What is?
Bibleville is a 40-acre non-denominational Bible conference center in Alamo, Texas, where “Winter Texans” (also called “Winter Volunteers”) share their faith and participate in various activities during the winter months. Although it has hookups for mobile homes and RVs, it is not primarily a mobile home park. His emphasis is ministering to Winter Texans and local citizens, many of whom are Hispanic.
Bibleville can accommodate more than 500 seniors through its 100 connecting spaces and 180 mobile home rental lots. It has an 800-seat auditorium for regular church services, Sunday schools, Bible studies, prayer groups, Bible and religious lectures, sacred concerts and jams, including its own Glory Band, religious entertainment, crafts, dinners, and assorted gatherings for special projects. . .
However, in 1993 Bibleville merged with the Rio Grande Bible Institute in nearby Edinburg, Texas. The latter is a four-year non-denominational Bible college for the training of Latin American missionaries, which includes the border regions between Mexico and the United States. It was founded in 1946 by a Danish evangelist, MC Ehlert. At first, this university taught in both English and Spanish. But in 1955, it went to Spanish only. Provides an intense one-year Spanish course for non-speaking students who will serve in Spanish-speaking countries. Therefore, Bibleville embraces both Latin American ministries as well as its own to Winter Texans and the local citizenry.
Can anyone stay there?
Yes. Anyone over the age of 55 can apply to stay there and spend 28 hours a week doing missionary work during the winter months. However, the park wants applicants who are Christians with references. Additionally, anyone serving on the park board or in certain leadership roles must commit to a full 15 Articles of Faith in writing.
How much are the hookups and rentals?
Through internet sources, around $250 per month for six months.
What are the specific missions of Bibleville?
Their missions are to assist, help and be charitable. These may include cleaning, sewing, cooking, house maintenance, and manual labor such as mowing the lawn, trimming trees, plumbing, electrical, and various types of repairs, as well as collecting food and goods to donate to areas in need.
Are these Winter Texans involved in Latin American ministries?
Probably not, or rarely. Senior and retired Winter Texans generally don’t have the time or energy to take four years of college or take an intensive language course that requires passing an aptitude test. However, they can serve locally or in impoverished areas along the border and elsewhere as mentioned above.
Can Winter Texans take the year-long Spanish course on their own?
Not really. This course requires the missionary commitments assigned to the school itself. No one can take this course just to learn the language.
Is there anything about this park that stands out to people unfamiliar with it?
Yes. Bibleville’s holds five or more free Bible conferences in its auditorium each year between January and early March. These weekly lectures are given by renowned doctoral scholars and ministers from various parts of the continent. Attendees also come to these evening conferences from far and wide. The only cost for out-of-town visitors is food and lodging. Winter Volunteers who live in the park can attend as many as they want.
This park also has at least nine Saturday night gospel or religious concerts open to the public during this period. These concerts are talented traveling musical or theater groups. Cost: voluntary offering.
Conclusion.
Bibleville is definitely Bible oriented. Even its streets have biblical names. Furthermore, it serves a useful purpose for those “snowbirds” who want more in their winter life in the valley than entertainment and relaxation in warmer weather, although they can do so at their leisure. God uses everyone.