By Philip Timothy, Staff Writer
RAYNE – From all over the country they came for the annual Campers on Mission National Rally.
RVs, motorcoaches, and campers sporting license plates from North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama and Florida – 18 states in all – filled Gossen Memorial Park where the city of Rayne annually holds its Frog Festival.
There was the usual national business matters that had to be handled, but there was also a time for fellowship, Bible study, worship, the exchange of ideas, and, of course, good food.
“Certainly we come together to do national business,” said Mona Brockman of Prairieville, La., and event coordinator. “But we’ve also put together an awesome program with plenty of fun things to do, as well as instruction on some of the things we do best in this state.”
Bill Austin, president of Louisiana’s COM, said, “This year is a little bit different than in the past because of what is going on with NAMB.
“To be honest we have pretty much gone our separate ways,” said Austin. “We as a national organization have dealt with it and we are going on without them. It really hasn’t phased us, because financially we didn’t get any money from them to operate.”
NAMB, though, used to assist the different states with putting on the COM’s National Rally. Not anymore.
“This is the first time in a long time we didn’t get any money to help with the Rally,” Brockham said. “However, the Louisiana Baptist Convention has not only given us money toward the Rally but they are helping out individually.
“Without their help we would be in trouble,” the event coordinator added. “We couldn’t afford a number of things they have provided. They are to be commended for stepping up. They have helped to make this Rally a big success.”
“We thought it was important enough to support the Rally that a number of folks, including myself, have marked a whole week off on our calendars,” said Wayne Shepperd, the LBC’s Associate Executive Director, and the event’s mast or ceremonies. “Dr. [David] Hankins [LBC’s Executive Director] is speaking tonight and John Hebert [the LBC’s Director of the Missions and Ministries Team. Danny Nation brought the equipment and handled all of their sound
“I am glad we were a part of the planning for the event, and have been able to assist with putting it on,” Shepperd said. “This is my first COM Rally, and I am very impressed. These are a great group of people who play such a vital role, not only here in this state, but throughout the country.
“I want to see what the LBC can do to help get them even more exposure,” Shepperd continued. “They are a tremendous asset to us all and they needs to be utilized to the fullest.”
Jeff Woodrich, the LBC’s Campers on Mission and Mission Builders strategist, siad he is very familiar with the group’s abilities and importance. “In this terrible economy they have literally kept our camps running,” said Woodrich. “Without them doing much needed maintenance, many of these places could not continue to operate.
“They have literally saved us over $1 million in maintenance and construction costs,” he added. “Two years ago, they started going to the Children’s Home in Monroe. Ask Perry Hancock how important they have been to the Home.
“I work closely with our state group, but the national COM is just as critical because they fill needs all over the country. We had a number of campers from different states assist in the building of Victory Baptist Church in Walker,” Woodrich said. “The combination of campers and volunteers allowed us to save $250,000. That’s a huge savings.”
Woodrich said the importance of the National Rally is to allow campers to gather and renew relationships and to forge new relationships.
Because the average age of many of the campers is now 69 to 78 years of age, Woodrich would also like to see members share their expertise and knowledge with others.
“There are not a lot of younger ones coming into the group,” Woodrich said. “Therefore, they need to share their wisdom and expertise wth those who are younger, sort of like discipling. Perhaps those they disciple would consider joining and volunteering.”
Brockman agrees. “We would like to let people in on a secret. You don’t have to have a camper to belong to Campers On Mission. We are always looking for members – singles or couples. And one doesn’t really have to have a particular skill set because we will train them. They just need to come as they are.”