BHHM Articles - Baptist Homes Healthcare Ministries

What’s So Golden About the Golden Years?

Many readers may remember the late Billy Graham’s long-running question-and-answer column in Decision magazine, where he addressed deep questions of faith in a fallen world. One such question stood out: “What’s so golden about the golden years? I don’t see anything ‘golden’ about walkers, wheelchairs, and nursing homes.”

Dr. Graham responded with his characteristic wisdom and grace. He explained that the term “golden years” was actually coined in 1959 as part of an advertising campaign for one of America’s first retirement communities. The idea quickly caught on, promoting retirement as a time of leisure, pleasure, and ease.

But the Bible never glosses over the challenges of aging—nor did Billy Graham. He often reminded readers that while aging brings undeniable hardships, it does not mean our lives are without purpose. In fact, he believed the opposite.

At the time of his passing in 2018, Dr. Graham had spent nearly five years using a walker and wheelchair and receiving regular nursing care. In a moment of touching irony, it was a nursing student who discovered that he had gone home to be with the Lord.

When asked about his declining health, Graham simply reiterated his own words:

“The Bible doesn’t hide the negative side of getting older—nor should we.”

He faced the trials of aging with honesty and hope. Despite physical decline, he expressed gratitude for each day, knowing that God had a purpose for every moment. He believed that some of his most spiritually fruitful years came after his last public crusade—years filled with deeper prayer, meditation on Scripture, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ.

Scripture offers numerous examples of faithful men and women who refused to view old age as a time of passivity or indulgence. One such example is Barzillai, a lesser-known yet vital figure in the life of King David. In his old age, Barzillai provided crucial support and hospitality to the king during a time of crisis (2 Samuel 19:32–37). His generosity and courage played a part in preserving the Davidic line, through which the eternal reign of Jesus Christ was fulfilled.

The Holy Spirit, in divine wisdom, included the biblical narratives of Barzillai—and Psalm 71—to speak directly to aging faithfully. Psalm 71, which has served as the biblical foundation of Baptist Homes since 1913, reminds us that old age is not a season of retreat from God’s work, but a calling to continued faith, service, and hope.

So, what’s truly golden about the golden years? Not ease or luxury, but the enduring presence and purpose of God in every stage of life.

Neighbor Spotlight: Linda Reese

Linda Reese

A Giving Heart

Linda Reese, one of the friendly faces at Baptist Homes of Adrian, was born on December 4, 1956, in Troy, New York. Over the years, life took her from the East Coast to the Midwest. First, to Kansas in the 1980s, and eventually she settled in Missouri to be closer to her daughter.

Linda and her husband, Floyd, have been married for 20 years. She is the proud mother of four children and has a big, loving family that includes 13 grandchildren. Linda has always had a caring heart—she worked for years as a nurse’s aide and CNA, helping others through her work. That same caring spirit still shines through today in the thoughtful ways she spends her time.

One of Linda’s favorite pastimes is making baby blankets; each one is made with a lot of love. She also enjoys doing puzzles, playing cards, and creating diamond dot art, a relaxing hobby that lets her creative side shine.

Although Linda was raised Catholic, she made a personal decision to be baptized in 2022. She first moved into a different care facility, but found it wasn’t quite what she was looking for. As soon as Baptist Homes of Adrian opened, she made the move and has loved being there.

She’s warm, welcoming, and always up for a chat. We’re grateful to have Linda as part of our community here at Baptist Homes.

Employee Spotlight: Linda Gerteman

Linda Gerteman

Faithful Service & Friendly Smile

Meet Linda Gerteman, a dedicated and beloved team member who has faithfully served our Tri-County campus for an incredible 28 years!

Linda’s heart for her work shines through in everything she does. Her favorite part of the job? Making sure every resident feels seen, respected, and cared for—starting with something as personal as their clothing. She takes great pride in ensuring that each item is returned to its rightful owner, knowing how important it is for residents to feel at home. And if something goes missing, she doesn’t stop until it’s found—even if it means searching room to room. Her attention to detail and determination reflect her deep commitment to those she serves.

Linda is always friendly, always helpful, and always dependable. Whether she’s chatting with residents or encouraging coworkers, her positive attitude is a blessing to all who know her.

When she’s not hard at work, Linda enjoys riding her bike and spending time with her children.

Thank you, Linda, for your faithful service and compassionate heart!

From Food Jars to Future Care: Giving to Baptist Homes (Part Four)

From its beginning, Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries (BHHM) has been supported by donors who believe in and support the care for the aged. We continue our review of donor gifting options to BHHM. This month, we look at special circumstances.

Memorial and Tribute Gifts

Donations can honor or memorialize a loved one or friend, creating a lasting memory. They can also celebrate special life events or people. Gifts have been made to BHHM’s Shepherds Care ministry at BH of Arcadia Valley, which supports ministers and their wives. Many churches in the Missouri Baptist Convention participate in the Anniversary Offering. The Anniversary Offering is given by couples in honor of their wedding anniversary. These gifts support the BHHM general ministry.

Seasonal Giving Programs

BHHM encourages giving at special times of the year for specific purposes. National Nursing Week is May 6-12. BHHM began a fund to encourage nursing professional development and to recruit and retain nurses. BHHM also encourages December giving for a Christmas gift for our residents.

Capital Campaign Contributions

Capital campaign contributions support specific building projects or campus improvements at Baptist Homes. Recent campaigns have funded new construction at our Ashland campus. These gifts can be one-time donations or pledged over several years. Donors can designate their gifts for specific purposes like chapel construction, resident room renovations, or healthcare equipment upgrades. All contributions help BHHM fulfill its mission of Christlike care.

Naming Opportunities

Baptist Homes offers opportunities to name spaces, rooms, or buildings in honor or memory of loved ones through significant donations. These lasting tributes can include resident rooms, dining areas, chapels, or entire facilities. Each naming opportunity has specific giving thresholds. Donors receive recognition through permanent plaques and dedication ceremonies. Such gifts create enduring legacies while supporting BHHM’s mission to provide quality care for aging adults in a Christ-centered environment.

But I Promised

By Dr. Ron Mackey, Vice President, Community Engagement

Many years ago, when I first began working for Baptist Homes, I visited a donor who mentioned that his sister, who was struggling with dementia, had recently moved in with her son and daughter-in-law because living alone was unmanageable. He asked if he could pass along my contact information to his nephew. After a few weeks went by, I received a rather frantic phone call from the nephew.

The nephew was in a panic. Earlier that day, he had received a call from the local police informing him they had picked up his mother, who was found walking down a busy street barefoot and in her nightgown. As we discussed the details – he and his wife needing to work so mom was left home alone, her daily needs being more than he could imagine, and the stress of keeping her content in a strange new place – he became overwhelmed and began to cry. Amid his tears, he uttered a phrase I have heard repeatedly over the years, “I promised dad I would take care of mom and never put her in a nursing home.”

That promise, shared in various ways, always boils down to the same idea – don’t let me end up in a nursing home. That desire is completely understandable, and in many cases justified. There are many reasons for this sentiment. First, we all want to remain independent in our own homes and able to care for ourselves. Second, we’ve heard too many horror stories about nursing homes, and in recent years, we have seen countless advertisements warning us about those ‘dreaded places’. Third, we’ve made promises to loved ones that we now are struggling to keep.

One thing I have learned in dealing with my own aging parents and assisting others in the same struggle is that this is not a straightforward, logic-oriented process. Often the dilemma is necessitated by a health crisis and requires an almost immediate decision. The decision is complicated by the confusing array of possibilities with significant consequences, which can lead you to feel overwhelmed and disoriented.

Throughout this process, you need a trusted guide and friend to help you decide what is best. The Baptist Homes are here to assist you. On each of our campuses, competent, patient, and compassionate staff are there to listen, pray with you, and offer insight to address your questions and concerns. We know how difficult it is to travel this path. It is our calling to assist you in providing the best solutions for your loved ones.

You can reach us at the contact information below:

Baptist Homes of Adrian 816-297-8901

Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley 573-546-7429

Baptist Homes of Ashland 573-657-0506

Baptist Homes of Ozark 417-581-2101

Baptist Homes of Shelbina 573-588-4175

Baptist Homes of Smithville 816-873-6500

Baptist Homes Tri County 573-594-6467

If you are facing that difficult decision of honoring your parents’ wishes while ensuring their safety and wellbeing, we are just a phone call away.

In All Things, Pray…

In all things, pray…

When I was nine years old, our family was on vacation when I became ill. That was not unusual for me. I was the kid who got the chicken pox in Colorado, experienced some kind of stomach bug in New Orleans, and had a cast on my leg when we went to the beaches in Florida. This experience was different. We were in northern California, having just visited my aunt, uncle and their kids in Oregon, when I began to have serious health issues. Mom and Dad took me to a nearby hospital in a small town to be examined. They learned that I had a ruptured appendix, and a serious infection had set in. According to the doctor, I had maybe 30 minutes to live without surgery.

Over the years, when my dad told this story, he always made sure to include that was the moment he learned to trust God in prayer. There he was, a young father and relatively new Christian, a thousand miles from home, and alone with his wife, young daughter, and very ill son. Dad’s first instinct was to call our pastor back in Oklahoma to ask him to pray, and then he, my mom, and my sister found the little chapel in the hospital and spent the next several hours praying and fearing the worst.

Well, obviously, I survived, but I have grown up hearing my parents retell this story over and over as a mile marker of great importance in their faith journeys.

As I travel the state, meeting with churches and donors, I am often asked “How can we help the Homes?” My first reply is and always will be, “Please pray for us.” So, for this month’s newsletter, I thought I would share with you how you can pray for Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries.

Pray for our 440 residents and their families. The whole process of leaving home, moving to a healthcare campus, and learning to let others provide very personal care is one of the most difficult processes in our lives. Aging is a tough process for both the aging senior and their family. Please pray for them.
Pray for our 400+ employees, especially those who serve aging seniors in direct care. Their jobs are both physically and emotionally challenging. A quality caregiver will experience loss on a regular basis. They grieve in their own ways as they watch a senior physically and emotionally decline and eventually pass from this world. Please pray for them.
Pray for God’s favor on us as a ministry. Pray that we will have favor among those looking for a place for their aging loved one. Pray that we will have favor among state and federal bureaucracies who regulate and inspect our campuses. Please pray for those entrusted to regulate and inspect our campuses.
Pray for God’s protection over our physical campuses. This year has been challenging, as we’ve dealt with a tough winter followed by a spring that has brought multiple tornado warnings to our campuses. So far, the damages we’ve had have been minor. Pray for God’s protection over our campuses.
Pray that God will raise us up to set the standard for what it looks likes to care for the aging in a Christlike manner.

Thank you in advance for your prayers!

Employee Spotlight: Colton Wright

Colton Wright

Fueled by Compassion, Driven by Purpose

This month, we’re proud to highlight Colton Wright, a dedicated CNA/L1MA at our Ozark campus.

Colton has been part of the Baptist Homes of Ozark team for five years, forming meaningful connections with both residents and fellow staff members. He says the most rewarding part of his role is the opportunity to care for those who live at the home. “I’ve gotten close with everyone and have grown to love them,” he shares. Colton is passionate about growing in his nursing journey and continues to expand his skills with plans to advance his career even further.

Colton’s dedication to compassionate care and his commitment to our mission make him an invaluable member of the team. We’re honored to celebrate him in this month’s Employee Spotlight.

For more articles like this one, click here.

Outside of work, Colton enjoys riding his motorcycle, working out, and spending time with family—including his French bulldog, Charlie. A devoted sports enthusiast, he especially enjoys basketball, football, and MMA.

Called To Care

I was just a teenager when I began working in long-term care. As a nursing student, most of my peers dreamed of life-saving hospital jobs or cutting-edge clinical roles. Few imagined their future in nursing homes—unless they had a personal connection, like a parent or sibling working in senior care. But for me, it was different. I’m deeply grateful for the gentle, unmistakable leading of God’s still small voice that called me to serve older adults.

One of the Scriptures that continues to affirm this calling is Isaiah 46:4:

“Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”

This verse beautifully reflects God’s heart for the aging. It reminds us that He does not forsake us in our later years; He lovingly carries us through every season of life. As believers, we are called to mirror that same compassion and care, upholding the dignity of the elderly in both word and action.

In “Caring for the Elderly”, an article published by Focus on the Family, Bill Goodrich shares the moving story of Gail and Jim.

Gail had recently moved into a nursing home. Lonely, afraid, and disoriented, she longed to return to the life she once knew. Overwhelmed, she prayed timidly and despairingly and with a touch of anger:

“Why, God? What did I do wrong? Are you there?”

Months passed and then came an unexpected knock at the door.

On the other side stood Jim. Visiting a nursing home had never been easy for him. In his mind, such places symbolized loss and hopelessness. But because Jim had offered his life to the Lord—anywhere, any way, at any cost—God led him to that very hallway, to that very room, to that very person.

Their story was part of a broader message: that the Church can and should engage meaningfully with those in long-term care. We at Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries encourage congregations to adopt a Baptist Homes campus or a local nursing home in your community—not only to intercede for and visit residents, but to pray for caregivers and build ongoing relationships that foster discipleship and share the hope of Christ. Whether a small congregation or a large body of believers, this is a ministry within reach.

At Baptist Homes, we are committed to creating an environment rooted in love, dignity, and faith. It’s humbling how many of our neighbors—a term we often use for residents—tell me they desired to live at Baptist Homes when the time came. Some were drawn to the promise of compassionate care, others to the joy of living in a Christian setting during their retirement years.

No matter what path brings someone to our doors, our mission is the same: to care deeply for the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. That’s more than a profession. It’s a calling rooted in love and purpose. Are you or your church being called? If so, we’d love to help you take the next step. Reach out to us at info@bhhm.org, and we’ll connect you with one of our campuses or to a nearby nursing home in need of your care and presence.

Together in His service,

Rodney Harrison, President of BHHM

Neighbor Spotlight: Ken Jones

A Life of Adventure & Innovation

Ken was born east of Bethel, Missouri, on May 6, 1921. He later married his wife, Marge (Magruder) Jones. A funny story: Ken grew up in Bethel and attended school there and in Stafenville, while Marge grew up in Shelbina—just a town or two away. Despite their close proximity growing up, they never met until they both moved to St. Louis and began working at the same company. Marge delivered mail there, and Ken said he was lucky enough to be at the desk the day she came by. That chance meeting led to a lifelong partnership.

They were married in Arkansas in September 1947 because there was no waiting period to get married there. Ken and Marge were together for 63 years, and he often reflects on what a wonderful marriage they shared. While they didn’t have children, their life together was full of adventures.

Ken had an extraordinary career. He worked at McDonnell Douglas for 43 years. The company leased him out to the Air Force, which allowed him to travel the world—visiting countries like Iran, France, Morocco, Germany, Great Britain, and Japan, as well as many places across the United States. He attended Bethel School and later Washington University in St. Louis, where he majored in Electrical Engineering.

Ken enjoys playing Pitch, discussing politics, sharing stories from his many travels, and checking the stock market.

From a young age, Ken had a passion for science and loved learning how things worked. When he was in 6th or 7th grade, he built a radio out of spare parts—becoming the only one in his neighborhood with a working radio, which made his house a popular gathering spot. Around the age of 12 or 13, he even installed a homemade light on his dad’s tractor so they could work at night—long before tractors came equipped with lights.

Ken Jones is a truly fascinating individual. He has experienced more in one lifetime than most could imagine. Among his many incredible accomplishments, he shared that he worked on the wiring for the first atomic bomb and contributed to the F-86 aircraft—the plane that broke the sound barrier.

From Food Jars to Future Care: Giving to Baptist Homes (Part Three)

Alternative Giving Methods

Donor-advised funds

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable account that allows individuals to donate money, stocks, or other assets to support charities. How do DAFs work? The donor receives a tax deduction for their contribution. The funds are invested by a third party, like a public charity, community foundation, or financial institution.

The donor can recommend how the funds are given to their chosen charities. Donors can receive tax deductions for their contributions, the funds can grow tax-free, and donors can consolidate their donations into one account.

Stocks and securities

Baptist Homes accepts stock as a gift or donation, which may provide more benefits than a cash gift. Donors can eliminate the capital gains tax from selling the stock and receive tangible tax savings while maximizing the giving impact.

Real estate donations

Donating real estate to BHHM can provide benefits and help donors leave a lasting legacy.

A gift of real estate can benefit donors with a tax deduction of the property’s fair market value from their income taxes. It helps avoid capital gains tax on the property’s appreciation and eliminates ongoing maintenance costs, real estate taxes, and insurance. A donor can donate the property directly to Baptist Homes, use it to set up a charitable remainder trust or donor-advised fund, or include it in their estate plans. It’s wise to consult a financial advisor or attorney about the best way to donate real estate.

Matching gifts

Matching gifts are a program where companies or individual donors match a donation to Baptist Homes. This can double the impact. Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy where companies match their employees’ donations to nonprofits. Some employers will match an employee’s donation up to a limit. Individual donors can give a major gift to encourage others by making it a dollar-for-dollar matching gift.

By Nick Davis, Director of Advancement

The Senior, Senior Prom

Remember your Senior Prom? You know that awkward event where we first had to find someone willing to attend with us, then we had to find the right outfit, etc. When the day arrived, we dressed up, showed up and then we sat around in the high school gym watching a few brave souls shuffle around the would-be dance floor. And for some reason, the whole thing was quite memorable!

Recently, at the Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley, we held a Senior Prom. Life Enrichment Coordinator Debbie Boswell, her team, and many of the campus staff spent hours transforming one of the dining rooms into a beautiful prom event. Dresses were donated from all over the area, the dining room was artfully decorated, and staff were recruited to wear their own tuxes and prom dresses. The day of the event arrived with the ladies having their hair and makeup done just right, and the men – well, they did their best!

My wife and I had the opportunity to attend, and I must tell you it was a beautiful thing to be a part of. Each neighbor promenaded through the balloon-covered archway to their place and chatted like school kids again. Then the music began to play, and a few brave souls joined the fun. A couple now in their 90’s, who’ve been married for six decades, took their spin on the dance floor. The husband gently maneuvered his wife in her wheelchair around the floor. The look on their faces was priceless. You could see the joy, love and intimacy they had shared for decades.

The staff joined in and danced with one lady to the Elvis song, “Jail House Rock”. Amazingly, this neighbor, normally confined to a wheelchair, stood to her feet and ‘danced’ with those who normally help her with her meds, push her from one place to the next and care for her physically. In that moment they were friends—just girls celebrating life together.

The Baptist Home is not a place to come and die, it is a place to come and live life well for the last days of our life. On this day, it was also a place to celebrate, relive, feel beautiful and handsome, and remember the joys of youth!

From Food Jars to Future Care

Giving to Baptist Homes (Part Two)

From its beginning, Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries (BHHM) has been supported by donors who believe in and support the care for the aged. We continue our review of donor giving options to BHHM. This month, we look at planned giving. Most of these features require professional assistance such as an estate-planning attorney, planned giving consultant, or insurance underwriter. Planned giving can be offered in these ways:

Bequest and estate planning

Estate planning is the process of arranging how your assets and medical care will be handled after you die or become incapacitated. It involves creating legal documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Estate planning and philanthropy are connected because you can use your estate plan to support charitable causes. This can help you leave a legacy, support your values, and potentially save taxes. Estate planning may also allow a donor to make a larger gift than possible during their lifetime.

Life insurance beneficiary

Donors may use life insurance policies to support Baptist Homes by making us a beneficiary to the policy. It is a simple way to make a significant future gift. There is no current cost to the donor and the beneficiary can be changed if life circumstances change.

Charitable gift annuities

A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is a lifelong contract where a donation is made to BHHM in exchange for fixed income payments. The CGA can be funded with cash donations, securities, or gifts of personal property. BHHM pays the donor a fixed income for life, based on age at the time of the gift, life expectancy, and whether there are one or two beneficiaries. Donors may also be eligible to take a tax deduction at the time of the original gift. A portion of the payments the donor receives may also be tax-free for a period of time. At the end of the donor’s life — or the second donor’s life if the CGA is arranged for two people — BHHM is entitled to the remainder of the gift. CGAs support Baptist Homes while providing donors an income.

Retirement account designations

A retirement account beneficiary designation specifies who will receive assets from a retirement account after the account owner dies. Beneficiary designations override any instructions in a will. There can be levels of beneficiaries. A primary beneficiary inherits the account after the owner’s death. A contingent beneficiary inherits the account if the primary beneficiary dies before the owner. Subsequent beneficiaries inherit the account if the primary or contingent beneficiary dies. Retirement account owners may also designate equal shares to multiple beneficiaries and customize how assets are distributed to them. It is good to review your beneficiary designations annually or after major life changes.

Charitable remainder trusts

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a tax-exempt trust that allows donors to donate assets to charity while receiving income for life or a set period. How does it work? The donor places assets into an irrevocable trust. The trust pays the donor or a beneficiary a fixed amount or percentage of the trust’s income each year. At the end of the trust term, the remaining assets go to Baptist Homes. CRTs can be funded with cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. The CRT benefits donors by allowing them to receive an immediate charitable deduction and avoid paying taxes on capital gains when they sell assets in the trust. Donors can receive a reliable income for life or a set period.