We are reminded in Galatians 5:13 that we are to serve one another humbly in love. Since September, we have been blessed with more than 800 volunteers who completed 3,300 hours of service. During the closing service at the Mills Home “Friends of Children” event, I was overwhelmed as we all gathered and sang “How Great Thou Art.” The church was filled with children in foster care, single moms in crisis, staff, and volunteers. We each brought our own experiences, heartaches, and joys. Together, we worship our Heavenly Father who is beyond great. It was a beautiful picture of the body of Christ united in love for our Savior and one another.
While many, many projects were completed this fall, there is still much work to be done. Development Director Clay Leonard shared that when a volunteer serves with us at Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH), they are using the hands that God has given them by taking one hand and holding on to Christ and extending the other hand to help. Our logo with the two hands is a beautiful reminder of humbly serving in love.
Here are the “Top Ten” ways that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus to the children, adults, and families in BCH’s care.
Our homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities need help with landscaping, power washing, and other small projects.
The wilderness camps have some special projects that they need help with, including building some barns.
Oak Ranch is preparing a space for staff, family, and church enrichment. Help is needed moving furniture and cleaning the future enrichment space.
As the foster care ministry continues to grow, so do the needs. CARE House foster care office in Lenoir has landscaping, power washing, and some general maintenance that is needed.
Mills Home has many opportunities for volunteers to help with painting and power washing.
Since Hurricane Helene, there are multiple trees down across BCH locations in the mountains and piedmont. Help removing trees, grinding stumps, and cleaning up the debris is needed.
Fancy Finds and Greater Vision in Thomasville and Kinston have ongoing opportunities for sorting, cleaning, and stocking donations.
Kennedy Home has an old ropes course that needs to be removed, and some skilled labor is needed with plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work.
Odum Home would love to have their gym painted, gutters cleaned, and sidewalks power washed.
Pray for those we serve. The holidays can be particularly hard for children and adults separated from their families. For vulnerable families working through crisis, the holidays bring additional stress. Your prayers are priceless.
Let us help you Find Your Spot! Visit www.bchfamily.org/volunteer for current volunteer opportunities including those listed above or submit a volunteer inquiry. When you use your gifts, talents, and time, you are demonstrating the love of Christ. We are so humbled to serve with you.
Written by Kristyn Butts, BCH Director of Volunteer Engagement