By Whitney Barnes
Staff Writer

In a heartwarming display of unity, a coalition of churches from the Missouri Valley Baptist Association (MVBA) recently came together to build a ramp for a woman in need, demonstrating that faith in action can truly enhance lives.

“Second Saturday Serve” is a community service outreach ministry organized by MVBA that concentrates on mission projects, like ramp building, both within the county and in neighboring areas.

Pastor Paul List mentioned that the idea for the “Second Saturday Serve” community service outreach ministry originated nearly four years ago, after he returned home from a mission trip where he helped build a house for a family in Juarez, Mexico.

“The Lord put it on my heart to start a local missions project here right at home,” he said. “We started ‘Second Saturday Serve’ that same year and have been blessed with several projects since then.”

MVBA Ministry Assistant and volunteer Marita Avilez noted that the first ramp they built was in December 2020 for a widow in Norborne. Since then, they have constructed a total of 11 ramps.

The most recent “Second Saturday Serve” project involved constructing a ramp for a woman in Marshall whose daughter uses a wheelchair. The woman expressed concerns about the safety of the existing deck and ramp, noting that they were built with untreated lumber, which was beginning to rot and deteriorate. Additionally, she mentioned that the deck and ramp lacked handrails.

On Thursday, Nov. 1, the MVBA team began demolishing the old ramp, and by Nov. 2, they had completed the construction of a new deck.

The “Second Saturday Serve” community service outreach ministry goes beyond just building ramps, too. List said they have participated in various service projects for individuals, such as raking leaves, painting, removing fences, power washing, performing winter vehicle checks, and assisting with other needs.

“Typically, we provide the labor and tools and ask the family to buy the materials,” he said. “Sometimes they do not have the funds, and our churches generously donate to the MVBA’s missions fund so we can also help cover the costs if need be. There have been several times when an individual church will cover the costs. We have amazing churches.”

A simple addition like a ramp or a new set of steps can fulfill a real need for some families. By expressing Jesus’s love through tangible ways, List said they help individuals keep the Lord’s love in mind each time they enter or leave their home.

“We always ask the family if we can pray for them and explain that we’re just doing the project as a way to remind them that Jesus loves them,” he said. “While the family is blessed, the experience for elementary, high school and college students gives them an opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission and to learn that we are most blessed when we bless others. A small gesture can make a big difference.”

Avilez participated as a volunteer in the latest ramp construction project. When asked about her inspiration for volunteering, she referenced 1 John 4:19, which states, “We love because he first loved.”

“I feel like God has blessed me with so much, and I want to use my resources and abilities to bless those in need,” she said. “I also want people to know about God’s love for them. When we do projects to meet people’s physical needs, it opens their heart up to their spiritual needs and opportunities to share with them.”

List said he encourages people of all ages to participate in helping those in need and sees it as an opportunity to teach the next generation how to use tools and basic carpentry skills to bless others.

“We never know when or where these projects are going to come from,” he said. We usually slow down in the winter months, but ‘ramp up’ again as the temperatures go up. We always appreciate help, no matter the skill level. Just follow the MVBA Facebook page for ‘Second Saturday Alerts.’”

In closing, Avilez shared that their theme verse is Galatians 6:9-10, which states, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.”