Fair organizers provide

30 RV sites, a stipend, and a location for our missions booth in

exchange for 50 to 60 of our members remaining available

throughout the fair to help staff various areas. God blessed us

richly this year! Through face painting, puzzles, balloon art, Sal-

vation Bracelets, and the Bible Answer Board, we shared the

gospel with hundreds of fair goers and we led 136 to a profession

of faith in Christ! What a thrill to see so many accept Christ and

to know that we planted the seeds in the hearts of so many others!

We are truly thankful!

The coming year: Florida COM members eagerly anticipate

what The Lord has for us in 2013! We pray that we will be pre-

pared for any and all opportunities that He sends our way. We

pray that everyone involved in this ministry, across the country,

enjoys a joy-filled, healthful, and productive year of service.

Blessings in Christ -- David Cornish

ILCOM

Illinois Campers on Mission had a good year of work projects

and look forward to an other good year in 2013. We start our

work in April with a couple of projects, the first one will be at

Roland Manor Church in Washington, Il. with replacing the roof

April 6th to the 13th, 2013. We will then do a project in Streator

at the Baptist Camp starting on the 14th to the 21st with the

Spring rally the 20th to the 21st. In May 13th to the 17th the

work project will be putting on siding on a church in Iola, Il. The

National Rally will be in June 19th, 20th, &21st in Mineola,

Texas for those who can attend. In July 15th to the 19th the work

project will be at the Children Home in Carmi, Il. In August the

date is not confirmed for a project. In September 15th to the 20th

with a rally held on the 21st & 22nd at Lake Sallateeska Baptist

Camp near Pinckneyville, Il. We have several members with

health problems so please pray for our group and the work that is

needed to be done. --Leroy Burnett

MSCOM News from Chapters

3

MSCOM

Rickey Youngblood has spoken with the work project coordina-

tor, Bud Lott, and with J.R. Ray, the Central Hills manager, con-

cerning a work week at the camp immediately following the

North Area Rallies for 2013. The two dates are: (April 15-19) &

(Oct. 7-11). The work will consist mostly of repairing and updat-

ing parking spaces at the RV park and general site maintenance.

Several rigs participated in one workweek in 2012. It was a lot of

fun and several needed repairs were made; however, there is

more to do for this year. MSCOM members have a small owner-

ship in the RV part at the Central Hills Retreat. Because of the

many hours of work from past members, this is a great RV site

that we use each year. It is even named for the MSCOM. Those

of us new ones should honor the fine job done by those who built

this site for us by maintaining it in good working order. If you

have questions or want to stay and work, please call Rickey at

228-475-1755. If no answer, please leave a message on the an-

swering machine. His email address is: reyou@juno.com

Checkout the recent additions to www.ms-com.org website.

The “current events” are updated often. Two have changed to

include the McLain Revival and a recent 2012 work project. I

will continue to update the website with the New Year, 2013,

officers and the rally calendar. There is an added section to in-

clude all of the 6 states within Region 3 contact info and webpage

links.

An ongoing project is to update the Photos page to include the

2012 National Rally and the 2011 MS COM Work Projects. I’ll

try to send an email to members when these pictures will be

available online.! It is very time-consuming to create PowerPoint

for so many photos and post for viewing, but I’ll make it.

Suggestions, comments, and member input are always wel-

come. -- Sharron Ballard , webmaster@ms-com.org

NCCOM

God Is Good, All the Time!!

As we look back over the year 2012, it is encouraging to see

how God has used NCCOM to spread the Good News. Our en-

rollment includes 32 new members. Those who had to go on our

inactive list because of health reasons will be missed but we will

keep in touch with them.

NC Campers On Mission members have participated in many

projects across NC and the eastern US. Some of the projects in-

clude: Baptist Children’s Homes in NC and FL; Jacksonville Port

Ministry; Lakeview Baptist Church at Lakeview, FL; Camp

Meeting at Denton Farm Park, NC; Denver Days Fair Ministry at

Denver, NC; Lifeway Ridgecrest at Ridgecrest, NC; Jaybird

Springs at Chauncey, GA; Blue Springs Conference Center in

FL. A new upgrade project was started by Western Region COM

members at Jonathan Valley Baptist Church in Waynesville. This

project will continue in April and May of this year.

The NC State Fair was an exciting time for our ministry. Our

numbers included 55 COM volunteers with 4,344 hours, 11,957

meals, 2,467 testimonies, 13,443 fair attendees, 14 salvations and

2 rededications. A Precious Memory Book is made available for

our COM members to enter experiences they have had at the fair.

Following are two excerpts taken from the book.

“I met Mario last year. He is a young man in his early 30’s. He

was searching for a reason to believe in God. This year we were

reacquainted. He was still denying God but still searching. I

praise God that with much prayer and love from our COM group

that Mario prayed with Tony Moore and asked Jesus into his

heart. He has gone back to NY a newly redeemed man.

“I met Nora sitting on the bench outside of the restroom. I

asked her if there was anything I could pray for her. She told me

about her daughter, Alicia. She hasn’t walked in 5 years. I told

her I would pray for her. As I walked about 50 feet away from

her the Holy Spirit spoke to me to tell her that “she was not

alone.” I ran back and told her. She said she had lost a loved one

last week and in her sorrow she looked in the mirror and said, “I

am not alone.” The Holy Spirit is truly in this place. We praised

the Lord together.”

I wish each of you a Blessed and Happy New Year. All the

Time, God Is Good. -- James Saunders, NCCOM President

SCCOM

Our chapter began 2013 with our Winter Gathering on January

5. There were more than sixty people present including visi-

tors. Reports from previous projects and suggestions for the up-

coming months.

Camp Pine Hill began construction on a chapel. Our members

helped with insulation and framing of the interior walls. Others

helped with dry wall and mudding in the canteen.

Others continued working on the new home in Patrick for the

family which had lost their home to fire. They were able to be in

their home for Christmas.

In October a group helped the Labor of the Fields Church in

Anderson which needed assistance with HVAC installation,

cleaning, and painting. This church has a very active ministry

caring for the homeless, addicts, and the hungry. They also have

a clothes closet. Plans are being made to work again in the spring

at this church.

In November a large group helped at Lifeway/Ridgecrest. On

Monday we had snow until after lunch. Some of the ladies

cleaned and prepped the Christmas decorations. Other ladies

cleaned rooms and others did touch-up painting and exterior

painting. Some of the men built walls for a new laundry in the

maintenance building and enclosed a shelter which will serve as

storage.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Spring Rally April 12-14, 2013 Anderson University

April 15-19, 2013 Lifeway/Ridgecrest

April 22-26, 2013 Camp Pine Hill

The project at Bailey House in Cornelia, Georgia is progressing.

Jack McCormick is in charge of this project. A group is headed

there to help with flooring, tile work, painting. If you are inter-

ested in helping with this project, contact Jack at 678-294-7461.

We are in Cumberland, Kentucky. Just finished feeding

160. Having another dinner Saturday for around 350. These

folks are so much in need especially prayer. Janie and Wayne

Swords.

This week we will help with Wednesday evening meal at our

church, help with Laundry at men's shelter, committee meetings,

a project for a disabled lady in our church......and I have been

worried about not going on out of town projects. I am thankful to

serve anyway we can. Thanks be to God!!! Jeri and Bob Allen

Ears that hear and eyes that see---

the Lord has made them both. Proverbs 20:12

4

Compelled to Serve "Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your

power." (Psalms 110:3) "One mark of revival, during which God comes to His people

in power, is that God’s people are compelled to offer their lives

for His service. Many churches lack people who are willing to

get involved in carrying out God’s redemptive work. The mis-

sion fields are crying out for Christians to go and share the gospel

with those who've never heard it. What we need is not more

pleas for volunteers, but an outpouring of the power of

God. When God comes among His people in power, there is

never a shortage of volunteers or resources for His work!

When Christians today are asked what aspects of the Christian

life are most important to them, missions is not usually ranked as

a priority. This is because we have lost track of why God called

us in the first place. We were not saved from our sin simply so

that we would qualify for heaven. God delivered us so we would

have a relationship with Him through which He could carry out

His mission to redeem a lost world.

Only the power of God can free us from our natural self-

centeredness and reorient us toward the mission of God. There is

no need to pray that God would come in power. That is the only

way He ever comes. We need hearts that are so responsive to

Him that He will choose to demonstrate His power through us. Is

your heart so filled with love for God that you are watching for

the first opportunity to say with Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me!”?"

(---Blackaby Ministries International | P.O. Box 1035 ° Jones-

boro, GA 30237 - 1035 ---)

The River of Life Church of Volusia is a SBC church in En-

terprise, Florida which meets on 10 1/2 acres here in Central

Florida. We have an active 4-H group that meets most of the

year; a 1-night-a-week camp we call Mission Possible Camp, that

meets January through May; and a number of other outreaches

we do throughout the year.

Last year we built a bathhouse, and installed water and 30 -

amp service hook up for 2 campers, with the thought that some

campers might like to come and winter here, in exchange for

some help around the place. In addition to bathhouse and hook

ups, we also have a large pavilion where we hold services, and

are located on a lake with fishing opportunities, etc.

This year, we will be holding "Christmas in the Country" which

will include extensive Christmas light displays, crafts for chil-

dren, hayrides, etc.

I have no idea how to get the word out about the available slots,

nor about the opportunity to serve. We do not currently have

sewage hookup, but I believe we may be able to make a dump

station available on site.

If you are interested in helping our ministry, contact Gene

Gregory, Pastor - River of Life Church of Volusia, 407-314-

1461, rol@cfl.rr.com

_______________________________________________ From the Director Of Missions of St Clair (Pell City, Ala-

bama) Association: Our camp coordinator resigned. I need a

volunteer couple who could stay at the Camp ground just for se-

curity purposes and possibly overlook the buildings during this

time of transition and/or decision about the property. Do you

someone who could do this? - We have a RV hook up with elec-

tric, water & sewer. Contact Ben Chandler,

domstclairbapt@windstream.net ____________________________________________________

Someone needed to install a sprinkler system in a food ministry

that I am building. The building is 30 X 60, and is located in

Clanton, Al. ( in the middle of the state.) Please call or e-mail me

asap. The project dates are Feb 18 - March 1 -- Ray Van Slyke -

President ALCOM, 251-675-0122 , 251-422-8954,

rayvanslyke12@gmail.com

____________________________________________________

Hurricane Isaac did a number on Laplace, LA. The recovery

and rebuild is ongoing. Through one of our Association pastors

we have connected with an organization that helps communities

rebuild after disasters. They have helped rebuild after disaster in

many places across the country. The organization is 8 Days of

Hope (8DH). 8DH is a non-profit organization whose "goal is to

use the gifts that God has given us to bless others and share the

love of Jesus!" 8DH has decided to come to Laplace March 9-16.

This 8DH event in Laplace will be their 10th event. They mobi-

lize around 1500 volunteers during the 8 day event and work on

over 100 homes. They provide materials, housing, meals, work

projects, and evening worship for short term missionaries (at no

cost to the missionaries!). We are very excited about this oppor-

tunity!

Please check out the 8DH website: http://eightdaysofhope.com/

faq/ I hope you will promote the event to anyone you know that

might want to go on a mission trip in March. Anyone who de-

cides to come will need to fill out the online registration through

the 8DH website.

Also, there is no age restrictions. Missionaries are not required

to participate all 8 days, but 8 Days of Hope does ask that each

person will commit at least 3 days to the project

The Laplace Civic Center is the primary base of operations for

the project. The Civic Center will accommodate RV's and camp-

ers.

Also, the New Orleans Baptist Association has an ongoing

rebuild project that we would welcome and appreciate Campers

on Mission to be involved with. Let me know if you would like

more information on our build project.

Thanks -- Billy Puckett, New Orleans Baptist Association,

bpuckett@joinnoba.com , Cell: 504-723-9209, Office: 504-282 -

1428

____________________________________________________

The Florida Baptist Children's Home, 2300 Bartram Road,

Jacksonville, Florida, 904-721-2711, needs volunteers to assist

their ministry. They need fencing built and painted and grounds

maintenance needs. Also could use someone with experience

operating a farm tractor.

6 RV sites are available to the volunteers. For more informa-

tion contact Alan Holmes, alanholmes@prodigy.net , 704-641-

0070.

____________________________________________________

There is a wonderful service opportunity in Cameroon. This is

an important short term construction trip to Bamenda for Mar. 2 -

16, 2013. The Bamenda Regional Training Center has been

planned for over ten years, and we are finally close to a move-in

date. We need some skilled construction workers to help ensure

that the center is ready to accept its new occupants. We anticipate

that translators in up to fifty language groups will be trained at

Ministry opportunities Seeking Volunteers

5

this facility. If you are an electrician, painter or carpenter, we

need you on this team! We also have some spaces for other hard-

working, flexible helpers! If this is something that might interest

you, please let me know. Thanks. -- Dennis DeRight, 352-345-

2621, dennis_deright@wycliffeassociates.org

____________________________________________________

18 miles from Santa Fe, New Mexico tucked in the Sangre de

Cristo Mountains at the southern most part of the Rocky Moun-

tain chain, LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center has numerous

mission opportunities for COM’ers. Each year we need volun-

teers from April 29 through September 4. Actual conferencing

(with guest on campus) runs from mid June – mid August. For

volunteers coming as individual/couple, and not part of a team,

we ask a minimum stay of one month, and preferably throughout

our conferencing period of 9 weeks. Anyone interested in volun-

teering may access more detailed information on our web site:

http://www.glorietaconferencecenter.org/volunteer. All neces-

sary forms may be downloaded from that site then submitted by

mail or e-mail.

Volunteers coming to serve as a "team" are processed differ-

ently in our office. We ask that they contact Sherrie Hoogen-

doorn , Volunteer Coordinator, 505/757-4553 or email at

Sherrie.Hoogendoorn@lifeway.com .

Volunteers serving between May 26 and August 14, will be

provided both housing/RV site and meals. Those on campus and

serving outside those dates are provided housing/RV site. Meals

are not available before May 26, or after August 14. Volunteers

staying in our housing outside our Dining Hall dates will have

kitchen facilities in their rooms as well as access to a full kitchen

in the Volunteer Center.

Our biggest need in the spring and largest consumer of time

will be general campus clean up. Leaves need to be raked, street

gutters need to be cleaned, picnic areas need mowing and side-

walks need sweeping, trees and shrubs need trimming, etc. Gen-

erally we need to do a lot of yard work. Our prime time to ac-

complish most of this work will be in May. We can possibly

have a freeze as late as mid May. In addition: Several apartments

will need painting, carpet repair will be needed, numerous small

areas need tape, bed and texture, dumpsters need painting, rock

work at main entry to repair garden wall, stucco and exterior

plaster repair, rooms will need to be cleaned for staff arrivals,

several garden areas will need tilling, dumpster needs welding

repairs, and several exterior paint projects if the weather permits.

From mid June – mid August, we will need volunteers as

groups or individuals to serve in the dining hall, maintaining

grounds and gardens, serve in our grill, as well as various other

positions during conferencing.

Volunteers are a vital part of the ministry at the Glorieta Con-

ference Center. It would be our pleasure to meet you and have

you serving on campus. If you have any questions, or need addi-

tional information, please contact Sherrie Hoogendoorn, Volun-

teer Coordinator, Glorieta Conference Center, P.O. Box 8, Glo-

rieta, NM 87535, or call 505/757-4553, 505/757-4298, cell

817/996-1529, or email Sherrie.Hoogendoorn@lifeway.com or

John.Hoogendoorn@lifeway.com .

____________________________________________________

The Mission Mobilizations Center in Mt Juliet, Tennessee

is in need of drywall hangers and finishers. Help with installing

Heat & Air Duct. Full hook-up provided. For more information

call Joe Carter 615-351-8116 cell 615-758-2110 home or Bill

Meyers 615-879-1844.

Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center is a great place to

volunteer any time. They have a campground with full hookups

and bath house. Volunteers can stay free and eat in the dinning

hall free. For more information contract Cathy Williams, volun-

teer coordinator, Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center, PO Box

128, Ridgecrest, NC 28770, cathy.williams@lifeway.com , 828-

669-3589

____________________________________________________

Mintz Baptist Church, 3761 Old Mintz Highway, Roseboro, NC

28382, http://www.mintzbaptist.com , has a building project. The

first phase of the project is going to be done by contractors. The

second phase will be done by volunteers / Campers on Mis-

sion. This second phase should start in late spring or early sum-

mer. The church is pastured by our NCCOM vice-president ,

John McBride. For more information contact Dave Bowen, Con-

struction Mission Coordinator NC COM, 919 740 4117,

David@DavidBBowen.US

____________________________________________________

Cornerstone Church of Christ, Childersburg, AL, May 6 – 24,

2013 Construction Project Leader – Ken Conaway, Campground

Coordinator – Bill Foster The congregation, consisting of about

75 members, currently meets in the basement of a private

home. All COM work is inside a 75’ x 100’ new metal building

on slab. Our goal is to frame, top out plumbing, electrical from

switchbox out, insulate and hang the wall board. We have not yet

determined if ceiling will be drop or wall board. In either event,

we will handle. The 7,500 SF building includes sanctuary, fel-

lowship hall, warming kitchen, 6 classrooms, nursery, 2 offices

and 4 bath rooms. Women - We have not yet determined a pro-

ject for the women not working construction as we have not yet

identified a suitable facility to use. More later. Space – RV park-

ing space is very limited. In fact, some RV units will be blocked

by other units. Due to the limited space we only have room for

10 RV’s. Some will not be able to park their tow vehicle near

their RV. Due to the RV space constriction and the volume of

work, we ask you to commit to the full three weeks. If you can-

not stay three weeks, then identify a partner to complete the three

weeks and communicate same to the Project Leader. The church

will be adding gravel to enlarge the parking somewhat. At a later

date we may be able to fit in a couple more RV’s. We will very

much welcome additional drive-in workers. All of our normal

amenities will be in place. Electrical 30/50 amp, water, pump

black water to septic grey to ground. The church will provide a

light lunch each work day. We expect this project to fill rapidly

and we will maintain a standby list. For more information con-

tact Ken Conaway, 256-276-4480, kccjoc@gmail.com . ____________________________________________ 2013 Rebuild Haiti Mission Trips -- March 8-16, June 21-29,

October 11-19. The primary focus of each trip is discipleship

through ministry projects. Teams participate in church leadership

conferences, VBS and construction of multi-purpose buildings to

house church, schools, medical missions and emergency shelters.

Contact: Rebuild Haiti for details Email: RebuildHaiti@sbcv.org

Or Call: 703-868-8889

____________________________________________________

Are you looking for a wonderful Mission opportunity for your

family this upcoming summer? We encourage you to consider

"Acts 1:8 Families", June 23-28, 2013 in Martinsville, VA. Reg-

istration will be live soon. For more information go to

www.sbcv.org/acts18families

6

The Jay Bird Springs Ministries children’s church camp at

Chauncey, GA is an ongoing ministry. The camp was built in the

1950’s. There is almost always some project underway at Jay

Bird Springs. This is a wonderful place to spend a few days in the

outdoors with your family. It’s remote and the RV sites are great.

Pastor Towns has encouraged COM to use the facility and to plan

mission trips there. The address is: 1221 Jay Bird Springs Road,

Chauncey, GA 31011. Phone: 229.868.2728. The point of contact

is: Pastor Towns at pastortowns@yahoo.com .

____________________________________________________

Strawberry Festival, Plant City, Fl. It’s not too early to begin

planning for the 2013 Strawberry Festival ministry opportunity.

Florida Campers have been involved with this festival for over 20

years. If you are willing to work anytime between February 21 –

March 10, 2013 please contact Jim & Kaye Clay, (850) 305-1970, 850) 682-7502, jclay2731@embarqmail.com , for a de-

tailed schedule of when workers are needed.

____________________________________________________

The objective of El Rancho de Paz camp, Owego, NY, is

changing lives for eternity. They use about 20 horses and the

outdoors to accomplish this. They had 40 decisions this summer.

On a typical summer, they will have up to 800 campers pass

through the camp. They have two 50 amp and one 30 amp RV

site with room to add another. There is water and sewer on the

side of the ranch house. There is an immediate need for volun-

teers and an ongoing need for volunteers. The next very impor-

tant need is to do an extensive remodel in the director’s home so

the Blasdel’s

(the new camp director) can move in. Please contact: Camp Di-

rector Duane Blasdel at 607-760 2852 Or Dave Bowen

(NCCOM) 919-740-4117 david@davidbbowen.us , Camp infor-

mation: El Rancho de Paz , 2857 Montrose Turnpike, Owego,

NY 13827 , website: http://www.elranchodepaz.org/

____________________________________________________

Camp Good News is a Child Evangelism camp located in Afton,

New York, just off I-88 northeast of Binghamton, NY. Charles

Brett is the Camp director and he and his wife Jennie have a heart

for winning children to the Lord and quite a vision for their

Camp. He and Jennie resurrected this camp several years ago

and are having a very fruitful ministry. His projects for the com-

ing spring and summer: Paint rest of house and porch, paint pic-

nic pavilion, build deck on Lodge bldg, build deck and stairs to

storage shed if able to move this winter stain new dock, stain

God's classroom (this is an outdoor pavilion), general camp clean

and prep for summer ( if work team before June 15th), v-groove

pine inside chapel to band board height, trim and remove trees as

needed, develop camper sites. His contact information: Camp

Good News, 554 Tracy Road, afton, NY 13730; 607-639-1702;

cjbrett@tds.net.

____________________________________________________

Northwest Baptist Center, 3200 NE 109 Ave., Vancouver, WA

98682: We have set a date for the January 2013 project – Monday

January 21 – Thursday January 24, 2013. This will involve a

painting in the Seminary area at the Northwest Baptist Center and

the possibility of another project in the immediate area. Meals

and snacks will be provided. There is some RV parking available

at the building. Please let us know if you will be available to help

with this project. Contact Jack Bridwell , 360/607-9438, email

bridwell.jack@gmail.com or Kathy Anderson, 360-882-1965,

Email gloryteam@msn.com .

Dear Friends, Wanted to send you an update on our granddaugh-

ter Sarah's progress. She was taken off the ventilator 4 days ago

and is making a slow but steady recovery from the pneumo-

nia. She is still on oxygen and a NG tube as she still can't swal-

low anything much without coughing. They are starting her on

applesauce, jello, pudding type food and will increase as her mus-

cles start to work again. She is very weak and can do almost

nothing for herself. Her muscles have all become soft and even

lifting her hand is impossible at this time, but with therapy and

prayer she will gradually regain the use of her body. Her care

here at Wolfson's Children's Hospital is four star, we couldn't ask

for more caring Doctors and Nurses. Pray for Sarah as she recov-

ers that there will be no more infections and that she will soon be

able to move and use her body. Recovery will be slow but with

God's strength we will eventually bring her home strong and able

to live the life God has planned for her. We love and miss each

of you, thank you again for the many calls, cards and most of all

the prayers. --Pete and Paula Thrift

____________________________________________________

Dear COM friends, I received word yesterday morning that Ed

Parks was having a check up at the VA in Durham yesterday after

having a severe nose bleed the day before. They spent four hours

in the local ER getting this stopped. During this time at the VA

he had a light stroke that affected his speech and thinking. He has

improved some and is suppose to be moved from ICU according

to Becky. His stay will depend on his therapy. I talked with

Becky about 2 PM. She was returning to Rocky Mount for cloth-

ing and shower and then returning to Durham tonight. Her cell is

252-955-3268. Lets include Ed and Becky during your prayer

time. Thank you, Pete Butler

____________________________________________________

Carolyn saw the surgeons at Texas Back and Spine institute here

in Bryan, Texas today. She is scheduled for her third, and hope-

fully last back surgery Wednesday morning. It is a good possibil-

ity that she will be there several days. However, they have given

her new hope that the problem with the leaking spinal fluid can

be fixed. Please pray for Carolyn and the surgeon that all will go

well, and for her quick recovery. Thanks, Bob White

____________________________________________________

Faith is not about everything turning

out okay; Faith is about being okay

no matter how things turn out.

Prayer Request

The content and quality of this newsletter reflects the

input from chapter members and the great mission

effort spent reaching the lost “AS we Go”. It reflects

the interest and enthusiasm of our membership. Keep

up the Good work and start sending in articles that you

would like included in the next national newsletter. The

more we share, the more enthusiasm will grow and the

more volunteers the Holy Spirit will assign to the mis-

sion field.

7

Texas COMers are excited to be hosting the 2013 Campers on Mission National Rally. There will be lots to do starting with a prayer walk each morning and activities throughout the day for everyone. We are planning Bible studies, worship, workshops and entertainment. Pre Rally events start on Tuesday June 18

th with the City of Mineola Mission Projects

See page 10 for more details and then contact Evonne Boggs evonneboggs@yahoo.com, 770-826-5291 . You can sign

up for the golf outing on the rally registration form on page 11.

Purse Party! If you know how to sew and would like to learn how to make a pretty fabric purse, please join us for a fun day. Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Place: National COM Rally in Mineola, Texas. Supply Fee: $15.00 includes the pattern and all supplies needed for the finished purse. Things you need to bring to class: sewing machine (don't forget the cord and foot control), machine needle size 90/14, extra empty bobbins, seam ripper, straight pins, fabric scissors and a sack lunch so you won't have to leave to eat. Teacher: Pat Cude, 903-769-2607, ppcude@juno.com Contact Pat and let her know you want to be in the purse class so she can have enough supplies.

Workshops include:

Book-link Flinn Gregory

Church Safety www.copandcross.org

Sheet rock finishing Pat Carlisle

Smart Weigh RV safety program www.escapees.com/smartweigh

Tax Saving Barbara Rotunda

Women’s Safety www.copandcross.org

Wood Carving Wade Burleigh www.firstcenturyministries.org

Entertainment includes:

Tumbleweed Smith will be at the rally. He has performed all over the state at events like the Llama Kissing Contest in Fredericksburg, the Fire Ant Festival in Marshall, the Toad Holler Hoot in Desoto and the Rabbit Twister Pageant in Robert Lee.

First Century Ministries with Wade and Jennifer Burleigh Through live demonstrations and dramas (with authentic first century tools, costumes and displays), Wade and Jennifer use wood sculpting, black-smithing, pottery and more to teach the love and lessons of Jesus Christ.

New Life Ministries David Crain is a high-energy Christian musician and speaker who will in-spire and challenge you. He travels nationwide using music, humor and a very direct approach to reach people of all ages.

The 2013 National Campers on Mission Rally Registration form is attached on page 11. Please check Website www.comoftexas.com for our state schedule of projects and rallies.

2013 national rally

Ya’ll com

e!

8

GENERAL INFORMATION

2013 National COM Rally, Mineola, Texas

Best Western Inn - 100 Debby Ln Mineola, TX 75773 (903) 569-5331

Mineola Nature Preserve: The Mineola Nature Preserve on the Sabine River encompasses 2,911 acres lo-

cated in Wood County, and is home to East Texas species of critters that can fly, walk, crawl, and slither, and

home to more than 193 species of birds, numerous wildlife, buffalo, longhorn cattle, and a pristine wetlands

environment. More information is found at: (903)- 569-6983 or www.mineolanaturepreserve.com

Amtrak & Depot Railroad Museum: The station captures the look of the 1906 station that was remodeled

and replaced almost exactly 55 years earlier, on June 20, 1951. Mineola is a tourist town with many great res-

taurants and antique shops. Amtrak definitely made a wise decision to include Mineola in their list of destina-

tions and departures. 115 W Front St, Mineola,Tx (903) 758-0902 www.texaseagle.com

The Select Theatre: The Select Theatre is the oldest select theatre in Texas and has a single screen and is in

great shape due to preservation and a recent restoration. It rotates movies and live productions and has some

classic neon signage. It really lights up the street at night! 114 North Johnson Street, Mineola, Tx (903) 569-

2300, www.cinematreasures.org/theaters/7789

Mineola Historical Museum: 32 exhibits about the history of Mineola, Texas Admission is Free. (903)-569

-2631, www.mineolahistoricalmuseum.com

Tyler Municipal Rose Garden Center: The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is a 14-acre park, making it the

nation's largest rose garden. The garden is full of breath-taking beauty, especially in the spring and again in

mid-October when the Rose Garden is in full bloom. There are over 38,000 rose bushes of at least 500 differ-

ent varieties, from tall grafted rose trees to miniature roses no larger than a dime. Located about 26 miles from

the Civic Center. 420 Rose Park Drive Tyler, Texas 75702 (903) 531-1212 www.cityoftyler.org

East Texas Oil Museum: This fascinating museum houses the authentic re-creation of oil

discovery and production in the early 1930s from the largest oil field inside U.S, boundaries. Located about 49

miles from the Civic Center. Hwy. 259 at Ross St. Kilgore, Texas 75662 On the Kilgore College campus

(903) 983-8295 phone (903) 983-8600

www.info@easttexasoilmuseum.com

Golf: Mineola Country Club – 9 hole golf course - 975 West Loop 564, Mineola, Tx. 75773 (903) 569-2473

Lakes - Lake Fork (10 min.-Bass Fishing Capital of Texas) World Record fish caught March 3,2012 (903)-

878-2262

Lake Hawkins (20 min.) (903) 857-2311

Lake Quitman (15 min.) (903) 878-2238

Lake Holbrook (5 min.) (903) 569-6351

For more information contact: Jimmie Snelson, TXCOM Vice President

Call: 254-986-2553

Email: natlcomrally2013@hotmail.com

9

Texas COMers have adopted Baptist camps as our primary mission project. We work remodeling and con-

structing the camp facilities in the winter months while the youth are attending school. During this time the

camp use is mostly limited to the weekends. In the summer the camps need volunteers to help spread the good

news of Christ Jesus to youth attending camp.

You may want to volunteer at one of the camps listed below while on your trip to our state.

Camp Name Address Phone Website address

Alto Frio PO Box 468, Leakey TX 78873 830- 232-5271 www.altofrio.com

Aspendale PO Box 287, Cloudcroft NM 88317 575- 682-2605 www.aspendale.org

Big Country PO Box 248, Lueders TX 79533-0248 325 228-4542 www.bcbacamp.com

Buckner 3835 FM 2342, Burnet TX 78611 512- 756-7540 www.campbuckner.org

Camp Copass 8200 E McKinney, Denton TX 76208 940- 565-0050 www.campcopass.com

Chaparral 3784 Church Camp Rd, Iowa Park TX 76367 940- 855-4182 www.campchaparral.org

Circle Six Ranch PO Box 976, Stanton TX 79782 432- 458-3467 www.circle6ranch.org

East Texas 178 PR 7005, Newton TX 75966 409- 379-2737 www.etbe.org

Heart of Texas 8025 N. FM 2125, Brownwood TX 76801 325- 784-5821 www.heartoftexascamp.com

High Plains 18511 City Lake RD, Canyon TX 79015 806- 499-3429 www.hpretreatcenter.org

Highland Lakes 5902 N Pace Bend Rd, Spicewood TX 78669 888- 222-3482 www.highlandlakescamp.org

Lake Lavon 8050 CR 735, Princeton TX 75407-4624 972- 736-2273 www.lakelavoncamp.com

Lake Tomahawk 408 Lake Tomahawk RD, Livingston TX 77351 936- 563-4644 www.laketomahawk.org

Lakeview Box 0130, Lone Star TX 75668 903- 656-3871

Latham Springs 134 P.R. 223, Aquilla TX 76622 254- 694-3689 www.lathamsprings.com

Menard PO Box 1385, Menard TX 76859- 325- 234-7512

Mt. Lebanon 1701 Texas Plume RD, Cedar Hill TX 75104 972- 291-7156 www.mtlebanoncamp.com

Paisano PO Box 973, Alpine TX 79831 432- 837-3074 www.paisanoencampment.org

PanFork 4530 CR 210, Wellington TX 79095 806- 447-2627 www.panfork.org

Pineywoods PO Box 133, Woodlake TX 75865-0133 936- 642-1723 www.pineywoodscamp.com

Plains 3001 Love Rd, Floydada TX 79235 806- 983-3954 www.pbacamp.org

Riverbend Retreat 1232C CR 411B, Glen Rose TX 76043 254- 897-4011 www.riverbendretreat.org

Tejas 1038 PR 2191, Giddings TX 78942 979- 366-2422 www.camptejas.org

Texas Baptist. PO Box 1265, Palacios TX 77465 361- 972-2717 www.texasbaptistencampment.org

Timberline Camp 15363 FM 849, Lindale TX 75771 903- 882-3183 www.timberlinecamp.com

Trinity Pines 4341 FM356, Trinity TX 75862 936- 594-5011 www.trinitypines.org

Valley Baptist Retreat 1600 E Business 83, Mission TX 78572 956 -585-4393

Zephyr Baptist 151 FM 3162, Sandia TX 78383 361- 547-2448 www.campzephyr.org

Let’s all learn

from the Frog!!

Forever Rely On God

10

Let's get out the door and meet some people! As we prepare for the 2013 National

COM Rally I prayed about how to add a meaningful project for early arrivals that would

let people see who we are. Please share the attached document with all COM in your

state and provide input. -- Evonne Boggs _______________________________________________________________________________________

Campers On Mission has often been called the ‘best kept secret’ in Christian life. At the 2013 National rally

we have a vision to cover the host town of Mineola, TX with Blue COM shirts spreading goodwill, informa-

tion and our unique talent of helping where we are needed. ‘Sharing Christ As We Go’ is not only our mission

it should be a testimony to the one who sent us.

Many groups come through this Texas town because of its unique location which is accessible by interstates

and Amtrak. Campers on Mission have a wonderful opportunity to leave a lasting impression and demonstrate

our servant’s heart. Everyone who comes after us will know that the area has been made better because people

who serve the Lord took time out of their travels to serve this community.

Contact has been made with Mineola’s mayor about an opportunity to serve and his response was one

of such gratitude. He personally has been working on many of the project needs listed below, so we

wanted to ask for your participation in a very short pre-rally project.

Pre-Rally Project Tuesday June 18th, 2013 9 am-noon we will be having projects

all over town. We encourage everyone to wear their COM shirts and be ready to

share.

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who

asks

you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15

To be successful this project needs YOU. The Mayor of Mineola is excited about your help and will

provide as many projects as we have people to cover them. Please let us know how many in your state

plan to attend the Rally and would make themselves available for projects at this time. (We may also be

able to use folks during other times of the week) Some of the projects will include:

Pre-Rally Number of People __________Nature Preserve – filling post holes with concrete and set sign

posts - there are approximately 50 sign posts to set, and they will already be dug!

Pre-Rally Number of People _________Sign Painting - this is mostly touching up existing signs

Pre-Rally Number of People _________Cleaning – raking, tree trimming, picking up in parks, downtown

and around the town.

Pre-Rally Number of People _________Handing out water bottles with Campers On Mission information

Pre-Rally Number of People_________ Other specific skills

___________________________________________________________________________________

Please provide your numbers by March 1st so that we can plan projects. If you have any questions contact

Evonne Boggs, evonneboggs@yahoo.com, Cell phone: 770-826-5291

11