By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
METAIRIE, La. (LBM) – An Alabama church teamed up with Vintage Church in Metairie, June 9, to build a playground that not only will serve as a recreational gathering place for their community but will become fertile ground to develop relationships for Christ.
The playground, built by 15 members of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Brantley and 25 members of Vintage Church, will feature slides, a small merry-go-round, stepping stones and alligator and frog spring riders.
Additionally, elm trees soon will be planted and benches, picnic tables and fencing will be installed.
Vintage Church Generations Director Nick Perret said his church was encouraged that the Alabama team gave up a portion of their summer vacation to assist them to build what will become yet another outreach arm. The church that averages 200 in Sunday worship also participates each month in food distribution in Metairie and hosts a Hispanic worship service.
“For several years we have been wanting to complete this playground so we could have another way to connect with our neighborhood, and when we found out the Alabama team would help us, our church was very excited,” Perret told the Louisiana Baptist Message. “Having them join us really is a shot of encouragement to our church and even our neighbors who are seeing this being built.”
51 projects
The playground is one of 51 projects associated with Serve Tour, an effort that seeks to involve participants in compassion ministry projects in Houma and New Orleans as the foundation for evangelism, June 9-10.
Mark Perry, pastor Mt. Zion Baptist, said the team of mostly teenagers was among 55 from his church who will participate in 13 Serve Tour projects throughout the weekend in New Orleans.
“Our church is heavily invested in missions and these types of trips reinforce the passion we have for reaching others with the gospel,” Perry said. “Much like in Brantley, there are needs here and our church will do whatever it takes to serve those who need Jesus.”
Helping the community
Jackson Mitchell, a 10th grader from Mt. Zion Baptist, said the trip fulfills a calling to be on mission for Christ.
“The Lord has called me to help and serve those not just in my own community, but others like New Orleans who need Jesus,” Mitchell said. “Everyone needs his love and it’s so cool to go to the different areas of the city to share His love.”
