HISTORY OF RESORTFirst Thoughts

It is difficult to put a finger on an exact date thatresort and leisure ministry began. If one wanted to stretch it, we could say that resort and leisure ministry beganback in the serene Garden of Eden of Genesis. Before the dream began at the Home Mission Board of the SouthernBaptist Convention1, there were many resort and leisure type ministries going on. Not all of them were a part of the mission work of Southern Baptists. It is the purpose ofthis chapter to attempt to describe the attitudes, the ideas, and some of the circumstances that led to the dream of beginning resort and leisure ministry in Southern Baptist life. For our purposes, we will consider thebeginning of resort and leisure work to be in 1965 when the Home Mission Board (HMB) began to solidify an effort to reach people in resort settings.The early to mid 1960's were a time of change in America. People who had grown up during the Great Depression were now beginning to experience economic recovery. Never before in america had there been such an abundance of earned leisure time on the part of the American labour. Vacationswere in every labour contract guaranteeing almost everyemployee a specified earned vacation with pay. The 40-hourwork week was the norm and there was talk of a 32-two hour work week. Leisure time produced entire industries toprovide the necessary equipment to occupy all this freetime.The "hippie movement" along with the "Jesus people" movement was on the rise. It brought about new attitudesabout relationships. The sexual revolution was begun with the development of "the pill." Many of the sacred familyvacation spots or resorts were being taken over by thehippies, which created a fear of drugs, alcohol, and sexbecoming the norm in those otherwise family-oriented resort communities. Resort areas such as Vail and Aspen inColorado were growing as well as were the beach areas of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.National and state governments were developing more andmore campgrounds in national or state park areas. Private campgrounds were also beginning to develop across thecountry. Because of cheap gas, easy transportation, and more time and money for leisure, Americans were beginning to enjoy their leisure time in a way they had never experienced before. There was also a movement to build flood-control dams on major rivers throughout the country. The lakes thus created new recreational areas for a large population of city dwellers.Other religious groups had already begun doing some work in resort areas. The Lutheran church, the Presbyterian church, and the Roman Catholic church were all leading groupstargeting resort and leisure areas. The Methodist churchhad produced a small workbook that provided theirmembership some guidance on the art of camping. It waswritten primarily to assist church members in how to docamping and get the most out of it. The idea of the current campers on Mission came from conversations with people involved in camping. Perhaps the most significant ministrygoing on was the ministry of Warren Ost, founder anddirector of "A Christian Ministry in National Parks,"(ACMNP). Ost was instrumental in helping Southern Baptistsunderstand the whole leisure phenomenon in post-war America. He had already begun using students from collegesand seminaries as "worker-priests" in national parks.During this period the HMB began to notice the number ofpeople taking advantage of their new found freedom to enjoy leisure time. Arthur B. Rutledge, Missions Director and executive Secretary of the HMB, gave freedom to the Rural- Urban Missions Department to explore new and creative waysto spread the gospel in and to resort areas all over thecountry. Roy Owen, formerly of the Rural Urban Missions department, states that the purpose of developing resort ministry at the beginning was fourfold: "To win to Christ and minister to the workers and visitors in resort settings; to provide Bible study and a good worship experience for workers and visitors; to strengthen Southern Baptists in resort areas and help dissolve any prejudices other Christians might have toward Southern Baptists; and to start churches where possible for the continuing of the work."

Types of resort Beach ResortFiesta American Grand Coral Beachhas a five diamond rating by triple A. The beach is just wonderful and peaceful and serene. The resort city of Cancun has been a favorite for native Mexicans for decades. The restaurant La Joya is also five star rated. All of the rooms have an ocean view. Cancun offers a brilliant and exciting night life. Hanging out at the beach is safe and full of activities or not. Jet skiing is popular along with snorkeling and of course swimming. You will have a chance to paraglide if thrills are your style. If you have the time definitely go for a half day fishing trip.

Theme Park ResortDisneyland Paris is the best. Of course Paris is a top destination by itself, combining it with the fun of Disney is just right. The rides are all Disney quality. The food is great and the accommodations are first class for the whole family. But Disney parks are much more than that and Disneyland Paris is no exception. They are family memories and childrens excited laughter. Disneyland Paris is where you can spend all day enjoying your children, and perhaps act like one.

Winter resortCerro Catedral Alta Patagonia is nestled in the mountains of Argentina. It is fashioned much like European ski villages that are dedicated to the mountain. This resort has views and views and views. The ski area has over 40 ski lifts with nearly 1,500 maintained skiable acres. For the adventurous they have great backcountry terrain and La Laguna lift to get you there. The top elevation is over 7,000 feet so powder riding and skiing are often available.

Wilderness resortPhinda Forest Lodge South Africais a reclaimed land. It is beautiful and remarkable for the natural setting. Safaris are a great experience to be enjoyed by the whole family. The rooms a cottage villa types that are customary in Africa. Just a few things that are fun to do as a family are: Snorkeling, Swimming, Hiking, Canoeing, Local Cultural exhibitions, and water sports and the beach and of course wildlife and Nature activities.

Golf resortNai Yang Beach Resort in Phuket Thailand has five world class golf courses nestled into the Southeast Asian landscape. The Coral Pool is one of the most beautiful pools ever created. It is surrounded by large trees and wonderful wooden amenities. The resort is surrounded by Nai Yang National Marine Park. It is serene and restful. And all of the fun of the beach is there for the family. Nai Yang Beach resorts also offers cool things like the famous Thai foot massages and a dive shop and school where anyone can learn and enjoy in safety.