The Master’s Builders Work 200th Job

By NELDA MALONE
The Master's Builders Reporter

Job 200, Jacksonville College

​The Master’s Builders completed their latest project at Jacksonville College. This job marked an incredible milestone for the Master’s Builders: the 200th job for the ministry over its 35 years of faithful service to the Lord! This milestone caused a little more “excitement” on the job as they worked each day. Facilities Manager at the college, Nic Ray, provided a list of needed tasks across campus, keeping the Builders busy with renovations and repairs as well as some new construction in the golf training building. Long time friend and supporter to the Builders, George Baker, who also works in facilities at the college, worked side by side with the group each day. George worked tirelessly to ensure every material and logistics need was fully met. Jacksonville College President Dr. David Erickson and his son, Ezra, frequently joined in to work alongside the group. Dr. Erickson’s willingness to roll up his sleeves and work alongside the group showed a true spirit of service to the campus.
 
The first building that needed some help was the historic Newburn-Rawlinson House which was built in 1903. This historic home currently serves as the home of the Jacksonville College Library and the structure requires ongoing care and restoration. The Builders spent most of the first week replacing rotted ceiling boards above both the front porch and the second-floor porch. They also replaced necessary trim on the porches, cut new picket fence boards to replace all the fence pickets around the house, and repaired the AC unit fencing. Finally, they constructed new front entry steps and built a dedicated wheelchair ramp for library ADA access. The Master’s Builders had lots of help with this project which was much appreciated. The ministry has long been praying for a younger generation of workers to step up, and this trip brought a wonderful answer to this prayer. Nic Ray had his family on hand to help each day. Daughter Pelia, and sons Paxten, Porter and Phynlee were all on summer break and willing to work hard with the group. The family parked their RV by the worksite and pitched in daily with anything that needed to be done. Lots of wood needed to be removed and hauled into the dumpster as well as painting new pickets. This group was always ready and willing to do what was needed. They were also joined by a hard-working campus crew including TJ, Cody and Jay. The young helpers joined the The Master’s Builders every weekday morning for devotionals at 7:00 a.m., the “circle up” prayer, and a shared performance of the song “Family of God” before beginning work.
 
The builders also worked next door to renovate a campus dorm house. An enclosed carport being used as a dorm room received completely new exterior siding, a window replacement and new interior sheetrock. This was a much needed repair to this dorm and house. At the nearby Collins Dorm, they replaced the stair railings and reinforced the structural posts leading down to the street providing a safe transition down the stairs to the crosswalk at the street. General wood repairs were also completed on the exterior AC closet at the security building on campus. Then, to wrap up their structural tasks, the builders constructed two custom enclosures for the campus’s Virtual Golf Simulator training area. Head Golf Coach Danny Leatherman expressed immense excitement for the addition, noting it will be a fantastic tool to get more students involved in the sport. The Master’s Builders were so happy to be a part of this exciting new chapter for the school.
 
This trip marked the ninth time The Master’s Builders have returned to serve Jacksonville College and look forward to continue serving the campus as needed in the years to come. While on campus, those traveling by RV set up camp next to Collins Dorm while the rest of the crew stayed in Anderson Dorm, a building the Master’s Builders helped build back in June 2014. The two weeks of hard work were balanced by beautiful moments of community, worship and hospitality. Dr. Philip Attebery and Dr. David Hellwig of the BMA Seminary graciously hosted the group for an evening of delicious food and connection. Melina and Antony Baker prepared an incredible potato, salad and dessert bar, after which Melina led everyone with some fun group games. The campus cafeteria staff kept the workers fueled by providing lunch and supper to the group. Additionally, the group accepted an invitation from Round Prairie Baptist Church in Fairfield to attend the dedication of their brand-new sanctuary. The Master’s Builders originally framed that very sanctuary back in June 2025 (Job #195), making it a profound joy to see the building completed and filled with worshippers.
 
This job required leaders to step up under some unexpected challenging circumstances. Because Field Coordinator Mike Green was unexpectedly hospitalized, David Axe stepped in to lead the men on-site, doing a phenomenal job. The ministry asks for continued prayers for Mike’s swift healing, as he deeply wished to be there with the group. Please pray for the group as they look forward to serving again in the fall.
 
Want to see more photos and updates? Be sure to “Follow” The Master’s Builders page on Facebook (Arbor Logo). The Master’s Builders continue to pray that the Lord will call more workers to this vital ministry. If you feel compelled to join, visit a job site, or if your church has building needs, please reach out to the ministry coordinators: Mike Green: (972) 935-3877, David Axe: (903) 918-0702 or Eddie Sikes: (479) 462-1675

(Back row) Richard Bittner, John Bateman, David Axe, Mark Bateman, Wyane Wimberly, George Baker, Paxton Ray, Evan , Phynlee Ray, Bobby Samuels, Eddie Sikes, Leon Murphree, Leo Sketo, Billy Keys, Pelia Ray, Danny Malone, Nic Ray, Jordan Taylor (JT)

Dr. David Erickson (with nail gun), Leo Sketo, Donnie Cockerell, George Baker, & Nic Ray

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