Visitor Information

What is the maximum group size?
The maximum number sort of depends on composition to a point: about 30 is as large as we think we can comfortably hold - we have three smallish rooms (nursery, classroom, and office) the ladies normally acquire (comfortable for about 8 women, although 10-12 could be squeezed in, depending on bedding choice - see What are the sleeping/bedding arrangements?), leaving the large sanctuary as a dormitory for men. As of early April 2007, we're nearing completion on the installation of our additional classroom building. This facility will provide a large amount of extra sleeping space (two large isolatable rooms) and two additional bathrooms (one in each room).

One of the limiting factors is the kitchen: it’s what you would call a standard home kitchen (with upgraded coffee machines): it is not an industrial/cafeteria setup, so cooking for more than 30 could be a challenge. Another group-size limiting factor is the shower/laundry facility (see How/where do we shower and do laundry?). Our largest group so far has been about two dozen.
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What guidelines are you working under?
Our biggest guideline is that you come as self-supporting as possible. We do not have the means to provide much more than our facilities, and all we ask is that it's in about the same condition when you leave as it was when you got here. About the only other 'rule' is - due to some allergy and asthma concerns - we prefer that smokers (if any) partake outside, and police their butts.

When you arrive, you’ll meet some of the church leadership/members; get the 10-cent tour of the facilities; and receive a key to the building. We believe in an omniscient God and the honor system.

Groups should come to ready minister to the community in the name of Jesus, showing God’s love to those in need. You will likely minister to both the churched and the un-churched. Be prepared to live and share your faith.
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Is the church charging any sort of administrative fee for the groups? If so, what is it?
No fees. Come, work, sweat, sleep, bless, and be blessed. We’re just grateful you’re willing to come and help. We believe God spared our building for this effort, and we consider it a blessing to absorb the additional utility costs as our part in assisting your group as you minister in/to our community.
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What are the sleeping/bedding arrangements?
Sleeping accommodations are as you bring them: we provide the building, and we do have some military-style sleeping bags, but all the groups thus far have brought their own bedding - primarily air mattresses and air beds of all shapes, sizes, and descriptions.

Logistically, if everyone brings a king-sized mattress, floor space would disappear quickly. Twin- to full-size seems most appropriate - but we don’t regulate what you bring. Don’t forget the pillows, and sheets and blankets, or sleeping bags. You’ll be “camping indoors.” The building has heat and A/C, and you get to determine the best temperature for your group.

We do hold services on Sunday morning, so the church must be configured for services that morning. We adjust the configuration of our other meetings to minimize disruption of your living-quarters. If your group is staying over a Sunday, we’re in no way offended by a pile of inflated mattresses and bedding in the back of the church.
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How/where do we shower and do laundry?
We've installed two shower stalls and a non-industrial washer and dryer in a small building next to the church. It’s enough to shower two at a time, and a place to wash and dry clothes while the crews are out working. Workers can go through a lot of clothes - two or more (often more) shirts a day, plus socks, pants, under garments, and wash cloths and towels. We understand the need to keep the clothes clean from hygienic, sanitary, and aromatic viewpoints. This isn’t a locker room after all - it is our church. Most groups have done 'group laundry' duty - so some identification tagging of clothing may be desired. Shower shoes and portable personal hygiene kits are highly recommended.

We do NOT provide laundry soap, bleach, fabric softener, etc. Some groups have left their ‘excess’ behind for others to use, and we feel that's a wonderful thing for the groups to do. It’s one group helping another, Christians helping others - and isn’t that what this is all about?
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What do we do about food?
Food purchase and preparation is up to you - and the church kitchen is yours when you're here. Every group thus far has brought a designated cooking staff to handle all food purchase, prep, cooking, etc., for their team. They do all the meal planning and cooking and, maybe most importantly, they prepare a menu for each day before they arrive, and they stick to it. They also do the cleanup - pots, pans, dishes, floors, and the group’s laundry. This can easily be a full-time job if your team is bigger than about a dozen.

The grocery stores in our area are stocked and functioning. All the staples - meat, potatoes, pasta, rice, cereal, milk, eggs, etc. can be purchased locally. We have Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Sav-A-Center, and Winn Dixie grocery stores within 20 minutes of the church. Bring it or buy it here, it's your choice - but our local brands may be different than what you're used to, and what you have available at home may not be available here. If you have a particular favorite 'back home' food, you may want to bring it. Groups coming in so far have done both - bring it and buy it. It just depends on whether you have the room and the desire to haul all the food with you, or not. Remember to bring a Sam’s card if want to shop at our local Sam’s Club.

The church provides a variety of pots, pans, tableware, etc. Disposable serving items make for easier cleanup for your staff, and these items are available locally. We have a modest supply of plastic dinnerware, plates and some basic condiments (salt, pepper, sugar, coffee creamer, etc.) in the kitchen for our church gatherings. If you run short or arrive without, feel free to share/borrow - but please replenish what you use. There is also a standard propane gas grill available.
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What menu choices work best?
The menus have included the provision of plenty of portable snacks, bottled water for job-sites, quick breakfast items, sandwiches with fixins for lunch (can be delivered or carried to the work sites), and a hearty dinner. Many of our restaurants were close to the beach and were destroyed in the storm. Because of this, most restaurants in the area are crowded at meal times and many remain understaffed. So, it’s best to be prepared to carry or deliver lunches to the work sites. Eating out during the day can take away much valuable work/ministry time.

Typically, the kitchen is restricted to kitchen-staff only to help maintain tabs on supplies, reduce traffic, and keep the workspace uncluttered... as much as possible.

Note that the church has standard kitchen appliances; one refrigerator (with standard ice maker), a gas stove/oven, double sink, and cabinets. There’s no automatic dishwasher or garbage disposal. One group brought their own small refrigerator just for drinks. We also have a small pantry closet (4' x 6') in the kitchen with shelving units for storage.
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What about building supplies?
Most home-owners will purchase the supplies you need to repair their homes/property. Pre-coordination can help insure the required supplies are on-site when you arrive to work. Occasionally, homeowners may request your assistance with delivering supplies to the job-site. Also, several church members may be available and willing provide assistance with big-order deliveries (shingles, sheetrock, siding, lumber, etc). Lowe’s and Home Depot are well stocked and within minutes of the church - in either direction. If you desire to donate supplies or funds for supplies, please coordinate those plans with us before you come.
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What tools should we bring?
We recommend that you bring the tools that fit your skill sets. We understand that most people do prefer to work with their own tools. Common carpentry tools and air powered tools are almost a requirement. We can provide an assortment of yard cleanup tools, to include chainsaws. We also have a portable 10kw generator for job-sites that still don’t have power (yes, some homes and areas are still without power). Several church members have a variety of tools to supplement your tool needs. There are a variety of ladders also readily-available.

Finally, we recommend at least one pair of leather or leather-palmed gloves per worker and an assortment of safety glasses (shaded and clear).
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What kind of work will we be doing?
There will be work available here for years to come. One issue we regularly deal with is groups who are making plans to come three or four months out and want to know what kind of work they’ll be doing. Well, that's a hard question for us to answer. Much of the initial cleanup is done. Also, most of the reconstruction of those in and near our church has been accomplished. We know there's plenty of work in many areas, but we can’t predict what specific tasks may be available very far into the future. The greater variety of skill sets you bring, the easier it will be for you to have a broad impact.

Flexibility is of key importance in your planning, preparations, and attitude. Typically, we’ve seen a skilled person assisted heavily by eager and willing non-skilled assistants. You set up the work teams within your group to best accomplish the job(s). Occasionally, a skilled person may need to work at non-skilled tasks. Arriving with a humble, servant’s heart is a big advantage.
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Do we have to be licensed contractors/professionals?
Volunteers do not need to be licensed/bonded/etc. for certain work (e.g., roofing or general carpentry); however, there are local building codes and practices that need to be followed that are, very likely, different than those used in your area. Church members can/will assist you concerning this information. Electrical work beyond normal home owner modifications and fixture installation must be done “professionally.”
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What’s the weather like along the MS Gulf Coast?
The weather here is mild in the winter months (30-40s at night and 60-70s during the day) and extremely hot (low-mid 90s) and humid (90%+) in the summer months. Plan your clothing choices appropriately. Summer starts in May and runs through September.
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What about the Spiritual aspects of what were doing?
Most of our groups so far have included someone to be the Spiritual leader of the group. They hold Bible study, worship, prayer times, etc. We have a piano, organ, guitar, and overhead projector available for your use. With some special on-site training, you may be allowed to use our sound, computer, and video-projection system.

Although your goal might be to provide much needed and appreciated physical-ministry assistance here, you’ll find the Spiritual aspect of your journey to be the most important and rewarding. You will be blessed while blessing others. This will be a life changing experience!
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What about local transportation?
You will need to plan your transportation to include local area travel to/from job-sites. Make sure you’ve considered crew, equipment, and supplies for multiple locations. Fuel is readily available and your responsibility to purchase for your travel needs.
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Anything we didn't answer here?
Send us an e-mail (Contact Us), and we’ll make note of it.
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