TBM Builders rebuild church gym a hurricane destroyed

  |  Source: Texas Baptist Men

TBM Builders worked on rebuilding a gym for Coastal Oaks Baptist Church after Hurricane Harvey destroyed the church's previous gym. (Photo courtesy of TBM Builders)

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ROCKPORT—More than four years after Hurricane Harvey, Rockport still is recovering from storm damage. But thanks to Texas Baptist Men Builders, one church’s recovery is much closer now than just a few months ago.

When Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas Gulf Coast in 2017, Rockport took a direct hit. The storm crawled through the state at a sluggish 5 mph, wreaking havoc in its path with powerful wind, heavy rains and even tornadoes.

Coastal Oaks Baptist Church sustained significant damage. One of the church’s largest buildings, which housed the only privately owned gymnasium in town, required demolition.

The church called on TBM to see where the ministry could help.

In November, about 14 TBM Builders began work on the facility, which eventually will house a gym, education space and kitchen. Volunteers framed the first and second floors of the new space, handled electrical work and assisted in other projects as needed.

“The work we do is behind the scenes, but it helps pastors and teachers do what they’re called to do,” TBM Builders Coordinator Wayne Pritchard said. “We provide facilities for people to use to minister to others for Christ.”

Once completed, the building—designed with youth in mind—will open many doors for ministry in Rockport, said Ken Marks, project manager at Coastal Oaks Baptist Church.

In addition to youth ministry, it also will serve as an event space for the community, he added.

“It is really hard work but some of the most gratifying work I’ve ever done in my life,” said TBM volunteer Randy Lloyd, who regularly serves with TBM Church Builders alongside his wife of 47 years Patsy. “It’s gratifying because we know it’s work for the Lord and not for us.”


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