Turning Retirement Into a Mission

By MORGAN STANDIFER
Baptist Progress Team Lead

The Master’s Builders of the past

The Master’s Builders of today

When you think of retirement, what do you think of? For some it is a time to slow down and relax. While for others it is a time of adventure. Retirement is seen as a reward for all the hard years of work that individuals will do through most of their adult life. What if retirement also doubled as a chance to do mission work? That is exactly what retirement looks like for The Master’s Builders.
 
In 1991 two men, John Mangum and Bob Massengill, saw an opportunity to serve BMA churches and missions through the gifts and talents of construction. It was their heart “to honor the Master [Jesus Christ] by assisting missions and new churches in building construction programs.” Their priority; to serve the churches and all states missions building projects.
 
Established in April of 1991 at the BMA of America meeting in Port Arthur, Mangum and Massengill began recruiting men who were skilled in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and more.
 
By June of 1991, The Master’s Builders had their first job. Five couples (Bob and Lena Massengill, Hope, Arkansas; Roy and Audrey Tilley, Hot Springs Arkansas; A.E. and Leona Looney, Oakhurst; Drew and Ann Hughey, Blytheville, Arkansas; and Joe and Virginia Henry, Ft. Worth) outfitted with their RVs, the group set out to Mountain View Baptist Church in Dolores, Colorado.

Flash forward 35 years to this past June, The Master’s Builders completed their 200th job at Jacksonville College. During that time this group has traveled all over the country for the sole purpose of helping build or remodel churches and ministry spaces. They have impacted many ministries through their diligent work and commitment to their motto “raising roofs for Christ.” Their impact is more than just the structures they build but the legacy they leave behind.
 
When asked about their impact, Brother Jerry Gilbert pastor of Brookeland Missionary Baptist Church raved about how it was a blessing to gain a physical building but more than that it was a spiritual impact. Gilbert stated that The Master’s Builders, “lifted our spirits as a church and my spirits as a pastor.” Whether it was the morning devotionals and work with the men or Bible study and fellowship with ladies, He stated that “everyone had their part”.
 
The Master’s Builders impact more than the churches and ministries they touch. This ministry impacts the builders as well. When asked about their experience, each couple had a uniquely different answer. Even the favorite jobs of individual couples differed. Nelda and Danny Malone shared that he enjoys working on and with the churches. He loves “seeing the vision come to life.” While she loves working at the camps because it takes her back to the day she was saved.
 
Donnie Cockerell agrees with Mrs. Malone who stated that “camp jobs (Daniel Springs, Gary; Stone Ridge, Smithville, Arkansas; or Garwood, Van Buren, Missouri) are the best. Knowing how many kids this touches is a great feeling.”
 
However, Rose Bittner said it best, “The blessing of meeting new brothers and sisters in Christ and knowing that we are providing a service to them. They always say what a blessing the builders are, but they have no idea how much they bless us on these building trips!”

As believers we all desire to hear our Savior say, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23). Through their mission of building churches and having fellowship, they are doing just that. As Gilbert reminisced of his time with The Master’s Builders, he stated that “these men are finishing and are finishing well”.
 
The truth about retirement is that many began to slow down, but not the Builders. Time and time again they are working till they must slow down or until they are called home. This reality has left the group recently in dire need for more Builders. They are prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom during this time.
 
Even then they are still serving churches and ministries. They are currently prepping for their next job in October. The Master’s Builders will be back at Daniel Springs Camp to help Jason Prewitt and his staff as they prepare for the 2027 camp season.
 
If you or someone you know would like to join The Master’s Builders, they would love to have you join them on a job site. All you have to have is a willing heart. They will teach you anything and everything required for the job. RVs are a plus to have, however they are not a requirement. A few jobs like Jacksonville College, camps and some churches have offered housing for the couples. Some of the Builders have also been known to camp out on site when the weather is nice.
 
They also have an annual retreat at Daniel Springs Camp. This is a time for great food, laughter, 42 tournaments and more. Or if your church or ministry needs help with new construction or repairs, The Master’s Builders will gladly help you. You will get more than just a blessing of a building but the blessing of these wonderful men and women. For more information about projects and how to get connected, you can contact the ministry coordinators: Mike Green: (972) 935-3877, David Axe: (903) 918-0702 or Eddie Sikes: (479) 462-1675.

back to issue