Posted: 7/09/04
Texas Baptist Men build worship
center for African Texas church
By Mary Crouch
BGCT Summer Intern
GRAND PRAIRIE–Texas Baptist Men formed a new bond this spring with African Evangelical Baptist Church of Grand Prairie as volunteers built a sanctuary for the congregation.
About 20 TBM Retiree Church Builders and their spouses started work on the 3,000-square-foot building in April.
Texas Baptist Men bonded with church members after working and having an African food picnic together, learning about their different cultures, said team leader Wayne Simpkins of Bryan.
Pastor Johnson Omoni, who has worked closely with both the African American ministries and the intercultural initiatives offices of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, said the connections made through TBM have enriched the church's ties to the volunteer group.
“We feel blessed by their ministry,” Omoni said, noting TBM's spirit and willingness to help further African Evangelical Church's growing ministry.
The Retiree Builders' work with the church is part of a plan to provide more ministry to non-Anglo cultures.
TBM Executive Director Leo Smith noted his group already has connections with Habitat for Humanity, Hispanic ministries, African American ministries and Korean churches, but the group is continuing to expand its ministry through connections with African Evangelical Church.
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