Miss Dorothy, 85, lives alone with the aid of a daytime helper. Some months ago, she called a plumber to unstop her kitchen sink. The bill was $35 even though he was only there 10 minutes. Recently the sink stopped up again, but this time it was on the weekend. She called a neighbor-a member of her church-for help because he often did "handyman" things. A few minutes after he arrived the drain worked once again. The neighbor stayed and visited with her and learned about her niece and nephew who lived in another town in North Carolina. He accepted no pay for his service. 

The Need

During this economic crisis, many individuals and families will have less disposable income by which to maintain their homes. Many will allow their homes to fall into disrepair as they spend their earnings and savings on other living expenses.

Likewise, with the help of medical advances, society is becoming older. As a result, many more elderly people live alone after a spouse dies, or live together, but are unable to do some of the routine handyman type of repairs they once did. Many live on fixed incomes and are unable to pay the high costs of house calls for simple repairs. The Scriptures reflect their universal cry, "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” (Psalm 71:9, NIV)

Scripture answers that cry of need with the injunction to those who can help: "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble." (Psalm 41:1, NIV) "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (I John 3:17-18, NIV)

North Carolina Baptist Men encourages churches and associations to develop a handyman ministry for helping people within their community. For more information and resources, click here.