In May, Okatee Baptist Church in Ridgeland moved into a renovated education building, thanks to a collaborative effort of South Carolina Baptists’ Disaster Relief ministry and South Carolina Campers on Mission.

The church moved into its new building in November 2006, but eight years later discovered extensive leaks that were damaging multiple areas in the structure. Repair bids from local contractors were beyond the church’s finances. Some members suggested that pastor Tim Tomlinson seek counsel from Disaster Relief. He said, “I contacted Randy Creamer (director of disaster relief and men’s ministry) at the South Carolina Baptist Convention.”

Creamer and Jack McCormick, a North American Mission Board Service Corps missionary who works with South Carolina Campers On Mission, had been brainstorming on how SCDR and COM could partner. The pair had been discussing a NAMB initiative to build a network of churches that were capable of housing DR teams. Okatee Church fit their criteria.

In early May, a team of 21 COM volunteers traveled to Ridgeland, set up their campers, and began working alongside church members. The project was finished on a Saturday night, and many of the COM workers stayed over for the Sunday worship service.

For information about South Carolina Disaster Relief and Campers on Mission, visit www.scbaptist.org or contact Creamer at 803-227-6174