"Visitors will walk through a threeacre reproduction of what Bethlehem might have been like the night Jesus was born, becoming part of the Christmas story in an interactive drama," said Pastor Andy Cook.

About 12, 600 guests visited Bethlehem last year, and WTB volunteers for 2007 have been hard at work preparing for their guests this year.

"Carolyn Glass and her husband Steve, coordinators for Guest Refreshments, oversee thousands of cups of hot chocolate, coffee, and soft drinks, and thousands of cookies waiting for our WTB guests in our Christian Life Center at the end of their journey back through time," said Pastor Cook. Carolyn and Steve schedule workers for all three nights and organize the purchasing as well as the donations of cookies, drinks and other supplies.

"Last year we served approximately 18, 000 cookies and close to 10, 000 cups of hot chocolate and cold drinks. Of course with that, we must plan for ice, condiments for coffee and cups, napkins and decorations. I begin in early October mapping out and planning for this annual event. Contacts have to be made to our faithful donators of products and supplies. Volunteers have to be scheduled with most wanting to be involved all three nights. What a blessing!Serving approximately 12, 000 guests last Christmas was very rewarding, but came only with the dedicated and faithful help of our members and commitments from area businesses," Carolyn said.

Steve and Carolyn were married in SHBC by Rev. Napp Granade in December 1986 and have been members of Shirley Hills Baptist Church since 2000. This is their eighth year volunteering with WTB.

"When we were visiting Shirley Hills Baptist in November of 1999, I leaned over and said to Steve, ‘Next year we will be involved in this excitement of planning and committing to this ministry in the Middle Georgia area.' It really was contagious as I watched the entire congregation ‘buzzing' around to sign up for this big event. Since the Christmas of 2000, "Walk Through Bethlehem" has been our number one commitment to each other and to the church during the holiday season. It really is an exciting ministry," Carolyn added.

Steve and Carolyn inherited their Guest Refreshments position from Gail and James Yawn, hardworking members of SHBC who had laid the foundation during their years as coordinators. "Gail graciously turned over her big black notebook with all the details of how much she had purchased over the previous years. I had heard there were many dedicated workers who would sign up to work in Guest Refreshments. But most importantly I understood that Charles Maddox and Jerry Rowell had the coffee and hot chocolate down to a ‘fine science.' Charles has his ‘special stirrer' for the hot chocolate, and he and Jerry truly do have ‘their method.' I have no concerns with these men in charge," Carolyn said.

Carolyn wouldn't trade places with any other WTB volunteer. "There is something all-inspiring to witness the reactions of those who have just returned from their "journey back in time" through WTB. You want to ‘invite them in' for cookies and drink and conversation," Carolyn said.

And what is Carolyn's fondest memory of WTB? "The children's drawings of their visit to Bethlehem always touch my heart. Last year there was a very symbolic drawing of a cross with a baby wrapped in a blanket drawn at the foot of the cross. It is always heartwarming to ‘see Christmas through the eyes of a child,'" Carolyn said.

Don't miss experiencing Walk Through Bethlehem this year. The free event will be held on December 14-16 from 4 to 10 p.m. Shirley Hills Baptist Church is located on 615 Corder Road in Warner Robins. For more information, go to www.shirleyhills.org.

And be sure to stop by the Christian Life Center at the end of WTB for a cup of hot chocolate, some cookies and conversation.