December 31, 2001

Volunteer builders urgently needed
___By Ken Camp
___Texas Baptist Communications
___A church building near Lake Tahoe that was started by Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builders is "in the dry," but additional volunteers are desperately needed to complete the project, according to a home missionary who works with the congregation.
___More than 30 Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builder couples spent the summer framing and decking a church building for First Baptist Church of Tahoe City, Calif. The unique structure was built with oversized, reinforced beams and was designed to withstand an earthquake.
___First Baptist Church of Tahoe City had been planning the building for 10 years and saving for three, according to Pastor Dan Holzer. When it is completed, the facility not only will provide a place for worship and Bible study, but also will house community ministries offered by First Baptist Church, including a variety of programs for youth and children.
___But at this point, the building is still far from being completed, according to Debbie Wohler, a missionary with the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board.
___In a recent e-mail, she reported that the church has entered into a contract for the sheetrock and drop ceiling, "but we aren't ready for that part yet. There is still much to do. Since the middle of November, we haven't had but three volunteers."
___The church needs volunteer electricians, plumbers, tile and carpet layers and finish carpenters.
___"We'd love to have people in January, February and March," Wohler said.
___Beyond the immediate needs of the Tahoe City project, Texas Baptist Men also needs new retirees to join the ranks of the volunteer builder corps, according to Jim Furgerson, executive director-treasurer of the men's missions group.
___More than 1,400 volunteers have served with the Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builders. But as the group ages and loses some of its members, younger retirees need to take their place, Furgerson said.
___For more information about either the Tahoe project or ongoing involvement in Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builders, call (214) 828-5352.

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