The Alabama Baptist Online

Volunteers minister to children at Sunshine Farmcomment (0)

July 26, 2012

By Brittney Knox and Maggie Walsh

Children in bathing suits laughed and smiled as they enjoyed the inflated dolphin waterslides, jumped on a moon bounce and played kickball with other children at the Sunshine Farm Day Camp in Sterrett during the Families on Mission event. 

From July 9 to 11, members of First Baptist Church, Vincent, and volunteers engaged 130 children in devotional games, recreation activities and crafts. 

“The children have participated in devotion activities over the past three days and recreational fun and games,” said Darryl Wood, pastor of First Baptist, Vincent. “We had a wonderful time.” 

The event was held at Sunshine Farm, a sprawling camp replete with a bunkhouse, horse stable, archery range and open fields surrounding a large pond where children can fish and paddle boat. Two members of First, Vincent, own the farm, which has hosted the event for the past four years. 

Approximately 40 families from Shelby Baptist Association assisted First, Vincent, by leading the small devotion groups.

Tim Taylor brought his family to the event, and they helped in different capacities. 

“I enjoyed being a group leader for a group of sixth-grade boys from all different backgrounds,” Taylor said. “I had a great time getting to know them.” 

Taylor said this event is a great outreach to neighborhoods in the area to teach children about Christ. 

“These children need exactly what we need — a strong relationship with Christ,” he said.  

Farm employees also received a blessing from the outreach ministry. Casey Greene worked in the stables where kids were able to pet and interact with the horses. They also had the opportunity to ride as the stable workers led the horses around. 

Greene has family members who attend First, Vincent, and has been working at the stables four years. 

“I love to see the kids out here,” she said. “They really seem to enjoy it.”

(TAB)