Aging ministry team rolls up sleeves to ServeNC

From his wheelchair, just inside the kitchen door, Bob Blake watched intently as the team from North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM) went to work. Over two days, the deck he had painstakingly built 20 years ago—weekend by weekend—was dismantled and rebuilt anew. The sound of drills removing screws marked the "tearing down" season. Then came the "building up"—a new deck and a 53-foot wheelchair ramp that would restore Bob's independence.

"How did it feel to watch your deck come down?" he was asked.

"Bittersweet," Bob replied. "I wish I could help, but I've had so many strokes I've lost count. There are just so many things I can't do anymore."

The project was led by Robert Leonard, former NCBAM regional director, during ServeNC week (August 2–9). ServeNC is an initiative of NC Baptists to mobilize churches to serve the needs of others throughout the state by tackling a variety of service projects.

"Bob's workmanship was incredible—so solid it took us twice as long to take apart as I expected," Robert said. "We could have kept the deck if the kitchen door threshold hadn't been one step down. But safety comes first."

Following a series of strokes in 2024, Bob could no longer navigate the steps alone and Barbara reached out to NCBAM for help. Months passed without available funding or local volunteers—until ServeNC provided the opportunity for NCBAM staff to take matters into their own hands.

One of the greatest needs NCBAM hears about is for ramps. A ramp for an aging adult, like Bob, can deliver freedom, dignity, and safety. The efforts of Baptists through ServeNC became an opportunity to engage with the needs firsthand.

The team didn't stop with Bob. In Greensboro, the NCBAM team built a ramp for 98-year-old Mary Bradley, making it easier for her daughter to get her to appointments and enjoy the fresh air outside. Across town, they repaired a deck and steps for Daisy Ogun and installed grab bars for Porchia Nunnally.

For NCBAM South Central Regional Director Ashley Marcolovio, the work was as spiritually uplifting as it was physically demanding.

"I was speaking at a church the night before," she recalled, "and their sign read, 'As we await the return of Jesus, let's do what waiters do: SERVE.' I was blessed to put those words into action with my team."

NCBAM West Regional Director Jimmy Lancaster agreed, "I'm so grateful to be part of a team that literally rolls up its sleeves to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We went to bless others, but in the process, we were the ones blessed—knowing God used us to make a tangible difference for precious aging adults, all for His glory."

NCBAM's mission is to provide "help for the journey" for adults 65+, helping them maintain safety, dignity, and independence in their own homes. The Call Center is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm, connecting needs with willing hands.

Right now, seniors in every county of North Carolina are waiting for someone to show up and help. You can be that someone. If you can build, paint, pray, or simply show kindness, your time will transform lives.

Call NCBAM at 877-506-2226 to volunteer or to request help in your community.

Written By Carol Layton, Director of Communications & Administration, NCBAM