Employee Spotlight: Heather Cerveny

Supportive in Every Role

Heather serves as the Business Office Manager and has been a valued part of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries for five years. She plays an important role in supporting both residents and staff, always striving to ensure things run smoothly behind the scenes.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Heather shared that she truly enjoys the opportunity to give our neighbors the best service she can. She especially values moments spent visiting and laughing with residents, believing those personal connections are just as important as the work itself.

Family is at the center of Heather’s life. She has two children, two grandchildren and one grandchild on the way, who mean the world to her. She stays actively involved in all of her grandchildren’s activities and sports, just as she did while raising her own children.

In her free time, Heather’s favorite pastime is attending sporting events involving her family. She proudly describes herself as the loudest one in the stands, making sure her family knows she is always there to support them.

Heather’s dedication, positive spirit, and genuine care for others make her a wonderful part of the Baptist Homes family. We are grateful for the heart she brings to her role each day.

A Reminder of What It Takes

This past week, every Baptist Homes campus has been impacted by the frigid temperatures and snowy conditions. As my wife and I were clearing our walkway and our cars of nearly a foot of snow in 8-degree weather, I was reminded that each of our campuses was having to deal with these harsh conditions in unique ways.

First, by regulation we must keep our driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots passable for emergency vehicles, deliveries of food and supplies, and for families who brave the conditions to check on their loved ones. This involves the spreading of ice melt on hundreds of feet of sidewalks and shoveling those same sidewalks to keep them clear of snow and ice – all by hand! Each campus has various equipment for the plowing of the roadways and parking lots. This plowing is not a once and done thing – it is a continuous process throughout the snowfall event. If it is snowing, one of our maintenance staff is plowing our parking and driveway areas. In addition to caring for the exterior of our properties, they also stand guard, paying special attention to ensure heating systems work as needed and water lines do not freeze.

Second, dining services, housekeeping services and nursing services must continue like any other day. Some of those staff stay overnight in makeshift sleeping areas in order to be available to care for our neighbors. We also have staff who willingly travel in these storms to provide rides for staff who cannot make it to work on their own.

Third, they minister to our neighbors by helping them enjoy the beauty of the ‘snow day’. This may involve the making of homemade snow ice cream or venturing outside in the cold to build a snowman for the neighbors to view and enjoy. In addition to long days, risking dangerous travel, and perhaps sleeping away from home, they get the opportunity to venture out into the bitter cold to put a smile on our neighbors’ faces.

We are blessed by our dedicated staff, who serve our neighbors year-round – day after day, night after night. Seldom will you know their names, and often their work will go unnoticed and unrecognized. So, on this cold day—while enjoying a beautiful, snow-covered landscape from the warmth of my living room— I want to take a moment to say thank you to those who do what needs to be done and do it with genuine servants’ hearts.

Dr. Ron Mackey, Vice President, Community Engagement

Neighbor Spotlight: William “Roger” Williams

A Life of Learning & Adventure

William “Roger” Williams was born on January 26, 1938, in Alton, Missouri. After graduating from high school, Roger began his college journey at Southwest Baptist University, where he reconnected with a childhood friend, Eleanor Adrian. Although Eleanor had originally moved to Alton from Texas and the two attended the same high school, it wasn’t until their time at SBU that their relationship began. The couple were married on September 1, 1957.

With a passion for agriculture and education, Roger continued his studies at the University of Missouri and later completed his degree in Agriculture Education through Missouri State University and the University of Missouri, preparing him for a lifelong career in teaching.

Roger went on to teach science and agriculture in Koshkonong, Missouri, where he made a lasting impact on countless students. His dedication to education and agriculture earned him recognition, including being listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest. Farming, hunting, and traveling were among his lifelong interests, and those passions carried him into a unique and adventurous next chapter after retirement.

In 1993, Roger and Eleanor moved to Wyoming, where they owned and operated an RV park and worked in several National Parks. Most notably, Roger spent 14 summers and four winters working in Yellowstone National Park as a maintenance manager, where he remodeled cabins, doors, and floors. During the winters from 1996 to 2000, he also worked in Everglades National Park. During this time, Roger even built his own three-story cabin in Wyoming, a testament to his strong work ethic and hands-on skills.

Family and faith have always been central to Roger’s life. He and Eleanor have four children, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Roger accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1948, and his faith has remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Roger chose to come to Baptist Homes of Ozark because of the welcoming environment, cleanliness, and the relationships he already had within the community. He also desired to live in a place that shared the same Christian mission he had supported throughout his life and to be closer to his daughters. Although he made the decision in 2016, Roger officially moved in during 2025.

We are grateful to have Roger as part of our Baptist Homes family and are honored to share in his remarkable life story, faith, and legacy.

Donating Grain

(Part One)

Donating grain can be a high-impact way to support Baptist Homes and minimize a farmer’s tax liability. The February and March newsletter articles explain why grain is a profitable and tax-efficient gift, the steps to gift grain, and the pitfalls to avoid.

Why donate grain to Baptist Homes?

• Potential tax efficiency: For many cash-basis farmers, gifting unsold, self-produced grain can keep the sale proceeds out of federal and state income and self-employment tax while deducting production expenses. This can be more efficient than selling the grain and donating cash.
• Preserve operating cash: Farmers can charitably support Baptist Homes without reducing cash on hand for inputs, labor, or debt service.
• Reduce storage and carrying costs: Moving grains out sooner can lessen shrink, drying/handling losses, insurance, and labor costs.
• Manage price and risk: Transferring grains removes inventory from a farmer’s balance sheet and reduces exposure to market volatility.
• Charitable impact: Baptist Homes can accept grains, sell promptly, collect the proceeds, and provide charitable gifting acknowledgment to the donor.
• Estate and transition planning: Grain donation is useful in retirement or succession planning to trim inventory and manage year‑end positions.

For more information or questions about donating grain, contact Ron Mackey (rdmackey@bhhm.org) or Nick Davis (ndavis@bhhm.org) at 573-546-2709.

A Gift That Gives Back

Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries is partnering with the Missouri Department of Economic Development (MODED) to issue $350,000 in Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credits. NAP tax credits are issued at a 70% rate of qualified donations. These gifts will assist with renovations to create efficiency suites in the historic Riggs Scott Building at Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley.

The Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAP) makes this credit available to any person, firm, or corporation with business income in Missouri. Qualified individuals operating a sole proprietorship, a farm, rental property, or earning royalty income are eligible, as well as shareholders in an S-corporation, partners in a Partnership, or members of a Limited Liability Corporation.

NAP tax credits are used to offset an eligible donor’s state income tax liability and are claimed when the donor files their Missouri tax return. The credit may be used against taxes owed for the year of the donation plus five additional tax periods. As a simple illustration, a $5000 donation will reduce a Missouri State Tax obligation of $5000 to $1500.

Step 1: Baptist Homes receives a donation.

Step 2: Baptist Homes sends Missouri tax paperwork for the donor to complete.

Step 3: The paperwork is returned to Baptist Homes, and we send it on to MODED.

Step 4: MODED will notify potential donors of approval or denial within 45-90 days.

This is a unique opportunity for Baptist Homes to partner with our supporters and to bless our ministry. Tax credits are limited, so contact us today!

For more information about Missouri state tax credits, contact Ron Mackey (rdmackey@bhhm.org) or Nick Davis (ndavis@bhhm.org) at 573-546-2709.

Neighbor Spotlight: Barbara Campbell

A Heart for Home & Service

Barbara Campbell was born on March 25, 1940, in Kansas City, Kansas. Her journey eventually brought her to Missouri during World War II, when her father began working for the U.S. Air Force as a top airplane mechanic, a role that helped guide her family’s path.

Barbara married her husband, Wallace, in December 1960. The two met while attending Southwest Baptist College, and after two years there, they moved to Springfield, where they continued their education at Southwest State University. Together, Barbara and Wallace built a life centered on faith and family.

When asked what led her to choose Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries, Barbara shared that she felt a strong sense of trust and familiarity. She already knew Andy and Susan Braams, both BHHM employees, and worships with them at Concord Baptist Church. That connection helped BHHM feel like a natural place to call home.

Barbara and Wallace raised four children—three sons and one daughter. Today, her family includes 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. As a stay-at-home mom, Barbara devoted herself to caring for her family—cooking meals, keeping house, canning fruits and vegetables, and baking for those she loved.

Barbara’s faith has been a central part of her life. She went forward at church at the age of eight, but later, as a young mother, her faith became deeply personal. During a song that included the words “burden for my soul,” Barbara says the message “hit her like a ton of bricks.” At 24 years old, she fully accepted Jesus, a moment that continues to shape her life today.

Barbara enjoys staying involved in church life and especially loves helping with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Her gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and deep faith are a blessing to our Ashland campus community.

Employee Spotlight: Elmer “Sonny” Campbell

A Life of Service, A Heart to Help

Elmer “Sonny” Campbell has been a steady and dependable presence at our Arcadia Valley campus for 16 years, joining the Baptist Homes family on June 15, 2009. As a valued member of our Life Safety Services team, Sonny plays an important role in caring for a campus that has been faithfully serving aging adults for more than a century.

What Sonny enjoys most about his work is simple but meaningful—fixing things and helping people solve problems. Whether it’s repairing equipment, tackling maintenance needs, or lending a hand when something isn’t quite right, Sonny takes pride in using his skills to support both residents and coworkers.

Outside of work, Sonny enjoys a full and busy life. He has been married to his wife, Rosemarie, since 1984, and together they have twin daughters, Megan and Morgan. In his free time, Sonny can often be found deer hunting, smoking meat, or working on woodworking projects—hobbies that reflect his patience, craftsmanship, and love for hands-on work.

Sonny’s dedication, problem-solving spirit, and willingness to help others make him a valued part of our Arcadia Valley campus. We are grateful for his many years of service and the steady care he brings to his role each day.

Senior Deer Hunts… A Unique Ministry

Several years ago, our president, Dr. Rodney Harrison, came to me with a very unique idea – take our elderly residents deer hunting. I must admit my first impressions ranged from concern for the liability of our resident’s safety to concerns over whether or not our insurance would cover such an activity.

Now, several years into these events, I must admit that my concerns and fears were overblown and the impact of these hunts have been remarkable to say the least. This year, by the time you read this, we will have had six hunts at five of our campuses. The hunts have occurred at our Arcadia Valley and Ashland campuses and on farms near our Ozark, Shelbina, and Vandalia campuses.

If harvesting deer is a sign of a successful hunt, this year has been our most successful as we have had deer taken at three of our hunts. In an example of being “blessed to be a blessing”, each of the harvested deer were contributed to family members or employees who were in need of extra food.

Judy was the successful hunter at our Arcadia Valley campus, taking her first deer in her second hunt. Judy has some significant health issues, but with the assistance of staff and volunteers she was able to participate in a great opportunity. At our Shelbina campus, a 72-year-old employee took a deer in his first hunt, and resident Dennis was able to go hunting once again after many years of not being able to be in the “deer woods”. Why did Dennis go hunting? Because staff invited him to participate. Sometimes, it is that simple.

At our Vandalia Campus, Rev. John Birkhead, who shared with me that he is 90 and ½ years old, took a deer on his very first deer hunt. Rev. Birkhead had been a pastor in rural Missouri since 1955 before he and his wife moved to Baptist Homes.

The story of these Senior Deer Hunts would be incomplete without acknowledging the contribution of the mentors and volunteers. The National Deer Association took our idea and built a great educational program to introduce or reintroduce senior hunters to the opportunity to be in nature.

Many staff have made these hunts possible. Some have served as mentors and hunt volunteers, while others helped prepare meals for the hunters and volunteers. One volunteer has been of particular note – Church Relations Specialist Spencer Hutson has worked year-round to secure local seniors to participate in the hunts and to develop a small army of volunteers who have very creatively made it possible for hunters with mobility issues to participate. Spencer is also convinced that Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes are essential to a successful deer hunt.

Among the group of volunteers, one particular group should be recognized. First Baptist Church of Viburnum, led by Pastor Jason Perry, has gone above and beyond in supporting the Arcadia Valley campus. Recently, volunteers from their church milled boards from trees which had been damaged at the AV campus and then used them to build handicap-accessible deer blinds.

Below are photos from this year’s deer hunts. I encourage you to view these photos as they are a clear demonstration of the joy and celebration of being in God’s nature along with the genuine fellowship of serving our fellow man.

Yes, I still think this is a crazy idea, but it is a genuinely God-blessed crazy idea!

Dr. Ron Mackey, Vice President, Community Engagement

Immutable Leadership

Leading Through Change

One of the defining characteristics of Jesus is His immutability—His divine nature, character, promises, and purposes are eternally unchanging. This principle of steadfastness is especially relevant as we approach a season of transition at Baptist Homes.

At the December board meeting, I announced to the board of trustees my intention to retire in the fall of 2026. While this coming year will bring a change in leadership, the true Leader of this ministry remains unchanged. Baptist Homes continues to be guided by a board and team deeply committed to Christlike care and grounded in biblical principles, prayer, and Spirit-led leadership.

What’s Next? The “NExT” Priorities

To guide Baptist Homes through this transition, we are focusing on four strategic priorities, summarized by the acronym “NExT”:

N – Neighbors Matter
The practice of referring to our residents as “neighbors” was introduced by Dan Stiles, administrator at our Arcadia Valley campus. This term resonates both biblically (see Matthew 22:37-39) and culturally. “Neighbors Matter” reflects our commitment to compassionate care and highlights the importance of fostering genuine community and growth at each campus.

E – Economic Sustainability
As stewards of our neighbors, team members, and resources, we are dedicated to using what has been entrusted to us to fulfill our mission and expand our ministry. Our focus is on reducing operational costs while enhancing the quality of our services.

x – Exceptional Customer Service
I am passionate about great customer service, and Baptist Homes should set the standard in our industry. Achieving this requires more than high expectations—it demands intentional training and accountability. Ultimately, we strive to treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated.

T – Teamship
Baptist Homes is one ministry, encompassing seven campuses and our Home Office in Jefferson City. We operate as a unified team, bringing together diverse gifts and talents to achieve our shared mission: providing Christlike care, education, and advocacy for the aging.

Preparing for the Transition

To ensure a thoughtful and prayerful transition, I have asked our board to dedicate time to prayer, fasting, and education before launching an active presidential search. Between now and the April board meeting, this season of preparation will lay the foundation for a successful leadership transition. In April, the board will select a search committee to interview candidates, with the goal of presenting a candidate to the full board at the August meeting.

As a reader of this column, I invite you to join Julie and me in praying for Baptist Homes during this new year—a year that will bring change as well as new opportunities for Kingdom impact for our Baptist Homes. Thank you in advance for your prayers for a fruitful year and a God-honoring transition.

Together in His service,

Rodney Harrison

A Call to Prayer & Fasting

As the Baptist Homes leadership team journeys through the book Pray First, we’ve been reminded of the foundational importance and profound impact of prayer. The first two sections of the book call us to prioritize prayer in all things. The third and final section emphasizes a companion discipline that Scripture consistently commends but ministries rarely teach today—fasting.

What Is Fasting?

Throughout the Bible, God’s people fasted in a variety of ways. Some fasts were complete, abstaining from food and water for a season. Others were partial, ranging from skipping a meal to going without certain foods—such as meats, sweets, or caffeine—for an extended period. Daniel famously practiced a 21-day fast in which he abstained from rich foods while seeking God earnestly.

Fasting can also go beyond food. Some choose to give up television, social media, gaming, or other forms of entertainment. Whatever the specific form, the common thread is that when one is fasting, they are giving something up and replacing it with intentional prayer and seeking God’s intervention.

Why Fast?

For many individuals and ministries over the past century, fasting has fallen out of regular teaching and practice. Yet Jesus didn’t say if you fast—He said, when you fast. Scripture assumes that fasting is a normal part of the Christian life.

Of course, fasting isn’t the answer to every situation. If a spouse asks, ‘Can you help me with the laundry?’ no one should respond, ‘Let me get back to you after a season of prayer and fasting.’ But for spiritual needs—for breakthroughs, wisdom, repentance, and God’s power—fasting is one of His prescribed tools to enrich our trust in His power and provision.

One of the biblical reasons for fasting highlighted in Pray First is ‘Seeking God’s Power for Victory.’ That is precisely what we need as we focus on Project 400—our goal to be home to 400 or more neighbors by the end of this year.

Why Project 400 Needs Prayer

Every empty bed in this ministry represents a missed opportunity for care, compassion, and gospel presence. Census is more than a number; it is ministry.

We have seen what prayer can do. Consider Adrian—our small campus of 38 licensed beds that opened in the summer of 2024. For ten months, they ran 20–29 residents, never breaking the 30-barrier. We tried increased marketing, reaching out to churches, hospitals, and senior groups with little impact. Then we prayed. Today, seeing 30 or more residents has become commonplace. God works in ways we cannot manufacture.

At the same time, we must be honest about our challenges. Over the past four months, census has slipped while expenses—payroll, supplies, and care—have continued at necessary levels. Operating our campuses costs approximately $90,000 per day. Each additional 10 nursing care residents covers roughly one more day of expenses. Right now, we are about two days short of breaking even.

Whereas advertising and marketing cost money, prayer does not. Nevertheless, prayer is hard work—and it is the work to which God is calling us.

So when someone asks, ‘What is Project 400?’ the answer is that it is Baptist Homes’ goal to be home to more than 400 neighbors by the end of the year—not for the sake of numbers, but for the sake of mission.

How We Will Pursue This Together

We are inviting you to join us for Friday Fasts for Baptist Homes through the end of December. How you fast and pray is up to you. What is important is that we fast and pray, seeking God’s wisdom, favor, and missional impact for this ministry and the people we serve.

Together in His service,

Rodney Harrison

Prayer & Partnership

Dear friends & supporters of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries,

As 2025 draws to a close, your generosity has allowed Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries (BHHM) to extend Christlike care at our seven campuses across Missouri.

We’re grateful for what God has done through your partnership in 2025. God has blessed us with:

• The long-awaited opening of the Baptist Homes of Ashland assisted living and skilled care building.
• New roofs at our Ozark and Vandalia campuses.
• Renovations of the Rose Hill hall at Baptist Homes of Ozark.
• A growing census at all campuses.
• Anniversary offerings gathered from across the Missouri Baptist Convention, which have blessed Baptist Homes with over $34,000 so far this year.

Thank you for supporting us with your prayers and financial gifts. In 2025, prayer has been an integral tool of ministry within BHHM. Inspired by Chris Hodges’ book, Pray First, there has been a system-wide encouragement and renewal for our staff, residents, and trustees to make prayer a first effort on behalf of Baptist Homes.

We invite you to keep prayer as your first offering to BHHM. Please pray for:

• Residents, nursing and support staff, administrators, executive leadership, and trustees.
• The upcoming opening of Baptist Homes of Smithville – so military veterans can be welcomed and cared for with assisted living.
• Project 400 – a focused effort to increase the number of residents system-wide to 400.

Your financial support directly strengthens our mission to be a Christlike presence of care for every resident. As you make year-end giving plans, would you consider a gift to Baptist Homes? A gift of $250, $500, $1,000—or your best amount—will be used where the need is greatest. Gifts are tax-deductible, and those made by December 31 count for the 2025 tax year.

You may give online or by check, stock, IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution, or a bequest. Give today at bhhm.org/give or contact Ron Mackey (rdmackey@bhhm.org) or Nick Davis (ndavis@bhhm.org) at 573-546-2709 to discuss how your gift can make the greatest impact.

May the Lord bless you through the gift of His Son, Jesus, this Christmas season. Thank you for your prayers and partnership.

Together in His service,

Rodney Harrison

Christmas at Baptist Homes

Having grown up in the long-term care business, the holidays, especially at Christmas, were especially challenging for our residents who didn’t have family nearby. Thus, it became a family tradition for our family (my parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles) to bring those residents who had no family nearby to our homes. I have very fond memories of sharing our Christmas with those elders who lived in one of our homes. It was a blessing to learn of their traditions, joys, and heartaches.

Which leads me to my purpose in writing – what is Christmas like at The Baptist Homes? There are many events, large and small, that go into making Christmas meaningful in our homes.

First, and most importantly there are multiple worship experiences unique to each campus – Hanging of the Green, Christmas Hymn Sings, Advent Worship, and many other events.

Second, each campus goes to great lengths to ensure that every resident receives gifts for the Christmas season. This year, each campus is participating in the “Giving Tree” program. Through this program, we invite friends and supporters to select a resident’s name and provide a gift personally requested by that resident. Then, there is a celebration in which the gifts are delivered – maybe even by some jolly fellow in a red suit.

Third, each campus will host a holiday meal that celebrates both Thanksgiving and Christmas, in which we invite resident families to join their loved ones for a time to share a meal and fellowship together.

Finally, there are a series of events that represent the various traditions of each campus and each region of the state. These include groups coming to our homes to sing carols and visit with our residents, trips to see Christmas lights and decorations, and visits with families throughout the month.

I hope this information will cause you to remember our residents in their adopted home and their families who now must do unique things to visit with their families. Most importantly, I hope it will lead you to pray for our residents, their families and our staff as we all seek to make the Christmas season a worshipful and meaningful season.

Merry Christmas from the families of The Baptist Homes.