September 15, 2002
JAMESPORT—God can be glorified even at a horseback campground.
After a campground for horseback riders opened next to the Poosey Conservation area near here, members of Shelburne Baptist Church felt led to minister to those using the facility, a ministry encouraged and supported by the owner, Myrle Swank.
Shelburne outreach committee members met with David Church, missions mobilization consultant for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) for ideas on how best to reach those at the campground. Church helped the outreach committee secure tracts, speakers and musicians.
Soon thereafter Shelburne launched its outreach project and in the first year the ministry included three events.
The first, a "Chuckwagon Meal and Music Event," was held May 25 at the M/C Equine Campground. Hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips, cookies, and drinks were served to approximately 60 people. The Cabin Hill Singers from First Baptist Church, Laredo, and Galt Baptist Church, provided music. James Forbis also sang and played his guitar prior to the message delivered by Kevin Collins, leadership consultant for the northeast region of the MBC. Following the message, the Cabin Hill Singers sang cowboy songs from the past. Cowboy Bibles and gospel tracts entitled "Standing Tall" were given away.
The highlight of the evening service was a baptismal service. Michael DeLaney, brother of one of Shelburne's members was baptized at nearby Pike's Lake. DeLaney is a truck driver and had recently received Christ and desired baptism.
The second event was a watermelon feed on July 6, with Ron Ratliff, pastor from First Baptist Church, Pattonsburg, leading the service. He recited cowboy poetry, including some that he had written. Pastor and Mrs. Pat Gorsett from Carrollton sang and played several stringed instruments. Cowboy Bibles and "Standing Tall" tracts were again given away.
The third event was held Aug. 31, featuring the Cabin Hill Singers and a message by Collins. Danny Decker, director of missions for North Grand River Baptist Association, brought his horse and joined the trail riders.
"Shelburne Baptist Church served everyone homemade ice cream and we were able to offer another witness for our Lord Jesus Christ," said Beverly Martin, Shelburne outreach committee member. "Yes, God can be lifted up at a trail ride campground."
