We all want purpose in our life. Some of us find that in our jobs, raising our family, serving in our church or pursuing favorite hobbies. God made us with one plan and purpose in mind – to glorify Him and to become more like His Son! And we can carry that out in whatever environment we find ourselves. Many times around the buildings and grounds of Tejas we see people that look a lot like Jesus. They are volunteers.

“When we build a new facility or add a new face to an existing one, our vision is geared to creating respite from the day-to-day for our guests. Our volunteers seem to share and understand this vision,” explains Mike Newton, Facility Director at Tejas. “They are eager to take hold of it, too. Though often only here for a week or so, they know that what they do affects eternity. That is what keeps them coming…and going. The volunteer organizations that help this camp and others give their all to the Lord while they are here, and then they move on to another camp, retreat center, or church somewhere down the road – often quite a distance down the road. They travel the U.S., helping God’s people facilitate the spreading of the greatest and most important truth known to humanity – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They do it with a cheerful generosity that encourages and often educates us. Some are skilled and armed with tools for the task before them. Others are simply willing and enthusiastic, ready to help. They do whatever needs to be done with zeal, and we are thankful.”

Volunteers serving at Tejas come from several different organizations – all with the purpose of serving Christ faithfully and glorifying the Father. Eddie Sellers, who is part of Campers on Mission (COM), will be at Tejas through April 17 with her group. “We will be working on new projects at the camp as well as painting and repairing existing facilities. Being part of COM is a great way to use your God given abilities and enjoy Christian fellowship while doing His work. Feel free to come see what this group is all about,” she says enthusiastically.

Mike Newton often comments that there is not a building at Tejas that has not been touched by volunteers. We could not function as a premier guest retreat center without God sending these men and women our way. They make Tejas shine, both literally and in their spirit which reflects Jesus Christ.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

If you would like to learn more about joining one of the volunteer groups that serve the Lord across the country, visit these websites:

Campers on Mission – www.comoftexas.com
Mobile Missionary Assistance Program – www.mmap.org
Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service – www.rvics.com
Servants on Wheels Ever Ready – www.sowerministry.org
Texas Baptist Men – www.texasbaptistmen.org
Volunteer Christian Builders – www.vcbuilders.org