Commonly known as the N.C. Baptist Men, the organization has grown to include women and students since its incorporation in North Carolina almost 40 years ago. Baptists on a Mission are on a faith based operation to serve others in their time of need. Their vision of “Every Christian sharing God’s love with hurting people through word and deed,” has them reaching out to people across the state of North Carolina.”We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We want to help people use the gifts they have to help others around them,” said Richard Brunson, executive director of the NCBM and Partnership Missions.There are 17 ministries of the N.C. Baptist Men and they include: Ag Missions, Aviation Missions, Baptist Educators, Church Renewal, College Missions, Disaster Recovery, Disaster Relief, Family Foundations, International Missions, Medical Missions, Men’s Ministry, National Missions, Prayer Support, Royal Ambassadors, Sports/Recreation, State Missions, and Student Mobilization.”Every Christian is called, gifted, and sent to serve. There are gifts and talents that every Christian has. We are using our gifts and calls to be missionaries to serve others in our communities,” said Brunson.There are 15,000 trained volunteers within the disaster relief teams alone. As Hurricane Matthew destroyed many parts of Eastern North Carolina, the N.C. Baptist Men and Women Disaster Relief Ministry stepped in to assist and work with families who were left displaced and distraught.Volunteers have been involved in relief efforts which include providing meals; working through disaster recovery including mud-outs, tear-out, and chainsaw work to homes, trees and yards; offering chaplaincy; providing showers; washing laundry, and so much more.The N.C. Baptist Men and Women are currently serving in Fayetteville, Lumberton, and Kinston. Other states were invited to assist in Greenville, Whiteville, and Wallace.The effects of North Carolina from the storm were excessive and the rebuilding process will take time. Those individuals, groups, or church organizations wishing to assist the Baptist Men and Women with clean-up or provide monetary or in-kind donations are welcome.”You don’t have to be a Baptist to be involved,” said Brunson. “You just have to want to help provide meaning or a life-changing mission for people in Jesus’ name.”Baptists on Mission helps assist within communities throughout the year. Mission camps are setup in Red Springs and Shelby where youth can participate in week-long service camps. The organization also has national and international partnerships such as the Door of Hope in South Africa which has rescued more than 1,500 infants who were abandoned in garbage cans, fields, rivers, and landfills.”We tell people to ‘pray, go, and give,’ said Brunson. “You’re making a difference in someone’s life.”
