By Haylie Robinson
Contributed Photos
The Bladen Baptist Association, a beacon of hope and compassion, has been making a significant impact in the lives of many individuals and communities in the region. Led by their dedicated team, including the Associational Mission Strategist, David Foster, and the efficient Administrative Assistant, Kelly Self, the association has been actively involved in various outreach programs and initiatives.
One of the most impactful projects undertaken by the Bladen Baptist Association is their Ramp Ministry. With the goal of helping residents and family members facing mobility challenges, the ministry aims to provide much-needed ramps to those who have difficulty accessing their homes. Led by David Foster, the Ramp Ministry has achieved remarkable milestones in recent years, with 47 ramps constructed in 2021 and an impressive 68 ramps in 2022. The team’s dedication has remained strong in 2023, with around 55 ramps already built and more in progress.
David Foster’s commitment to the cause is evident in his words, “We desire to help residents and family members that have difficulty getting in and out of their homes. To go to doctor visits or get out of their homes.” The growing demand for their service is a testament to their impact on the community. David shared, “We’re ahead of the game this year with making ramps. We currently have around 20 to 25 requests when we usually get one a week.” However, the Ramp Ministry’s popularity also means a waitlist, with around four months of waiting time due to high demand.
The Appalachian Christmas Outreach is another essential initiative undertaken by the Bladen Baptist Association. This outreach program’s primary purpose is to minister physically and spiritually to the people in some of the nation’s most impoverished areas. The teams travel to West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina, engaging in various projects that have a lasting impact.
Projects during the outreach include week-long service in children’s ministry, sports clinics, music programs, and construction projects. These initiatives serve the community’s immediate needs and contribute to their long-term growth and development. The mission opportunities include collecting, delivering, and distributing essential items like food, school supplies, and clothing. The Bladen Baptist Association, partnered with Big Springs Baptist Church, focuses on Mallory, West Virginia, and has been actively involved in this location for five years.
David Foster explained, “Here at Bladen Baptist Association, we are our drop-off station for the backpacks so that folks can bring the backpacks to our association.” This central role allows the association to gather much-needed supplies, and many churches, even if they don’t go on mission trips, actively participate by collecting backpacks for the outreach program.
“The Appalachian Christmas Outreach is something the state convention has been doing by themselves for a number of years, probably about 10 years,” added David Foster. This collaboration reflects the association’s commitment to working with other organizations to maximize their impact and reach a broader audience.
The Bladen Baptist Association, under the leadership of David Foster and Kelly Self, has proven to be a remarkable force for good in the community. Through their Ramp Ministry, they are improving accessibility and independence for those in need. With their Appalachian Christmas Outreach, they are bringing joy and hope to some of the nation’s most impoverished areas. Their dedication to serving others and their collaborative efforts with partnering churches and organizations exemplify the true spirit of community service and Christian love. As they continue to make a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals, the Bladen Baptist Association stands as a shining example of compassion and purpose. To learn more about their initiatives and get involved, visit their website at https://bladenbaptists.com/.
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