BAPTIST ON MISSION – BURNSVILLE, NC
I’ve often heard that people who dedicate themselves to serving others often experience deep personal growth, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. I now know personally that those who renew others in need, will be renewed. I’ve learned that service can take many forms—whether through acts of kindness, professional roles, or volunteer work—but the impact tends to be both internal and external.

I recently returned from a week in Burnsville NC working with a team of old Marines buddies helping the victims of Hurricane Helene. We volunteered our services doing mostly electrical, carpentry and clean up services but any help is greatly appreciated. Baptists on Mission is responding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the mountains of western North Carolina. Right after Helene hit, they set up large feeding and recovery (mud out, tear out, chainsaw, etc.) operations in 14 locations in Western North Carolina. Currently, they are operating 7 different sites. Volunteers have been helping with feeding, shower and laundry and recovery. They are also rebuilding homes, providing Essential Rapid Repairs (ERR) to get homeowners back into their homes as quickly as possible. So far, more than 500,000 hot meals have been provided, over 12,000 volunteers have served and more than 5,000 recovery jobs on homes have been completed. I throughly enjoyed every minute working with my team and the men and woman of the Baptists on Mission teams. People from all over the country Texas, Mississippi, Virginia, NC, SC, VT, Etc.. wonderful fellow Americans doing, giving and serving others.

For over 50 years I have had the distinct pleasure to witness my Marine brothers demonstrate service to others almost daily in their lives. I’m humble by their service and dedication to others and the sacrifices they make to help their community and others across the world.

Here’s some of the the charitable organizations they volunteer services to and their mission:

1. Wreaths Across America – Mike Paquette, Long Island NY, Lee Hilt, Colonie, New York
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/171871/Overview/?relatedId=14720&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goIMVdNgTxxRJuSDA3SBRZMqXYVenfXHZY1SjhY3cuMlq1xOMKitKvBoCpuAQAvD_BwE

• Mission: This organization honors fallen veterans by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries across the U.S., including Arlington National Cemetery.

• Their volunteering involves:

• Laying wreaths on veterans’ graves during National Wreaths Across America Day in December.

• Fundraising and sponsorship efforts to support the program.

• Coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in local communities.

• Impact: Ensures that the sacrifices of veterans are remembered and honored.

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2. Hearts for Orphans – Steve & Nancy Hathaway, Founders – Williamsburg, VA
https://www.heartfororphans.com/

• Mission: Supports orphaned and at-risk children, particularly in Eastern Europe and other areas, by providing housing, education, and emotional support.

• Volunteer Opportunities:

• Mentoring and supporting young adults aging out of orphanages.

• Organizing and participating in mission trips.

• Helping with fundraising, advocacy, and donation drives for supplies.

• Impact: Helps vulnerable children and young adults transition to independent living with love and support.

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3. Veterans Shuttle Services – Mike Paquette, Long Island NY
https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vtp/veterans_transportation_service.asp

• Mission: Provides free or low-cost transportation for veterans to medical appointments, VA hospitals, and other essential services.

• Volunteer Opportunities:

• Driving veterans to and from appointments.

• Assisting veterans with mobility challenges during transport.

• Supporting outreach and administrative work to coordinate rides.

• Impact: Ensures veterans have access to healthcare and essential services without financial or transportation barriers.

There are many disasters across the country as well as ordinary people in need. Donations are needed but service directly I’ve found personally impactful. As we left each home the gratitude, tears and appreciation was palatable. Miss Inez (her home pictured below) summed it up the best by saying… I surely appreciate yall coming to help me… I can’t thank you enough. That evening homemade lemon cookies showed up on the delivered by a lady to say thanks to the boys that helped her today….. not sure if it was Inez but either way things always taste better that way.