The Son & The Sand
january 2006
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
If you look back to our January 2003 issue of “The Son and the Sand”
(http://www.barefootbelievers.com/BI_2003.htm) , you will find some
interesting ideas regarding snowbird ministry. In 2006, Gulf Area
Resort Ministries continues to take part in much of the same
ministries; however, we also feel a need to look to the future.
We look forward to another wonderful year of snowbird ministry. “Lad
Leader”, a missions magazine that tells the story of missionaries,
recently published an article about our Snowbird and Spring Break
ministries. The article was written to encourage children to think
about and pray for missionaries like us. We hope that you are
encouraged to pray for us as well.
Enjoy…
VAROOM!
The big RV’s motor revved up. The gray haired driver leans out his
window and waves. “Goodbye,” Jeff yells as the RV drives slowly out of
the campground. Jeff Ford is a resort minister in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
He came to the campground to say goodbye to the snowbirds.
Snowbirds are people who spend the winter in warm places like Gulf
Shores. They go back to their homes when the weather begins to warm up.
Jeff makes friends with the Snowbirds and tells them about Jesus.
Jeff turns to his wife, Thea. “Well, now it is time to get ready for
spring break.” Spring break is a time that college students and
families come to the beach when schools close for spring break. Jeff
wants to tell them about Jesus, too!
Thea nods her head. “Yes,” she agrees, “and we need to get ready for
the people who are coming to help.” Jeff teaches the helpers how to
make friends with the spring break visitors. “You have to be honest,”
he tells them. “Just explain what Jesus did for you. If they think you
are not telling the truth, they will not listen to you.”
The helpers give away cold water bottles and colorful throwing discs
with Bible messages written on them.
(http://www.slipdiscministries.com) They set up volleyball nets for fun
games. They play beachside Christian music on boom boxes.
Jeff and Thea jump as a loud BEEP sounds behind them. Another RV is
driving out of the campground. The driver rolls down his window.
“Goodbye,” he says. “Thanks for being such a good friend!” “See you
next winter,” Jeff says as he and Thea wave. “Be careful driving home.”
The RV drives out of sight. “Okay,” Jeff says. “It’s time to get ready
for spring break!”
To learn more about the North American Mission Board and “Lad Leader”
Magazine visit www.royalambassadors.org.
Praying for Missionaries
The “Lad Leader” magazine also offered some great ideas to children and
adults regarding praying for the 2006 snowbird and spring break
ministries on Alabama’s gulf coast.
Here they are…
> I can pray for more helpers to help them during spring break and
the summer months.
> I can pray they will have help from local hotels and condos for
rooms to house mission volunteers.
> I can pray for summer missions staff members who are devoted.
> I can pray for new friends for Jeff and Thea.
One Last Thing
Regarding faith and hope in Jesus…
Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and
glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:21
In Christ,
Jeff Ford
resort missionary
baldwin baptist association
