Atlantic Baptist Youth Build Wheelchair Ramps

Youth from Atlantic Baptist Church gathered early in the morning last week to help build three wheelchair ramps in four days. Front row left to right: Caleb Barfield, Henry Higginbotham, Nova Richardson, Paige Via. Abigail Richardson, Lexi Piper, Nate Josey, Wyatte McGoldrick, Christopher Richardson, and Thomas Staub. Second Row, left to right: Tamahj Salazar, Ethan Sacks. Carly Roughton, Anna Taylor, Phoenix Schworm, Ryan Simpson,, Levyn Gordon, Sarah Taylor, and Taylor Watson. Third row, left to right: Brad Watson, John McCall,, Jacob Simpson, Sawyer Erich, and Charles Whitelock. Not pictured: Dane Gordon, Hailey Gladding.

By Bill Sterling

Youth and adult leaders from Atlantic Baptist Church  combined forces with operations personnel from the ESVA Housing Mission to build three wheelchair ramps last week in Sanford, Tasley, and Parksley.

It was the second year the two groups worked together to help low-income residents on the Eastern Shore have safer passage to and from their homes.

The 25 youth from Atlantic Baptist Church, ranging from middle school students to recent high school graduates, were supported by several adult leaders and Pastor John Higginbotham. There were enough volunteers to split up in two teams with ramps built at two different locations each day.

“Three years ago, we were looking at doing a mission trip to the Appalachia area, but then we stopped and thought, ‘Why not help our neighbors in need right here in our backyard?’ That sentiment came from both the youth and the adult leaders,” said Pastor Higginbotham.

“That first year we did the work on our own, but last year we were connected to the ESVA Housing Mission. They have the capabilities of qualifying the residents for need, obtaining the permits and then bringing their tools and expertise to the project. It’s been a great partnership these last two years. We are able to help more people by joining forces,” said Higginbotham.

Don Taylor of the ESVA Housing Mission summed up the week, “Despite the brutal weather, these youth and adults remained committed to loving their neighbors through their actions. Many people talk about loving their neighbors but these folks acted on it. Is there a better example of faith in action?”

The Atlantic Baptist Church youth not only spent four days in the heat building wheelchair ramps and making badly needed home repairs, they also raised about $6,000 toward covering the cost of building materials.

Each November the church holds an Artisan and Crafts Bazaar that raises thousands of dollars for youth mission projects.

“We receive so many contributions from church members but also many others in neighboring communities,” said Pastor Higginbotham.

A youth group that was revamped at the church four years ago by Brad and Taylor Watson has bolstered the church membership and increased attendance to about 140 each week.

Every Wednesday night is Youth Night at the church, when the church feeds the entire family and then the youth break out in groups for Bible study and fun activities. Bible breakouts are offered for every age. No offering is taken for Youth Night.

Sarah Taylor, 17, said “It feels good knowing you are helping a neighbor have a better life.You also get to spend time with your friends and form a stronger bond.”

Henry Higginbotham, the pastor’s son, said, “I like helping people but have also learned a lot about using tools and construction.”

Benjy Thomas and his grandson, Sawyer Erich, worked side-by-side cutting boards at a ramp-building project in Tasley. “It’s been great working together,” said Erick.

Pastor Higginbotham reflected on a week when he saw the youth of his church helping those in need, “We are to be neighbors by demonstrating mercy through acts of love,” he said. “The church is often guilty of having holy huddles but never saying, ‘Break!’ We must leave the walls of the church ‘to go and do likewise’ (Luke 10:36-37) in the community around us. Our teens know, to be the neighbor Christ has called them to be, they cannot just look the other way and pass by a person in need.”

Don Taylor said ESVA Housing is looking for a pool of volunteers to help with the construction of ramps and home repairs. Supervision will be provided at the building site to help those with no construction experience. Volunteers can come from civic clubs, churches, schools, individuals, and any other group willing to donate a few hours to help their neighbors.

Taylor said the ESVA Housing Mission’s purpose is really very simple: “For those who can’t afford essential home repairs, we want to make homes warm, safe, and dry.”

For more information on the ESVA Housing Mission, call 757-709-5468, email Dawn Parks at dawn@esvahm.org or go to its website at www.ESVAHM.ORG.