Builders Building Bunks

By NELDA MALONE
Master’s Builders Reporter

In September, Master’s Builders began work at Daniel Springs Camp in Gary. Jason Prewitt, camp director, asked the Builders to come and do modifications on 200 bunk beds in one of the camps largest cabins. They needed to change each bunk bed from 28 inch bunks to a more standard 36 inch bunk. All the bunkbeds had to be disassembled, widened, and then reassembled. The men did all this in eight workdays. They also repurposed a lot of the removed wood to add storage areas between the bunks for each bunk to access. In addition, the Builders added a general storage area at the end of the cabin along the back wall.

​The group was so glad to have Ed Shelby, from Canton, come and help on this job as he has not been able to work in a while. Also, builder Bobby Samuels from Hope, Arkansas, was able to come to help after having health problems and surgery this past year. The Builders always enjoy having Tex and Donnette Parks, of Clayton, join in. They are members of The Master’s Builders and live “just up the road” from the camp. Charles Bobo and wife Linda, of Ethel, Louisiana, were with the group for a few days, but had to leave the job early because of sickness.

Lady Builders proudly display shoeboxes

Builders sawing and organizing lumber

The Master’s Builders ladies packed 50 Everlasting Smiles Christmas shoeboxes on this job. This year, these boxes will be going to El Salvador. Each box was prayerfully packed and sent on its way. The ladies also enjoyed a wonderful Bible study series on the names of Jehovah each morning. The Master’s Builders all enjoyed a good old-fashioned “singing” on Wednesday night led by Builder Wayne Wimberly, from Joaquin. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a great devotion from Builder, Leo Sketo, of Leakesville, Mississippi.
 
While at this job in east Texas, The Master’s Builders were all able to return to Go Forth, Kilgore and attend a benefit barbecue meal for Brendon & Devine Sunday and their two boys. Brendon is currently undergoing medical treatments and has not been able to work as much as he would like to. The Builders had a good ole “Family Reunion” with this church as it was one of the jobs they worked back in the spring. This is one of the many blessings the Master’s Builders enjoy as a group, going back to visit with folks from churches they have helped in the past. The Master’s Builders family just continues to grow and grow! The newest Master’s Builders, John and Kelsey Gradberg, are also members of Go Forth Baptist and what a blessing it was to visit with them and pray over Kelsey who was scheduled for surgery later in the month.

Building bunks piece by piece

A completed dorm hall with new bunks

The Master’s Builders have completed all the scheduled jobs for 2025 and are looking forward to what work the Lord has for them in 2026. This was job number 196 and if the Lord allows, they should reach job number 200 in 2026. Praise God!

Please pray for additional workers to come along side to serve in this ministry. The number of workers that can come to work goes down each year as the average age of the men goes up. The Builders still plan to continue this work as the Lord provides for their needs. Please also pray for Jason and all the other camp directors in Texas, as they try to navigate and adhere to all the regulations and changes that must be implemented for the 2026 camping season. 
 
If you have questions or if your church has building needs, please contact: Mike Green 972-935-3877; David Axe 903-918-0729; Eddie Sikes 479-462-1675.  “Follow” and “Like” The Master’s Builders on Facebook.

Master Builders test their work with a smile

back to issue