By Nelda Malone, Reporter
On Sept. 8, the Master’s Builders began work at Daniel Springs Camp in Gary, Texas. Camp Director Jason Prewitt asked the Builders to come and do modifications on 200 bunk beds in one of the camp’s largest cabins. They needed to change each bunk bed from 28” bunks to a more standard 36” bunk. All the bunk beds had to be disassembled, widened, and then reassembled. The men accomplished all this in eight working days! They also repurposed a lot of the removed wood to add storage areas between the bunks, allowing each bunk to access them.
Additionally, the Builders added a general storage area at the end of the cabin, along the back wall. Thank you, Lord, for strengthening these men to be able to do all the cutting, lifting, bending and squatting involved in this project. There were 12 men who worked on these bunk beds during the 8 days they were there.
Most of the group stayed in the Daniel Dorm while they worked, with one couple staying in their camper outside the dorm. The Master’s Builders had previously installed several RV hook-ups around the dorm to be used as needed. The group was delighted to have Ed Shelby from Canton, Texas, come and assist with this job, as he had been unable to work in a while. Also, builder Bobby Samuels from Hope was able to come to help after having health problems and surgery this past year. The Builders always enjoy having Tex and Donnette Parks from Clayton, Texas, join in. They are members of The Master’s Builders and live “just up the road” from the camp! Charles Bobo and his wife, Linda, of Ethel, La., were part of the group for a few days but had to leave the job early due to illness. Each of the Master’s Builders who could not attend this job was dearly missed by all.
The ladies did most of the cooking on this job, and the men enjoyed many delicious meals. There was a “potluck” each evening, with many ladies trying out new recipes while also serving their tried-and-true favorites. As always, the Builders enjoyed great fellowship together each day, playing dominoes and building puzzles in the evenings. It is always like a family reunion each time they come together to work for the Lord. Jason and Jessica Prewitt also fixed the group a wonderful BBQ supper one evening, and the Builders were able to visit with them and two of their three sons while they ate.
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. Such a great time of fellowship and group discussion while studying a portion of the Word! The Master’s Builders all enjoyed a good old-fashioned “singing” on Wednesday night, led by Builder Wayne Wimberly, from Joaquin, Texas. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a great devotion from Builder Leo Sketo of Leakesville, Miss. What a blessing for all!
While at this job in East Texas, The Master’s Builders were all able to return to Go Forth Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas, and attend a benefit BBQ meal for Brendon and Devine Sunday and their two boys. Brendon is currently undergoing medical treatment and has not been able to work as much as he would like. The Builders had a good old “Family Reunion” with this church, as it was one of the jobs they worked on 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.
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 #196, and if the Lord allows, they should reach job #200 by 2026. Praise God! Please pray for additional workers to join us in serving in this ministry. The number of workers who can come to work decreases each year as the average age of the men increases. 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 navigate and adhere to the regulations and changes that must be implemented for the 2026 camping season.
Please “Follow” and “Like” The Master’s Builders on Facebook (arbor logo). You will be able to follow the work on each job, and you’ll also enjoy all their antics!
If you have questions or if your church has building needs, please contact Mike Green at (972) 935-3877, David Axe at (903) 918-0729 or Eddie Sikes at (479) 462-1675.
