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“They’ve done it again!” exclaimed Yvonne Gordon, President of the Board of The Mary B. Mullen Bible Camp, Inc. in Lake Lure. The same 120 volunteer group who came to the camp last year returned again this summer, with an additional 25 or so members, during the week of June 20-23 and they worked very hard leaving the camp in pretty good shape.
They worked as the rain disturbed their schedule more than one—painting, repairing, installing lights, doors, windows. The camp organized a food committee which worked feverishly to prepare lunch for the group every day. The volunteers worked well; Dianne McCurry and her food committee fed them well.
The group leaders, Ben Vogler, Youth Director of The First Baptist Church of High Point, and Frank Smith, Youth Director of The First Baptist Church of Greenville, SC are to be commended for skillfully organizing such a large group. All tasks were attacked with precision and skill. They divided into groups and wasted no time getting on to the business at hand—even in inclement weather. Some reported to the 106 year old Chapel and immediately started repairing and painting the building both inside and out. It had been pressure washed at their request prior to their arrival by Dale Logan and Marvin Freeman. They actually managed to raise the building and replaced most of the 106 year old foundation rocks with block columns. Wayne Searcy of Lake Lure was hired to build a retaining wall while they worked but decided to donate his time rather than accept pay. His response was “they’re donating their time; why shouldn’t I?”
While the Chapel was receiving a cosmetic and structural lift, another group was actually building showers stalls on to the newly constructed bathroom. Young ladies were measuring, cutting and lifting as well as young men. They worked methodically and were inspiring to watch. While they were working on the shower, another group was repairing ceilings in the dormitory and painting. At the same time, another group was relocating the playground swing sets as a designated leader called out commands to about 10 volunteers working in unison to lift, walk and set down. The group later posed for a photo in front of the set as they yelled out “We Are Response-Able!” All the while, another smaller group was working with a donated trencher in preparation for installing electrical and water lines to the multi-purposed picnic pavilion. “The whole process was just awesome to watch,” insists Yvonne. “Not only did they assist us physically, they assisted us financially with various projects.”
Our mission here at the camp is to develop the entire property into a useful community setting which will serve all of Rutherford County by providing: A retreat and/or conference center; camp facilities (cabins, etc.) for scouts as well as other camping groups; walking/hiking/nature trails; picnic pavilions; and, a multi-purpose building for general public use where families can conduct family reunions and special community programs. Amenities such as fruit orchards, a community vegetable garden, a meditation garden, etc. are expected to be included in the design of the property.
“This wonderful group of volunteers have pushed us way ahead of schedule. Our next major project will be to construct a kitchen/cafeteria on the grounds. We hope to be fully active by the summer of 2013. In the meantime, folks are making good use of the facilities which have been completed.”
Article submitted by: Yvonne Gordon;
President of the Board of The Mary B. Mullen Bible Camp, Inc.
