July 17, 2002

More than 30 volunteers from Simpson Baptist Association in Mississippi began renovations on the Midwestern Seminary campus June 22-28. The team was one of the first ones to do volunteer work on campus this summer as part of a partnership between the seminary and the Mississippi Baptist Convention. A team from Lawrence Baptist Association worked on campus in May.

Perry Seal of First Baptist Church, Picayune, Miss., is the partnership coordinator. ‘We’ve got volunteers doing building maintenance; we have plumbers, cement workers and painters," he said. "Our main project this week is to replace decks on campus apartments."

Midwestern Seminary president Phil Roberts greeted the team during a barbecue mid-week and gave each volunteer a signed copy of his book, "Mormonism Unmasked." He said, "We appreciate the huge strategic impact you’re making here at Midwestern."

Following the barbecue, the president joined the team for the installation of the new seminary road sign at the entrance of the recently purchased property adjacent to campus.

For many team members, their week spent working in the hot sun in Kansas City was their vacation. For others, mission work is the focus of their retirement. "I always wanted to be in missions since I was a little girl, and now that my daughters are grown and I am retired, I’m doing what the Lord wants and going where He wants me to go," said Sara Bankston, who with her husband, James, traveled to Kansas City.

The goal of the partnership between Mississippi Baptists and Midwestern Seminary is to provide volunteer labor for renovations to the seminary’s aging buildings.

A team of volunteers from Indiana Campers on Mission also worked on campus July 1-5.