N.C. Baptist volunteers team up with 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'

By Patty E. Shaver

BR Graphics Editor

On the morning of Nov. 30, Linda and William Riggins of Raleigh received the surprise of a lifetime when the design team of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (EMHE) arrived in front of their home to announce that they had been selected to receive a home makeover.

Once the word was out, Steve Stancil, on site coordinator of North Carolina Baptist Men (NCBM), who was sworn to secrecy, began making calls to enlist volunteers to help out during the makeover. Normally, it is his job to call out and mobilize people and resources when a disaster occurs. However, this was a unique opportunity for NCBM to serve in an exciting and uplifting circumstance.

Familiar with NCBM's work, Linda Dickert, marketing director for Home Life Communities (HLC), contacted the NCBM office in search of a canopy to shelter staff during the makeover. A confidentiality statement was signed and NCBM made preparations to deliver and staff a mobile command unit, which is typically used as a communication center during disaster relief work. During the makeover the command post served as a check in point for volunteers and contractors. It also provided office space for the television program's team leaders, and was equipped with Internet and laptop computer access.

NCBM members answer the call

"It was 10:34" when Stancil called, said Sonja Hayes. "I know because I looked at my watch." Before Stancil could finish talking, Hayes answered with excitement, "I am so there!" "When is it - What can I do?" she asked. Hayes was off work and on site within an hour and stayed for five days.

Hayes, trained in mass feeding and recovery, helped with the demolition of the old house and sheet rocking of the new home. "I felt I was doing something disaster relief related," she said. However, Hayes saw this as a "different kind of ministry" opportunity. She believes Christians should help, minister, love and share the gospel at all times - and that's exactly what she did. "We were able to witness to people who we normally wouldn't be able to," she said. She shared the gospel with a security guard and a construction worker who was working on designer Ty Pennington's secret room. "I love my God and I love to share Him with everyone," she said.

John Gore, NCBM vice-president for the Piedmont area, and his wife Peggy of Thomasville also responded to Stancil's call. As John staffed the command unit, Peggy helped carry furniture into the new home, unpacked boxes and stocked the pantry, laundry room and closets.

"It was like moving into a new house only with hundreds of volunteers," she said.

Volunteers were thrilled to be there and to help in any way they could, Peggy Gore said. "It was wonderful to see all the excitement," she said. "Everyone worked in one accord to help out." As one crew was finishing up, another was waiting to go in.

It is one thing to see the television show, but quite another to actually be there and be involved, Gore said. "All at once it seemed there was a new home; it was almost hard to believe," she said. Even though the cast, crew and volunteers were up 24 hours straight, there was never a harsh word, she said. "Thousands of volunteers were everywhere. It was amazing to how well they all pulled this together - this was well choreographed," Gore said. "I loved every minute of it."

It's exciting to see how people can work together, said John Gore. "It just shows what people can do when we all pull together," he said. Volunteers took time out to help a family in need giving of their time; many gave up vacations and pay to do this. "I spoke with many volunteers that had a soft spot for giving," said Gore. "Many asked about our organization and the work we do. "I was able to get the word out on what North Carolina Baptist Men is all about."

The Riggins family comes home

Linda Riggins, associate director for Building Together Ministries (BTM) and recipient of the home makeover, understands the impact volunteers can have on a family and community.

Riggins was told that the outpouring of help during her home makeover was so great that thousands of volunteers sat around waiting for their chance to help. After getting registered, volunteers received a badge and T-shirt, then were sent to a holding area to wait for their turn to help. "This was such an incredible gift," said Riggins.

"This is a huge blessing," she said. This experience "keeps me hopeful - it makes me pray all the more," she said.

As the limousine carrying the Riggins family moved slowly down Poplar Street to the new home, they were greeted by the cheers of thousands of volunteers and people from the community. "I was overcome by the noise of the crowd," Riggins said. "I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.

"We are very thankful for ABC and Extreme Makeover for everything and how God used these two vehicles as a perfect gift, and how He used them to bless not only the Riggins family, but also the community."

The Building Together Ministries (BTM) facility, located across the street from the Riggins' home, also received a makeover that included a new roof and other improvements. BTM is a Christian organization that provides educational resources for need families in need.

When asked what faith message the experience sent to the community, Riggins replied, "The message is based on Christian service to your community. God gives so much - not just physical, but in terms of mental capacity, gifts and talents that are not for us to keep for ourselves, but to give for kingdom building. It is about how people can use their gifts to bless and motivate others. It is an opportunity to live and serve and praise God."

If Riggins could speak directly to the volunteers who helped with the makeover, "It would be simple and so great: Thank-you," she said. "We know what a great sacrifice this was. Many gave up time with family, communities, churches and paying jobs. We believe that God will reward them. I encourage them to not get tired or weary, but continue to look for opportunities to do good and serve. There's a whole lot more that can be done in the community. Building Together Ministries and many other organizations thrive on volunteers. The superstars are gone. We still have many needy families who can benefit from North Carolina Baptist Men and others."

The "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" episode featuring the Raleigh project is scheduled to air Jan. 21 at 8 p.m.

Visit ncmissions for information about North Carolina Baptist Men. To learn more about Building Together Ministries, contact Linda Riggins at lriggins@btministries.com or visit btministries.

(EDITOR'S NOTE - Gaylon Moss, disaster relief director/volunteerism coordinator of North Carolina Baptist Men, supplied information for this story).