Standing behind Dru Graves (seated) are, from left, Richard Spearman, pastor of St. Helena Church; Sylvia Vargas; migrant ministry coordinator Vicki Farrow; Mario Vargas; Baptist Church of Beaufort pastor Jim Wooten; and Cindy Villalta, who served as an interpreter at the recognition service.A woman who was instrumental in starting a ministry to migrant workers nearly 50 years ago has been honored.
Dru Graves helped establish a ministry to migrant workers in 1963. It began at the Baptist Church of Beaufort and now includes 14 churches that work together, along with support from Savannah River Association. South Carolina Baptists help support the work by gathering migrant worker kits to be distributed.
Through the years, thousands of migrant workers have received meals, their children have attended Vacation Bible School, and hundreds have made professions of faith during the worship services that are held each night.
This year, there were 509 migrant workers who came to worship services and meals, 111 children in VBS, and 57 decisions for Christ.
Recently, the ministry was officially named the Dru Graves Hispanic Ministry.
Also, after many years of preaching and leading worship services, Mario Vargas and his wife Sylvia received gifts of appreciation as they completed their final year of service to the ministry.