Milestone job in Jacksonville for The Master’s Builders​

Milestone job in Jacksonville for The Master’s Builders

7/11/2026

By NELDA MALONE
The Master's Builders Reporter

The Master’s Builders Celebrated 200 Jobs and 35 Years of serving at Jacksonville College in Jacksonville. Talk about an incredible milestone! On June 9, The Master’s Builders gathered at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jacksonville to celebrate their 200th completed job since the ministry began in 1991. The fellowship space was packed, and everyone loved watching the slideshow of pictures highlighting decades of projects over the past 35 years. Each table was decorated with a centerpiece designed and hand made by some of the Master’s Builders ladies. Special celebration placemats and miniature tool giveaways decorated each table. A large table was set up with many photo albums and memory books of many of the 200 jobs over the years.

It’s been an amazing journey of faith in God’s provision since this ministry first started back in June of 1991—spanning 35 years and 200 jobs. The very first project in June 1991 started when five couples loaded trucks with supplies, pulled their recreational vehicles and headed to Dolores, Colo., to help Interstate Missionary Ray White and Mountain View Mission with work on the sanctuary and the building of a fellowship hall. The 200th job brought things full circle working at Jacksonville College for the 9th time since the ministry began. The Master’s Builders have done a lot of work in Texas, Arkansas and Missouri, but have worked as far away as Idaho, Florida, Illinois and Colorado.

Even when things didn’t go exactly as planned for the evening, the group didn’t skip a beat. Their main leader and field coordinator, Mike Green, was supposed to be the Master of Ceremonies but unfortunately ended up in the hospital. Rose Bittner stepped right in to take over as Master of Ceremonies and did a great job keeping the evening moving. Bro. Eric Johnson, the Pastor at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, started things off with the opening prayer.

Bettye White Wilson shared a neat look back at the ministry’s history and gave a sweet tribute to Audrey Tilley, the oldest living Master’s Builder at 99 years old! Audrey is the wife of Roy Tilley and one of the original five couples who started the ministry in 1991. She’s the oldest living member of The Master’s Builders and is turning 100 this October. She was so excited to come to share her memories and testimony with the group but unfortunately had a bad fall the Sunday before the event and had to have surgery. Even though she was in her hospital bed, technology saved the day—the group video-called her during the program, and a lot of people got to visit and encourage her. What a blessing it was for all!

“Honorary Hammers” inscribed with “The Master’s Builders-Raising Roofs for Christ” were handed out to celebrate the folks who have been volunteering with the group for approximately 20 years. Those honored included: John and Bettye Wilson, Eddie and Carol Sikes, Leroy and Norma Rankin, David and Dusty Axe, and James Chamness (wife Joyce went home to be with the Lord in 2023). There was also a touching moment when Carol and Eddie Sikes read off the names of all the beloved Master’s Builders who have gone home to be with the Lord over the last 35 years. More than 60 names were read, and their contributions to the group were honored.

Master’s Builder Leo Sketo gave a short devotion called “If You Died Today, Where Would You Be Tomorrow?” Leo told an awesome story about how that simple question, printed on tiny slips of paper in Australia, helped guide thousands of people to the Lord. It was a good time for reflection for all. Afterward, Dr. David Erickson, the president of Jacksonville College, blessed the food. Dinner was a huge hit—catered by a local favorite, Legends Burger Restaurant (owned by George Beckham). Everyone loaded up on big burgers with all the fixings, Legends famous beans, potato salad, and wrapped things up with a 200th celebration cake and Legends famous chocolate sheet cake for dessert. Everyone enjoyed the food and especially the fellowship!

The room was filled with special guests, including BMA missionary Buddy Johnson, Dr. David Hellwig (vice president and dean at the BMA Seminary), and Carol and Gary Murph, who generously teamed up with First Baptist Church, Jacksonville to donate Bibles to the Gideons in honor of the milestone. There were also several couples who had served with the Master’s Builders over the years there to help celebrate the milestone. Everyone there was incredibly grateful for the love and fellowship this ministry shares with each other and all the “family” they have gained over the years. After 35 years and 200 jobs, The Master’s Builders thank God for the continuing provision, strength, and protection He has provided over the years. Each member is looking forward to seeing how God will continue to use this ministry going forward. The theme verse for the celebration and the core foundation of all the work The Master’s Builders do is, I Corinthians 3:10-11: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Many Builders are already looking forward to celebrating the next milestone God has for them!

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.