Even in the midst of rain and COVID-19 concerns, Hannibal-LaGrange University was once again blessed with the service of the Gasconade Valley Baptist Association for the 25th year, demonstrating that faithful service still exists despite challenging circumstances.
The Gasconade Valley Baptist Association spent a week in early June hosting volunteers and helping HLGU with summer projects. Although the group usually brings around 30-40 volunteers each summer, this year, due to COVID-19 concerns, the team consisted of 27 volunteers serving their time and skills to benefit both HLGU and missions.
“We have good team leaders who accepted the vision of helping this campus of young Christian leaders for tomorrow. We want to help them further that vision. We may not have a lot of money to give, but with our service, we volunteer our time,” said Philip Rector, director of missions for the Gasconade Valley Baptist Association, the main sponsor for the sub-groups.
The group arrived on Sunday, June 1, and left the following Friday. During this time, the group tackled a wide-array of projects ranging from painting railings; replacing spindles on the athletic training trailer; adding waterproof sealer on the rails and spindles; re-assembling four sets of bleachers to be retrofit for the athletic fields; repairing wood damage and adjusting doors in storage buildings; repairing loose siding on the quads; power washing grilling areas at the quads; installing screen doors; and painting three music department offices, the baseball outfield fence, and the parking lot light poles.
In addition to serving HLGU, several ladies within the group sewed and made crafts for missions. They made superhero capes for children with cancer, items to protect the ports of cancer patients, and fidget quilts and bracelets for Alzheimer’s patients.
On Thursday, they met with Dr. Allen for their annual luncheon, where the association received a framed certificate in recognition for their 25 years of service to HLGU.
“The work you do does not go unnoticed. The Lord knows all you do,” said Dr. Anthony Allen, president of HLGU, when he presented the volunteers with their certificate.
The Gasconade Valley Baptist Association (formerly Dixon Baptist Association) is known for serving people through their partnership with churches in the Cole, Gasconade, Maries, and Osage counties. They primarily serve churches in Missouri by providing ministries, services, and leadership. These annual trips to HLGU were started by Donley Brown and his late wife, Judy. Several of the association’s members have made double-digit trips to serve HLGU.