In May, the James River Baptist Association traveled to perform missionary work at the Bland Ministry Center in Bland. Those who participated are, from left, front row, Brenda McAllister, Nancy Morris, Thelma Childress, Agnes Davis, Jason Ballowe, middle row, Dixie Wood, Dorothy Davis, Phyllis Tyler, Audrey Ragland, Dana Powers-Hamner, back row, Henry Wood, Gwynn Tyler and the Rev. Jimmy Dunn.

The James River Baptist Association (JRBA) sent a team of 13 people to work at the Bland Ministry Center in Bland on May 15-21.

The association collected plastic shopping bags, peanut butter, Campbell’s soup labels, dental floss, copy paper, men’s jeans and other items for the ministry center. Some member churches donated funds to help the team with expenses. JRBA, as well as some member churches, donated funds to the center’s Blue Envelope Project for construction supplies.

Team members served in various capacities during the week. Some worked at the ministry center mowing grass, unloading food and clothing, shelving food in the food warehouse, un-packing, sorting and repacking/ shelving clothes and assisting with the weekly food and clothing distribution.

About 80 families received food and clothing. Six team members worked on construction projects, completing four handicapped ramps during the week and in-stalling a stove in the volunteer house.

Two team members worked in the dental clinic at the center, one serving as receptionist and one as a dental assistant. Seventy-eight patients were seen and treated.

All team members appreciated the opportunity to share God’s love through word and deed.