Posted: 8/22/03
Student missionaries parade God's
presence in Colorado resort town
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
CRESTED BUTTE, Colo.–Baptist General Convention of Texas student summer missionaries paraded a Christian presence down the streets of this popular Rocky Mountain resort town.
In addition to directing Vacation Bible School and teaching Sunday School, Lauren Baker, a Stephen F. Austin University senior, and Mandy Ray, a Texas Tech University junior, helped Oh-Be-Joyful Church members put together a float for a summer parade.
| BGCT student summer missionaries Lauren Baker (left) and Mandy Ray paint a flower on a child's face during a church event sponsored by Oh-Be-Joyful Church in Crested Butte, Colo. |
The church was the lone spiritual institution represented in a parade that also featured hippies, bikers and research students wearing strategically placed leaves, Baker said. Many of the residents are not familiar with the Bible or Christianity, according to the duo.
The missionaries designed the float to help people connect the scenic surroundings with God's glory, Baker explained. The float depicted clouds and featured the children of the church.
“Here it's been a lot harder because a lot of people worship his creation but do not give God the credit,” Baker said.
As the float went down the street, church members passed out fliers advertising the upcoming Vacation Bible School. Many unchurched children came to VBS this year because their parents heard about it at the parade, Ray said.
The women's impact ran far beyond those who saw them at the parade, Baker and Ray noticed. It seemed everyone knew what they stood for and what they wanted to accomplish.
“Everyone knows why we are here, it's such a small town,” Baker explained. “We may not have gotten to share with everyone, but we were a Christian presence.”
Ray and Baker also encouraged weary church workers and provided a much-needed break for several members. The experience gave Ray a new appreciation for the trials of ministers and leaders, she said.
“I've learned ministry isn't always mountain-top experiences,” she said. “It's helped me to see what church staff go through.”
Jim Kunes, pastor of the church, praised the women's efforts. They comfortably connected with the youth and church leadership and continued the tradition of strong summer missionaries that have come through the church, he added.
“Being a small congregation, summer missionaries bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the Lord that is contagious,” Kunes said.
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