LEE'S SUMMIT COMMUNITY CHURCH
team prepares to serve
ozarks community
June 2009
By Bob Raukar
Barbecue and fireworks aren't on the Fourth of July schedule for a group of Lee's Summit Community Church members while at Lake of the Ozarks this summer. Instead, as they have for the past several years, they will labor to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of a small Ozarks community.
While it sits on a picturesque peninsula jutting out into Lake of the Ozarks, the small Morgan County community of Ivy Bend, with a permanent population of only 800, is far removed from the glitter of Missouri's most popular tourist playground. Lakeview Baptist Church, with a congregation of just 50-70 members, is the only church in the community and is hard pressed to meet all the demands.
"They've got all kinds of needs down there," said LSCC's Jerry Brown, who is helping coordinate this year's mission effort. "We would like to use this as an opportunity to help a part of the church body in need."
Assisting Lakeview Baptist and its congregation began several years ago as a personal outreach effort of LSCC's Curtis Brown (no relation to Jerry Brown) and his extended family. The amount of work, though, overwhelmed the Curtis Brown family, and last year other volunteers from LSCC assisted.
Past work has included painting and repairing the church building and the homes of some of its members. This year's projects at the church include staining a deck, installing a swing set and motion detector light, painting a shed and finishing the painting of the church itself. The major project, though, is to completely rebuild the bedroom floor of a church member's home, including floor joists, sub-floor and floor covering.
"She has a floor that is literally falling through," Jerry said. "That's the biggest project we have going on."
Last year, a wheelchair ramp was constructed at her home and the exterior was painted.
Physical work, though, does not outweigh the spiritual. On Sunday morning, LSCC members will minister to the church body by teaching Sunday School classes and leading the worship service and sermon, giving local church leaders and workers a break from their normal routine.
While the work may be demanding, helping the church and the community is a rewarding experience.
"They are very appreciative,” Jerry said. “We try to be a blessing. For 362 days of the year I lead a routine existence. For these three days I get to do something special."
The mission team will leave Friday morning, July 3, and return Sunday, July 5. Those interested in volunteering may contact Jerry at 816.554.0391.
Bob Raukar is a former newspaper editor and a member of Lee's Summit Community Church.
Members of Lee's Summit Community Church served Lakeview Baptist Church in Ivy Bend on a recent mission trip. Another team is preparing to serve in July.
Please contact Roy Harryman, director of communications, for more information at 816.524.6786 x104.