BHHM Articles - Baptist Homes Healthcare Ministries

This Is Not Your Grandfather’s Baptist Home

By Spencer Hutson, Church Relations Specialist

Many of you are old enough to remember a General Motors nameplate for a line of mid-range automobiles called Oldsmobiles. That nameplate is long gone from the GM showrooms, but a marketing slogan lives on: “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” They were trying to say that this car is something new and stands out from the past. I’m not sure how successful that marketing campaign was, but there is a truth to what was said.

The Baptist Homes of today is not your grandfather’s Baptist Home, or more accurately, The Home for Aged Baptists. We have come a long way from who we were in the early 1900s to who we are today.

There was a time when the local train station in Ironton, Missouri would call up The Home and say, “We have an inmate here for you.” The term inmate was used for those we cared for back in 1913. Someone from The Home would then show up in a Model T and pick up the new resident and their trunk of belongings and head back to The Home. Back then, we relied on the generosity of our churches who brought carloads of canned goods, and our farming efforts and gardens, dairy, chickens, pigs, and cattle, and of course, the local conservation agent that would call when there had been a deer killed on the road.

Many came to us with nothing aside from a few personal belongings. They knew it was a place to call home—a little bit of heaven this side of our eternal home.

Today we have six Baptist Homes across the state. They can serve aged Baptists from all directions in Missouri. However, what has changed is that people now have options and they are taking advantage of those options. They can stay in their own home longer through in-home health services. They more than likely have a senior adult facility close to their home, and many choose that option.

What Baptist Homes has to offer that others might not have is Christlike care for the aging. We are a sanctity of life entity that is tied to the Missouri Baptist Convention and our churches. To many, that is still a value that outweighs proximity to home. As we have said before, we are home.

For the communities and regions of the state where one of our six homes are, many choose us for our location. Having said that, we now have residents—neighbors as we call them—that come to us from other faiths and sometimes no faith backgrounds. Today, the aging population is an evangelistic mission field.

No, Baptist Homes of today is not The Baptist Home that many of us grew up visiting with our church group. Today, Baptist Homes provides the best of quality in care in a wholesome atmosphere. It welcomes residents from the areas we serve, and we provide Christlike care that goes beyond the physical and ministers to the spiritual needs of our residents.

Our churches still visit. They provide worship leadership, Bible studies, and volunteer for activities with our neighbors. This partnership with our churches is part of our Soul Care initiative that seeks to “draw all men unto Him” (John 12:32).

For more information on Baptist Homes, becoming a resident, our campuses, or how to volunteer, you can contact us at 866-454-2709 or go to our website https://bhhm.org.

Charitable Tax Deductions in 2026 – Part One

By Nick Davis, Director of Advancement

Charitable-giving rules shift in 2026 in ways that change how, when, and what you should give. The next three months of Stewardship As We Age will explain what is new, and how to plan.

What’s New in 2026

If you itemize your tax deductions, only the portion of your charitable gifts above 0.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is deductible as an itemized deduction.

How the 0.5% floor works (itemizers): Think of the floor as an insurance deductible. The first 0.5% of AGI in gifts produces no itemized deduction. Amounts above the floor are deductible (then tested against the applicable AGI percentage limits).

Example:

Adjusted Gross Income: $200,000
0.5% floor: $1,000
Cash gifts to public charities: $4,000
Deductible amount before percentage caps: $3,000 ($4,000 − $1,000)
60% limit for cash to public charities: $120,000 (not binding here)

Implication: If your annual giving is typically below the floor, you won’t see a deduction unless you “bunch” gifts so your total clears the threshold in a single year.

NEXT: Neighbors Matter

As I mentioned in a previous article, our strategic principles for the near future are built around the acronym, NEXT – Neighbors Matter, Economic Stability, eXceptional Care, and Team. For the next several editions of this newsletter, I want to focus on each of these strategic principles, beginning with this edition.

Neighbors Matter

In the history of Baptist Homes, we have referred to those we care for in a variety of ways. The original term used to refer to those living at the Home for Aged Baptists was inmate. While this is admittedly an unfortunate moniker, it was the language of the day for elderly living in a healthcare environment. Sometime in the early 1930’s, the term patient came into vogue. This title was soon supplanted by a term that lasted into the 21^st century – resident. I admit this title is the easiest for me to use personally. Recently, under the leadership of our Arcadia Valley campus executive director, Dan Stiles, we have begun using the term neighbor. Neighbor is reflective of a community of people living together. A neighbor is someone with whom you have a relationship.

Who are these neighbors? What are their lives like? Our neighbors live with us in a variety of conditions. Some are independent living neighbors. They live in duplexes or apartments and have the opportunity to be a part of a community of other neighbors who live independently on our campuses. Other neighbors live in one of the healthcare levels that we provide. These include everything from limited healthcare services experienced in residential and assisted living care, to skilled nursing care where services are provided around the clock.

These neighbors come to us from a wide variety of social and economic backgrounds. Some are lifelong residents in a farming community, while others have been urban dwellers who worked in industry or commerce most of their lives. Some come from strong family backgrounds with significant support systems, while others have no family and have lived very singular lives. A few are people of significant financial means, while most live with the concerns of one day running out of their own resources. Some are in relatively good health, while others come to live with us after a significant health issue that has changed their lifestyle permanently.

Regardless of the unique differences for each of these people, it is our responsibility to build an environment conducive to the development of new friendships, new social habits, and ultimately with new neighbors. We do this in a variety of ways. But the core of our ministry to them is to serve them as people created in the image of God, helping the believers to continue to grow in their faith in Christ, and for those who have never come to faith in Christ to create an environment that is conducive to hearing and responding to the life-changing message of salvation in Christ alone.

Neighbors – will that always be the word used to describe those living at Baptist Homes? At some point in history, someone will advocate for a ‘cooler’ title, but for now, I think it is a great reflection of our desire to become the standard of Christlike care for the aging.

In His Grace,

Dr. Ron Mackey, Acting BHHM President

Employee Spotlight: Michelle Parker

Making Every Smile Count

Michelle Parker serves as an LPN at Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley and has been part of the BHHM family for the past 10 months. In her role, Michelle is passionate about caring for others and creating meaningful connections with the neighbors she serves each day.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Michelle’s answer comes straight from the heart. “Seeing our residents smile makes my day! Also, if I am able to give a hug to a neighbor and hear them say they needed that, it is music to my ears because I know I needed it as well as they did.” For Michelle, the simple moments of compassion and connection are what make her work so rewarding.

Michelle is the proud mother of one daughter and grandmother to two grandsons. Spending time with her family is one of her greatest joys, and she loves making memories with her grandsons whenever she can.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys snuggling with her pit bull, Karma, and bringing smiles to as many people as possible. She also loves riding horses and motorcycles, embracing both adventure and the outdoors.

Michelle’s caring spirit, positive attitude, and genuine love for others make a lasting impact on the neighbors and team members around her. We are grateful to have her as part of the Baptist Homes family and thankful for the kindness and encouragement she shares each day.

Summertime at Baptist Homes

By Spencer Hutson, Church Relations Specialist

For many of us, this past winter was one we would consider mild, especially when you remember some of the winters over the past decades. However, for many of our neighbors in the Baptist Homes, it probably seemed like a long time from celebrating the seasonal activities of Thanksgiving and Christmas to finally having warm days and the opportunity to go outside. Spring allows us to celebrate the beauty of God’s creation that has just come alive with flowers, birds, green grass and picnics.

Many neighbors have now come to make their home in one of our six Baptist Homes communities. They come because of the need to be in a safe, cozy environment where they receive Christ-centered care from our competent and caring staff who minister to them with dignity and love. In this environment, we provide not only for the physical, but also the soul care of individuals. Our neighbors are cared for and prayed for. Many of the neighbors are prayer warriors themselves, praying for others and their families.

We staff our homes with life enrichment directors, or activities directors, who work to engage each neighbor in a variety of activities outside of their room or apartment. The goal is to allow them to interact with others, which keeps them healthy in mind, body and soul. Several times each week, the activities planned are soul care activities, including Bible study, worship, singing, and games with a spiritual focus.

At the beginning of spring, even when it might seem to be too cold to do much outside yet, our neighbors began to get involved in planning and looking forward to activities that are a part of springtime. Long before it was time to go outside, volunteers from our churches came to our Homes to help with projects that bring our thoughts to God’s creation and new life. Once the weather was agreeable, our residents planted gardens and flowers on our campuses in our raised garden beds. Volunteers from local FFA groups, school groups, and church groups have helped to clean and spruce up our outdoor living spaces.

Summertime is a time of enjoying the fruits of our labor in our gardens and on our outdoor patios and lawns. On more than one campus, multiple groundskeepers are kept busy mowing and grooming our lawns so our neighbors can enjoy them.

Our Homes also have day trips to interesting places where neighbors can shop. Many of those trips will include a summertime favorite—ice cream! Fishing, lawn games and picnics are a part of our summers too. This year, we get to celebrate 250 years as a nation, and fireworks and other festivities will happen.

Just recently on one of our campuses, a visitor from the local Baptist church was there to fellowship and minister to some neighbors. As this church member came in the front door, she noticed the lawn furniture wasn’t in the best of shape. Rather than complain about it, she talked to her pastor, the activities director and the Home administrator, and the next thing we knew, the Home had new furniture because of the generosity of this caring church member, her church, and another church in the association.

A Baptist Homes summer would not be complete without Vacation Bible School, or VBS as we call it. VBS is rooted in most of our resident’s minds from their childhood. Memories of marches and pledges, Bible stories, memory verses, and maybe cookies and Kool-Aid.

The tastes in snacks and our neighbor’s mobility might have changed, but their desire to worship and learn together is still there. We are so thankful for local church participation to help make this happen.

Pray for your Baptist Homes across the state. Consider contacting one of our campuses about a tour. Bring a group to volunteer for a project or for an activity. This can be coordinated with the life enrichment director (activities director) and the administrator’s office on each campus.

Principles for the Future

By Dr. Ron Mackey, Acting BHHM President

In this season of transition, we are blessed to have a strong set of principles to guide us forward. As a part of Dr. Rodney Harrison’s retirement planning, he developed a series of principles to guide us to the future – to what would come NEXT. I would like to share these principles with you and ask that you join us in praying that we would flesh out these principles.

Neighbors Matter – Dr. Harrison was fond of the phrase, “Every empty room is a missed ministry opportunity.” Baptist Homes is incomplete without neighbors to serve in the name of Christ. We are blessed today to serve more neighbors in more places than ever before. Just prior to this newsletter, we had reached a new record number of neighbors – 389. We believe we are called to serve aging humanity by providing them with a meaningful living opportunity for their last years. We are more than buildings, budgets, and board meetings – we are the sum of the people for whom we care. These “neighbors” are our responsibility. We are responsible for caring for them physically, emotionally, medically and spiritually.

Economic Stability – In an ever-changing senior healthcare market, economic stability is vital. We have made and will continue to make hard choices to become economically stable as a mechanism of securing our future viability. Of course, a growing census is vital to our viability, but so is wise stewardship of the resources and assets within our control.

EXceptional Care – Providing great care for our neighbors is vital to those neighbors and to their families. Many of our neighbors’ families live several hours from where their loved ones are being cared for. The stress of that distance is mitigated with the knowledge that their loved one is living in an environment of compassion and excellence. It is our commitment to set the standard for Christlike care for the aging. We strive toward this goal daily.

Team – Everything rises and falls on leadership. Our campuses are led by godly men and women who supervise quality staff. Staffing has been an incredibly tough journey over the past few years, as we’ve navigated the ravages of COVID-19, the great resignation which saw over 500,000 nurses leave the nursing profession, and the turmoil of staff turnover. We are working diligently to provide a work environment that is rewarding in every way so that our staff truly become a team as they serve the aging neighbors on their campuses.

These four principles are guiding us well and we believe they will continue to serve us well as we move forward into the future that God has designed for us. As you pray for us, may these principles help inform and guide your prayers on our behalf.

Neighbor Spotlight: Mona “Fay” O’Riley

A Heart for Home & Family

Mona “Fay” O’Riley was born in Bates County, Missouri, where faith, family, and hard work helped shape her life from an early age. Fay accepted Jesus into her heart as a child and shares that her father served as a deacon at their church, making faith an important part of her upbringing.

Fay was married to her husband, Ken, for 26 years. Together, they built a life centered around family. She is the proud mother of one son, Ben, and is blessed with a large family that includes 26 grandchildren, both biological and step-grandchildren.

Throughout her working years, Fay served as a bookkeeper for the Marine Corps, bringing dedication and attention to detail to her role. Outside of work, she enjoyed sewing, cooking, and caring for her family — the things that brought her the greatest joy.

Fay chose Baptist Homes because it was close to home, allowing her to remain connected to the community and people she knows and loves.

We are grateful to have Fay as part of the Baptist Homes family and thankful for the faith, care, and warmth she brings to our community.

Employee Spotlight: Janice Pritchett

Cultivating Care & Compassion

Janice Pritchett serves as the Director of Nursing at Baptist Homes of Vandalia and has been part of the BHHM family since September 2023. In her role, Janice is passionate about leading with professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to high-quality care.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Janice shared that one of the most rewarding aspects is watching residents improve or reach the best level possible in their life journey, helping make their last home a positive chapter in their lives. Seeing residents smile brings her great joy, as does knowing that her leadership and guidance help set the standard for care and professionalism within the team. She also finds fulfillment in mentoring new staff members and watching them grow in both skill and confidence, helping shape their future in healthcare.

Janice is married to her husband, Terry, and together they have two children and four grandchildren. Family time is especially important to her, and she loves attending and cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events.

Outside of work, Janice enjoys raising houseplants, especially African Violets, along with tending outdoor flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. She also enjoys side-by-side rides and spending time outdoors with family and loved ones.

Janice’s dedication to compassionate leadership, resident-centered care, and mentoring others makes a meaningful impact on both residents and staff. We are grateful to have her as part of the Baptist Homes family and thankful for the care, encouragement, and excellence she brings each day.

Estate Planning Questions

By Nick Davis, Director of Advancement

Whether you already have estate documents or not, the following questions can help you decide if you need a plan or an update to plans.

Is a will or trust necessary?

Short answer: Most people should have a will and basic powers of attorney for health and finances. A trust is helpful to avoid probate, own property in more than one state, or need extra control for family or health reasons.

Can assets be designated at death without a will or trust?

Yes, assets can pass directly to beneficiaries at death without a will or trust. This is achieved through beneficiary designations and other “non-probate” transfers.

Do you have a spouse, minor children, or dependents?

If so, you need an estate plan. A will instructs guardianship for minors and special needs adults. If you want assets divided a specific way between spouse, children, or charity, you need an estate plan.

Do you want to avoid probate or keep your affairs private?

If yes, consider a trust, which is more private. A will is a public document.

Do you own real estate (especially in multiple states) or a business?

These matters are best handled via a trust.

If you become ill, would someone need to manage your finances or health decisions? A healthcare power of attorney allows a person to make decisions for you if you’re incapacitated. A finance power of attorney allows a person to manage your finances and pay your bills if you’re incapacitated. It’s important to name a primary and an alternate power of attorney.

Do you want to control how and when heirs receive money (for minors, blended families, or spendthrift heirs)? Do you want to pass along assets and money to family or charity with certain controls? A trust is the best tool for this.

Do you have estate plans made? Have your documents or beneficiary forms been reviewed in the past 3–5 years? If you have an estate plan, it needs consistent review. People, assets, plans, and laws change, and your estate plans must reflect those changes.

All the above questions are important to ask an attorney that specializes in estate planning attorney. Some estate planning professionals have training to assist you, as well.

Baptist Homes representatives Ron Mackey and Nick Davis are trained to discuss estate planning. The Missouri Baptist Foundation is a ministry partner with Baptist Homes and brings excellent, trusted skills and knowledge to the process. For more information, contact Ron (rdmackey@bhhm.org) or Nick (ndavis@bhhm.org) at 573-546-2709.

Tools of an Estate Plan

Just as a carpenter has a wide range of tools, there are various tools to create an estate plan.

Will – A will is a document outlining a person’s wishes for distributing their property and assets and directing the care of dependents like children and special needs adults. Without a will, decisions about one’s estate are left to the state. It’s best to have a will prepared by an experienced estate planning attorney. Gifts to charities and ministries can be made through a will.

Trust – A trust is a fiduciary relationship where a person(s) gives a trustee the right to hold property or assets for the beneficiary’s benefit. Trusts can help transfer appreciated assets tax-efficiently, ensure continued care for a special needs loved one, and facilitate charitable gifts.

Guardianship – A will and trust instruct parents’ wishes for guardianship of their underaged or special needs children at their death.

Financial Power of Attorney for Finances allows the person you choose to manage your assets and pay your bills at death or incapacitation.

Power of Attorney for Healthcare (Advanced Health Care Directive) – A healthcare power of attorney lets your chosen person make healthcare decisions for you when you become incapacitated.

Estate planning is taking steps now to make carrying out your plan easier later. Do you need a will or trust? This is a conversation to have with an estate planning attorney or professional.

Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries has expertise in estate planning and connections with estate planning attorneys. To assist you with estate planning, contact Ron Mackey (rdmackey@bhhm.org) or Nick Davis (ndavis@bhhm.org) for a confidential conversation.

Nick Davis, Director of Advancement

Neighbor Spotlight: Sharon Lamberson

Faith, Family, and Memories

Sharon Lamberson was born on December 22, 1947, in Hannibal, Missouri, where she grew up surrounded by family, faith, and meaningful memories. She fondly remembers spending time with her sisters, Yoland and Zandra, riding bikes downtown and window shopping together. After moving to Park Avenue in third grade, Sharon recalls hearing train whistles and watching trains come in—especially remembering a kind worker who would share a piece of gum from his lunchbox.

Faith was an important part of Sharon’s upbringing, as her father served as a deacon at their Baptist church. She also cherishes memories of family trips to the St. Louis Zoo and the time spent together growing up.

Sharon graduated high school in 1965 and married the love of her life, Truman Lamberson, at South Side Baptist Church. Together, they raised four children: Truman, Shawn, Tessa, and Conn. Sharon shares that family has always been very important to her, especially Sunday mornings spent sharing breakfast together before church.

She also enjoyed attending Mark Twain Days in Hannibal, where she looked forward to getting a brat and homemade kettle corn.

When asked what she would share with the younger generation, Sharon spoke about the importance of faith, saying it helps carry you through life’s darkest times. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 121.

We are grateful to have Sharon as part of the Baptist Homes family and thankful for the faith, love, and memories she shares with our community.

Employee Spotlight: David & Judy Atkins

Together in Life & Service

David and Judy Atkins serve together as Dietary Aides at Baptist Homes of Ozark, bringing not only dedication to their roles, but also a shared heart for serving others. Judy has been with Baptist Homes for four years and was honored as the 2025 Employee of the Year at the Ozark campus. David has served for about two and a half years.

Judy finds joy in the details of her work, especially dishwashing, and takes pride in making things “look just right.” David shares that his favorite part of the job is serving the residents and offering encouragement throughout the day.

This year, David and Judy celebrate 40 years of marriage, a milestone that reflects their strong foundation of faith and commitment. Judy fondly recalls the night David proposed. They had enjoyed a nice dinner at a Chinese restaurant, where her fortune cookie read, “An outstanding opportunity will soon present itself to you.” As it turns out, it couldn’t have been more fitting.

While they do not have children of their own, David and Judy share that God has given them many opportunities over the years to invest in the lives of others.

Outside of work, they enjoy hiking, taking walks, kayaking, working on puzzles, reading, and singing together—simple moments that reflect the joy they share in both life and service.

David and Judy are a beautiful example of what it means to serve with purpose and live with intention. Their kindness, encouragement, and dedication make a lasting impact on both residents and staff.

We are truly grateful to have David and Judy as part of the Baptist Homes family and thankful for the love, faith, and joy they bring to our Ozark campus each day.