Job #197, The Master’s Builders at Daniel Springs Camp

By NELDA MALONE
The Master's Builders Reporter

On Mar. 2, The Master’s Builders were finally able to come together again to begin work for the 2026 season. Because of the January ice storm, they were unable to come together for their Annual Retreat, usually scheduled for the last week of January. Heavy ice accumulation on trees and electric lines caused loss of electricity for more than a week to Daniel Springs Camp, and most of the area south and east of Carthage. The Builders usually enjoy a few days of fun and relaxation before jumping headlong into the building season, but this year they had to jump right in. It was so good to finally be together and catch up with dear friends in The Master’s Builders “family.”
 
There were many work projects needed at Daniel Springs Camp, not only because of the storm damage but also because of new state regulations that each camp must have in place before the 2026 camp season starts. The Master's Builders continue to praise God for the blessed ability to unite and serve in this ministry. This camp typically serves over 1,850 kids, students and adults during the summer camp season and The Master’s Builders consider it a privilege to work at the camp each year in preparation for the busy camp season.
 
The first day or two of work involved demolition in one of the small cabins that has not been used in many years. The Builders tore out all the sheetrock, shower stalls, commodes and old wiring in the cabin. Then they began framing the walls and put in new wiring so the power could be restored. Insulation will have to be installed before work can continue in the cabin, but the Builders got it as far as they could for this visit. Doors for stalls were also made and will be installed later. The men then separated into three crews, some continuing to work on several buildings that lost electrical wiring during the storm, some began cutting 2 inch by 6 inch board extensions for approximately 300 bunk beds across the camp. These bunks must be raised 3.5 inches to 5.5 inches to meet the new state requirements that will enable storage under the bunks instead of next to the bunks or in the isles. Walkways must remain clear in the cabins. While one crew cut the boards, another crew attached the leg extensions to each bed. There are still several cabins that need these improvements that we'll implement later this year.
 
There are also still lots of limbs and trees down across the camp that will need to be moved and cleaned up before the camp season starts. Camp Director Jason Prewitt surely could use some help from church groups, youth groups and anyone who has a workday to spare. If your church or youth group needs a project, or if the Lord leads you to volunteer to help in this way, please contact Jason Prewitt at the camp.
 
The Master’s Builders had 13 builders helping with this job. These included the group’s newest and youngest members, John and Kelsey Gradberg, of Kilgore. This young couple took a week of vacation from their jobs to join on this work. The Master’s Builders love and appreciate this young couple who love the Lord and love serving Him in this ministry. Kelsey is a strong “retired” Marine (because we understand once a Marine always a Marine) and John is tall! The men call John “519” (because he is 6 feet, 7 inches) or “ladder” because he doesn’t need one. What a great help they are to the group and a huge blessing to all they meet. They bring fun and fellowship and certainly liven up the group of mostly “old folks.” Thank you, Lord, for sending them to the Master’s Builders.
 
The Builders would like to thank the churches that supplied three of the evening meals during the two-week stay. Bethel Baptist Church in Clayton, Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha and Old Center Baptist in Tenaha. The food was delicious, and the fellowship was sweet. Thank you!
 
The Master’s Builders’ currently scheduled upcoming jobs for 2026 are as follows:

• April 7-21, Stoneridge Baptist Camp, Smithville, AR
  
• May 4-15, Camp Garwood, Van Buren, MO
  
• June 1-12, Jacksonville College, Jacksonville, TX (This will be job #200, if the Lord tarries, and they are planning to celebrate. More to come on that)
  
• Sept 14-25, Daniel Springs Camp, Gary, TX

October is still open and can be switched with the next visit to Daniel Springs Camp if another need arises.
 
If you are near any of these jobs or live close, come by and visit or even work with this group for the day. You will enjoy it! Information and pictures are on Facebook during each of the jobs, so be sure to follow The Master’s Builders and like them on Facebook. That way, you can pray for the group and keep up with the day-to-day antics.
 
If you have questions about The Master’s Builders ministry, or if your church has building needs, contact Mike Green at 972-935-3877, David Axe at 903-918-0702 or Eddie Sikes at 479-462-1675.

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The Master’s Builders (Back Row L-R) Billy Keys, Leon Murphree, Bobby Samuels, Leo Sketo, Kelsey Gradberg, John Gradberg, Wayne Wimberly, Dick Bittner (Front Row L-R) Donnie Cockerell, Danny Malone, Eddie Sikes, Mike Green, David Axe

Demolition inside a cabin that has not been in use for many years. Preparing for all new interior