Gary and I have been the Group Leaders (GL) this month at our SOWER project (Community Baptist Church/Community Christian School).  Aside from being the ‘project facilitator’, there is also a bit of paperwork involved.  And in that paperwork is what we affectionately call the “GL Report” – where we try to summarize in 100 words what was accomplished during our three-week project.  Here is what I came up with –
There were three primary areas where work was accomplished. The men worked on refreshing the playground (repair, repaint, etc) and fixing any broken concrete in the walkway or playground. The ladies help with playground painting, but mostly concentrated backdrops/props for their summer VBS program (thanks to our SOWER artist Cathy Richmond). We thoroughly enjoyed working with SOA’s Marty & Bobbie Baldwin (3459), and Alumnus volunteer Norm Weener (1198). We shared many meals together and were very welcomed by the staff at the project. Everything we did was greatly appreciated! (Word count – 89!)
But I think some pictures will more accurately tell the story of what was done:
“Refreshing the playground”

Repairing,

painting,

and pressure washing –

Bobbie and I even helped out a bit with the playground painting –



So much tedious sanding and painting – but the kiddos were so pleased to have their ‘looks like new’ playground back!
While Jon was working on playground refresh (with some help from Marty), Gary (with some help from Marty) was tackling the concrete repairs.
He went from the jackhammer

to cleaning and building forms

to pouring and distributing

to smoothing and finishing.

Lots of small areas needed attention – and I think Gary hit them all!

Meanwhile –
The ladies help with playground painting, but mostly concentrated backdrops/props for their summer VBS program (thanks to our SOWER artist Cathy Richmond).
It was pretty amazing watching Cathy turn backdrops from last year’s castle theme and a Christmas starry night

into a jungle swamp theme, complete with alligators, hippos, and birds!


This is the center panel which is an “African Queen” type boat –

but without those old ladies in it!
Here is the small progression example of an addition sheet backdrop that was also transformed!
Bobbie started with the water –

I jumped in with some broad green strokes and stripes

(Sorry about the weird – ‘look at the camera and smile’ pose!)
and then Cathy worked her magic!


It was inspiring to watch her reuse and repurpose these VBS props. And Bobbie and I were honored to be her assistants!
On our last day, she allowed me to use a smaller brush and I helped with painting these birds –

but my real talent was painting the piece of cardboard in the back a nice solid black! Always know your strengths, I say!

So there you have it – the guys worked hard, the gals worked fun – and a great month was had by all! Thank you, Lord, for the work that was accomplished, the encouragement that was spread, and may many children’s lives be touched by your Gospel through the ministry here at Community Baptist Church and School!

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