BHHM Articles - Baptist Homes Healthcare Ministries

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.

Serving with Clarity & Love

By Rodney Harrison, BHHM President

As we enter the spring season, we do so with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and renewed confidence in the direction of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries. Over the past year, we have focused on strengthening the foundation of our ministry—ensuring our people, processes, and policies align with our mission to provide Christlike care that honors God, minimizes fear, and maximizes peace of mind.

One of our most significant efforts has been an organization‑wide focus on clarity and consistency. Teams across our campuses and home office have worked together to strengthen systems and processes so team members have clear, accessible guidance that supports quality care and regulatory readiness. This work reflects a commitment not just to compliance, but to excellence—removing unnecessary complexity so caregivers can focus on what matters most: serving our neighbors (residents) with dignity, compassion, and respect.

A simple example of this work is the effort to streamline and standardize key campus & healthcare policies. By organizing these resources in one shared, easy‑to‑navigate location, we are helping frontline staff spend less time searching for answers—and more time fully present with our neighbors. While much of this work happens quietly behind the scenes, its impact is felt daily through calmer workplaces, greater confidence, and more attentive care.

At the same time, we have continued to invest intentionally in leadership development. Conversations around servant leadership, shared learning, and cultural alignment have reinforced a long‑held conviction: strong organizations are built by strong, mission‑anchored leaders. Growth does not happen by accident; it is cultivated through humility, curiosity, prayerful reflection, and a willingness to be shaped together for the sake of those we serve.

Beyond our internal work, the past year has also required thoughtful engagement with the external environment in which we serve. Legislative updates and advocacy efforts have helped us stay informed and prepared as policy decisions continue to shape senior care across Missouri. Remaining attentive and proactive in these conversations helps protect our mission and ensures we can continue serving neighbors without compromising our Biblical values.

Equally encouraging has been our continued emphasis on community and connection. Efforts to strengthen volunteer engagement and deepen relationships with churches are bearing fruit. These partnerships extend our work beyond our walls and reinforce a simple but powerful truth, beautifully articulated in 1 Peter 4:8–10: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

As we look ahead, the work before us remains meaningful and necessary—especially as the number of seniors continues to grow each day. Challenges will remain, but so will opportunities to demonstrate faith, resilience, and unity. We are deeply grateful for the donors, volunteers, and team members who show up daily with servant hearts. Together, you are faithfully stewarding this ministry today while preparing it to serve generations to come.

Legislative Issues

By Dr. Ron Mackey, Vice President, Community Engagement

One of my responsibilities, alongside Dr. Harrison, is to represent our ministry among our legislators at our state capital in Jefferson City. We meet with senators and representatives and testify before committees for or against various legislative measures.

Currently there are two very similar pieces of legislation being presented in the House of Representatives which advocate for legalized assisted suicide. There are 13 states in America that now have legalized assisted suicide. Missouri is one of 19 states that have pending legislative proposals to legalize assisted suicide. Fortunately, the House of Representative bills, one proposed by Rep. Ian Mackey (no relation!) from the St. Louis area, and a second from Rep. Carolyn Caton from the Kansas City area, have not made it out of committee and may not move forward in this legislative session.

Mackey, author of one of the assisted suicide bills, references the high cost of caring for the aging in his argument for assisted suicide. So, this legislation which would end a life is motivated by saving taxpayers money.

We at Baptist Homes are strong and vocal advocates for the right to life from the womb to natural death. Advocates for assisted suicide use colorful euphemisms to describe their practices, but in reality, the laws are often confusing and many who choose assisted suicide do not have terminal illnesses but are dealing with significant psychiatric and mental health issues.

The Psalmist reminds us, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;” (Psalm 139:13-14). Aging does not diminish the value of human life. In fact, scripture teaches us that the aged have much to impart to our society. Leviticus 14:32 encourages rising in the presence of the elderly, framing this respect as a direct fear of God. Job 12:12 states, “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” Paul exhorts us in 2 Corinthians 4, ^“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” He concludes this passage with a beautiful reminder in verse 16, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

Aging is not the enemy of living, nor is it a threat to a meaningful existence. Scripture teaches us that aging is the pathway along which a new and vital understanding of the work of God is experienced. Thus, Baptist Homes and Healthcare Ministries will stand for the aging, speak on behalf of the aging, and most importantly serve, minister, and seek to further the faith of the aging that God has entrusted to our care.

I would encourage you to make a call or write an email to your local representative to share your concern over these proposed assisted suicide measures. Most of our representatives are unaware of this legislation and it would be prudent for them to be informed sooner rather than later.

Employee Spotlight: Connie Ducker

From Family to Front Desk

Connie Ducker serves as the receptionist at Baptist Homes of Ashland and has been part of the team since November 2025. In her role, Connie is often one of the first faces people see, and she takes great joy in creating a welcoming environment for all who walk through the doors.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Connie shared that she truly enjoys interacting with guests and neighbors each day. Building those daily connections and offering a friendly presence is something she values deeply.

Connie was married for 41 years before the passing of her husband. She is the proud mother of 4 adopted children and is blessed with 4 grandchildren. Her family is incredibly important to her, and she cherishes every opportunity to spend time with them.

Outside of work, Connie enjoys a variety of music, cooking, and spending time near the water—whether it’s at a lake, pond, or the ocean. Being near the water brings her peace and joy, especially when shared with her loved ones.

Connie’s warm spirit and welcoming nature make her a wonderful part of the Baptist Homes family. We are grateful for the kindness and connection she brings to our Ashland campus each day.

Neighbor Spotlight: Jean Theiss

Choosing Care & Community

Jean Theiss was born on August 30, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in Bismarck and later lived in Owensville before making her home at Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley.

Jean was married for 20 years and is the proud mother of one son, Carl. Her family has continued to grow over the years, and she is now blessed with four grandchildren. While she has worked many jobs throughout her life, Jean shares that her most cherished roles have always been being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Before moving to Baptist Homes, Jean was living with her son and daughter-in-law. Wanting to give them their privacy back while also recognizing her need for additional care, she made the decision to move to Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley.

Jean has embraced this new chapter with a positive and active spirit. She enjoys swimming, bowling, bingo, dancing, and exercising, and stays involved in many activities throughout the community. Her outgoing personality and love for staying active have helped her quickly feel at home.

In her own words, Jean shared, “I think I did the right thing to come to Baptist Homes. The staff are so nice, and the residents are just as nice. I’ve gotten close to a couple of ladies here and I’m still making friends.”

We are grateful to have Jean as part of our Baptist Homes family and are thankful for the joy, energy, and warmth she brings to our community.