South West Area Resort Ministries
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The Need
The recreation facilities in Western NC attract millions of
visitors each year. The building of Fontana Dam and the
development of recreation facilities such as camp grounds, ski
slopes and white water sports, coupled with the growth in
popularity of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park draw
increasing numbers each year.
Early Response
In the 1980’s, in an attempt to address these needs, the
Baptist State Convention of NC, in cooperation with the North
American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, began
to send Resort Ministers to the area. They assisted local
churches and associations to develop and organize a ministry of
evangelism and worship.
SWARM Evolves
As word spread about these needs and mission opportunities,
church groups began to respond. In 1985, Area Missionary, Tom
Lolley of the Baptist State Convention, met with a group of
Directors of Missions in western North Carolina for the purpose
of enlisting local support for the work and for organizing more
effective use of resources.
The result of the meeting was the formation of South West Area
Resort Ministries (SWARM). Volunteers were recruited from the
Mission Service Corps, and/or Campers On Mission and Youth
groups from Southern Baptist Churches. Today, SWARM continues
these endeavors with volunteers doing resort ministries summer
mission work. This summer we had 18 youth groups, of which 13
were from North Carolina. This included 372 youth and leaders
with 59 professions of faith recorded. They served in nine
campgrounds, five nursing homes, eight local churches, and ten
other places of ministry plus two Baptist Men’s work groups.
The Tennessee River Baptist Association can accommodate up to 50
youth and counselors. Beds, showers, kitchen, and dining room
are ready for use.
The Purpose
The purposes of the ministry are to provide worship and
Bible study opportunities and evangelism. A variety of methods
are used to achieve these goals. A witness tent for street
festivals, clowning, balloon sculpting, face painting, make and
giving away “salvation bracelets”, music and testimonies are
some of the means. In the campgrounds, children enjoy both Bible
study and recreation, while evening vespers services are held
for all ages. Each year there are many who accept Jesus as
Savior and Lord through this ministry. A follow-up letter is
sent to them encouraging them to unite with a local church.
Your opportunity
Pray for God’s continuing blessings upon this ministry. If
you or your church would like to participate in this ministry or
receive more information, please contact:
South West Area Resort Ministries
Tom Harris, Director
980 Bryson Walk
PO Box 2073
Bryson City, NC 28713
Email: tomswarm@dnet.net
828-488-8842 Office
828-332-0834 Cell.
