By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
ZWOLLE, La. (LBM) – Staff and supporters of Toledo Bend Resort Ministry recently celebrated the dedication and grand opening of a new 4,000-sq.-ft. meeting facility that will allow others not only to grow in their relationship with Christ, but become better equipped to share the Gospel in the area and beyond.
Toledo Bend Resort Ministry Director Mary Gore said the new building replaced a meeting facility used since it was built in the early 1970’s.
“Just as many of us have dedicated our lives to making Christ known to others, now others can also have that personal relationship with Jesus that you and I enjoy,” Gore told the crowd during the April 28 celebration. “It is for this reason this building was built and is now being dedicated to God and for His service. My prayer is that many will be trained and sent out from this place to share the love of Jesus with individuals and families.”
Jerry Crooks, who previously served on the board for 18 years, shared that the resort has been reaching others with the Gospel since its establishment in 1971 on the east side of Toledo Bend Lake in Sabine Parish.
The ministry center has seen many souls added to the Kingdom through the work of mission teams from across the U.S. who have shared Jesus with others in the area. Volunteers have ministered to more than 30 parks, marinas and low-income housing projects through worship services, block parties, fishing tournaments and area fairs.
“From the beginning in 1971 through today, and until Christ returns, we will continue to reach out not only in and around Toledo Bend and the surrounding area, but we will also support and assist our area local churches in whatever manner possible,” he said.
Virginia Burkett, current board member, noted that God has guided the ministry through the construction of the building, which was a dream in 2019. Despite challenges that included COVID and raising the necessary funds without a formal campaign, God brought the project to fruition.
“Yet the greatest way that He revealed His plan being followed has been now with the culmination of this opening of this building,” she said. “He has continued to bless and use Toledo Bend Ministry all this time.”
Burkett said Gore and ministry volunteers are anticipating a busy 2024 that has already resulted in 11 salvations and another 11 re-dedications in evangelistic events related to two professional fishing tournaments. Additionally, volunteers shared the Gospel with 170 people across seven different venues during Easter Sunday services.
“Please keep praying because God has much more He desires to do in and through Toledo Bend Baptist Resort Ministry and He will use us all collectively,” she said.
Looking to the future, Gore said she hopes to one day update the current bunkhouse from the 1970’s style to a more modern feel; install new basketball courts, an additional storage unit, and a new three-to-four-unit lodge and office; and install Recreational Vehicle spaces, complete with water, sewer and amp breakers.
“All of these plans are dependent upon God providing resources both financial, material and physical bodies,” she said. “We do not desire to do these things just to have something new and improved, but so that the ministry can be more efficient and effective.
“As has been said, God is not done with Toledo Bend Baptist Resort Ministry,” she continued. “I have no idea what the ministry will look like in the future but what I do know is God has a plan and it is a good plan. And I intend to hang on for the ride because I know it will be amazing. I am excited to see what God does, how He chooses to do it and who He involves in helping to change this part of His world.”
