Mike and Joyce Allen may not be members of Solid Rock Assembly of God Church in Senatobia, but they have made an immeasurable contribution to the congregation.
The work that the Allens are doing is, in a very real sense, building God's Kingdom.
The Missouri couple has been living out of a travel trailer on the church property since last fall, helping complete work on a 2,000 square foot addition. They are in Senatobia as part of a program called MAPS (Mission America Placement Service) administered by the Assemblies of God headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. Approximately 500 workers are affiliated with MAPS.
The Allens, who are both retired school teachers, are working on a strictly volunteer basis. The church makes a donation of $6 per hour worked back to the MAPS program, to aid with administrative costs. Solid Rock also had to provide a hookup for the Allens' RV, which was not a problem since other MAPS volunteers had helped construct the church in 2004.
Church members, including Pastor Chris Nowell, have also been working alongside the Allens to help complete the project, which should be finished by the end of this month.
When finished, the addition will hold Sunday School rooms and a space for the youth group to meet.
The Allens have enjoyed their time here, using their free time on the weekends to travel around the area and "sightsee."
They've also hosted visits from their children and grandchildren and shown them around the area.
Senatobia isn't their first stop with MAPS. The Allens have also served in Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, and Missouri. They have worked with the ministry for three years.
Since labor is usually the most costly part of any construction project, MAPS assists churches by providing that labor at no cost.
"We've only had to pay for the concrete to be poured," said Pastor Nowell. Churches apply for the MAPS program and are put on a list. Volunteers are sent out as they become available.
In addition to church construction, MAPS assist with disaster relief and similar projects.
The Allens aren't full time with MAPS, but they say that many are. After the Solid Rock project is finished, they may travel to Lancaster, Ky., to do some cabinet work.
They may also engage in one of their favorite past times - long distance bicycling.
The work the Allens are doing may benefit the church, but it's benefitting them as well.
"We enjoy getting to meet new people, and see new places," Mike Allen says.
Email News Editor Melissa Turner
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