A flurry of activity around Fowler over the weekend was pretty hard to miss but in case you didn't notice, our little town was host to a remarkable project. Fowler First Baptist Church, of the American Baptist Church denomination, kicked off a program they hope to continue nationwide. The basic idea behind it is to give American Baptist churches an opportunity to be good neighbors, in their own neighborhoods.
To that end volunteers from at least four southeastern Colorado American Baptist Churches traveled to Fowler and joined volunteers here for a weekend of fellowship and practical outreach. Local pastor, Clint Walker, told me there were a total of 88 participants with 41 coming from out of town. Of those volunteers from Fowler, several were from the United Methodist Church as well as the community at large. In addition to volunteer labor several businesses also helped out including; Cambell Concrete, Woods Fire and Tree Service, Valco of Rocky Ford, Jensen's Packing, Town of Fowler, Fowler State Bank, Otero True Value and Jake Norton Realty.
I've been visiting with Pastor Walker about this project for several weeks now and it was exciting to see it come together. But, I think what impressed me most was the very idea of the church reaching out to their community in a manner that was nothing but service oriented. Rather than try to come up with yet another program to draw people to them, they simply went out and did what needed to be done. For those familiar with the Bible it struck me as being very similar to the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. Loving service to each other.
I spent some time Saturday morning driving around and taking pictures of different projects. Everywhere I went groups of people were laughing, working and leaving what they left behind better. Yards were weeded, houses were painted, new sidewalks were installed and homes were repaired. Behind the scenes the same thing was going on. On Friday night the United Methodist women prepared supper for all the volunteers and on Saturday, people drifted in and out of the Baptist church where the kitchen was a busy place keeping everybody fed.
By the end of the weekend Pastor Walker said a total of 51 projects in the community had been completed, including 5 residential sidewalks. Twenty households were served. The project concluded Sunday afternoon at a picnic in the park hosted by First Baptist. Open to the entire community almost 100 people gathered to visit, relax and enjoy a wonderful meal.
Wow...what an amazing blessing for those who received help. What an amazing blessing for the town in general. I challenge you to drive around and not notice something that was touched by volunteer hands. I'm sure they went home tired and glad their tasks were complete. (I hope they know how much they were appreciated.)
Fowler First Baptist is not unique in serving the community. Over the years there have been countless groups who have volunteered and made Fowler a great place to grow. Daily there are individuals whose good deeds go unnoticed. I personally want to take this opportunity to thank First Baptist and everyone else who selflessly serves. Thank you for making life a little easier, and a little more beautiful, by pulling a weed, replacing a sidewalk, carrying someone's groceries, or simply smiling. Thank you for setting an example for the rest of us.
Elaine White
Fowler Tribune
