MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT - JEFF AND THEA FORD
Jeff and Thea Ford
306 Woodbridge Court
Foley, AL 36535-2237
bbagarm@gulftel.com
www.barefootbelievers.com
In Times of Leisure and In Times of Crisis
 For many Christians, to be called by God to minister in a sun and surf setting would be a dream come true. But it’s not as glamorous as some may think.
Jeff Ford is director of Gulf Area Resort Ministries in the Baldwin Baptist Association in south Alabama. Where he serves seems a dream come true for someone in love with the outdoors and the beach. What he does though requires long hours, much preparation, and great flexibility.
“I serve as a chaplain to campers at Gulf State Park Campground and Luxury RV campground,” said Jeff. “I preach twice on Sundays at each of these campgrounds. The State Park services are year-round and another service goes on during snowbird season and the summer season. I have a bicycle club ministry during snowbird season. I also conduct a Bible study at the campground during snowbird season.
“During the summer we have hundreds of youth mission teams and several summer missionaries that enable us to have day camps, beach reach, campground worship services, and family evening programs. I supervise the summer missionaries and help the youth directors plan their mission trip and give them assistance during their time with us as we minister to vacationers and residents throughout the summer.”
Years ago at a recreation conference, Jeff heard someone say that lost people are most open to the gospel during times of crisis and during times of leisure. “When a lost person goes on vacation, they are seeking to find peace and they are hoping to leave all their worries and problems behind,” explained Jeff. “It doesn't take long for someone who doesn't know Christ to realize in the midst of their vacation they still do not have the peace that they are looking for and their problems usually follow them to the beach. Our ministry impacts lost people with the message of Jesus Christ at a time and place that may allow someone unwilling to listen in their usual setting to relax and allow the Holy Spirit to prick their hearts. They can find a peace that passes all understanding here in Gulf Shores when they find Jesus.”
The focus on leisure has been Jeff’s concentration in the past few years, but just a few months ago, he had to shift that focus to the second most opportune time in people’s lives: times of crisis.
In September, Hurricane Ivan roared through Gulf Shores and wrecked havoc on lives and property. Jeff truly learned the meaning of flexibility during those days—and continues to confront the ongoing concerns caused by the disaster.
“The Gulf State Park Campground is now closed, with an anticipated reopening in Spring 2005,” said Jeff. “I’ve spoken to many people who are faithful in attendance at the worship services held there, and they have asked me what we are going to do. I tell them we’ll find a way.”
The plans for a couple involved in Campers on Mission to move into the campground is now on hold, as well. There is also greater need for volunteers to assist not only with ongoing ministry, but with disaster relief and clean up efforts, as well.
“Now we are dealing with times of crisis,” said Jeff. “Without the love of Christ in the peoples’ hearts, they aren’t going to get through this. We anticipate that the long-term disaster relief efforts are going to take about two years. God’s used this disaster to create many more opportunities for me as a NAMB missionary and Southern Baptists as a whole to share the gospel. And, we are going to make a difference as we help put back together lives and property—one tree at a time, one resident’s home at a time. It’s not about physical labor but about creating opportunities to witness spiritual birth.”
Pray for Jeff and the resort ministry. Pray for all of those affected by the hurricane, especially displaced homeowners and workers. If you are interested in helping Jeff in Gulf Shores, contact him at the e-mail address above.
MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT ARCHIVE | 
