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NCBAM reaches across state
Dianna L. Cagle, BR Assistant Managing Editor
November 15, 2010
2 MIN READ TIME

NCBAM reaches across state

NCBAM reaches across state
Dianna L. Cagle, BR Assistant Managing Editor
November 15, 2010

North Carolina Baptist’s

ministry to an aging population was just introduced at last year’s annual

meeting but has already begun making a difference in a number of communities

and in individual’s lives.

“We do not build retirement

homes but we sure do help people in need,” said Michael Blackwell, North

Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry’s president.

In the report for NCBAM,

given Nov. 9 at the annual meeting of the Baptist State Convention of North

Carolina, Blackwell called himself a doting grandfather and updated messengers

about the safe arrival of his “children” early that morning.

The “children” are from

Baptist Children’s Home (BCH) who had come to Koury Convention Center the first

night of the meeting for its presentation. Blackwell also runs BCH.

For many aging men and

women, they are “sometimes just a little too proud to ask for help,” Blackwell

said.

Through NCBAM, someone had

help getting a glass eye, houses were cleaned, dishes were washed, etc.

Blackwell said NCBAM was in

63 associations and 60 churches across North Carolina.

Around 600 helpers have been

sent out through NCBAM to serve the elderly; 21 grants have been given to

churches or associations to help with NCBAM ministries; and 16 training

sessions were held.

A World War II veteran has

been alone for 32 years since his wife died from cancer in Alamance County.

Because of NCBAM, he now has access to Meals on Wheels.

Blackwell said this man has

no church affiliation.

“You and I as North Carolina

Baptists could provide God’s face,” he said.

The pamphlet provides “help

for the journey to show how you can get involved” with seniors in the local

community.

“Too many aging adults today

are falling through the cracks,” Blackwell said.

In his closing comments,

Blackwell offered some advice:

  • Be well
  • Stay strong
  • Know your numbers (blood

    pressure, cholesterol)

  • Wear sunscreen
  • Take vitamins

Blackwell encouraged people

to be aware of the needs around them.

“Friends that is NCBAM in

the flesh,” he said.

Volunteers and staff members

distributed “Passport: Help for the journey,” a handout to give ideas to help

senior citizens for each month of the year.