The Master’s Builders at Ramsey Heights

By Nelda Malone, Reporter

On Sept. 9, The Master’s Builders began work at Ramsey Heights Baptist Church in Batesville/Southside. The Builders were there to help remodel a 2,700-square-foot space in the lower level of the church’s original building, which was built in the late 1970s. The original building was used exclusively until the church’s new sanctuary and gym were completed in 2005. The original building has been used mostly for storage since about 2010.

As their church family has grown, they have had children’s church and some adult classes meet in the gym behind room dividers, which has proven to be less than ideal for all. This project will allow for adult classroom space and a designated children’s church area and will also allow the beloved older building to be utilized again for new purposes. Prior to the Master’s Builders’ arrival, the men and women of Ramsey Heights worked to demolish the old, deteriorating classroom walls and the out-of-date and unused kitchen that was formally in the space. The space will now house two adult classrooms, a large room for children’s church, a closet, a storage area and two bathrooms. The Master’s Builders built new walls, ran the electrical wiring, built stairs and put up the sheetrock. They also built some stairs and a landing on the back side of the newer sanctuary to access a storage room and provide a fire escape in an emergency.

There were eight RVs set up in the parking lot and one tent set up on a grassy area nearby. Master’s Builder Bobby Samuels of Hope has survived plenty of storms in his trusty tent, and he endured five straight days of rain this trip! He loves to “camp out” and enjoys being outdoors! What a blessing he is to The Master’s Builders. There were seven women and nine men on this job. It was job #191 for the Master’s Builders group.

The Builders had several men from the church work alongside them each day. As always, this was such a blessing to the group! Each morning, the men met for a time of devotion and prayer before starting work. Everyone enjoyed the common goal of completing this project and the fellowship with other brothers in Christ!

The group was also blessed to have Scott, Myrtie and Sharon Small (Scott’s mom) of StoneRidge Baptist Camp in Smithville drive over for several days to work and fellowship. The Builders have had several opportunities to work at their camp over the past few years. The last time was in March of this year, and it was so good to be together again.

The Master’s Builders ladies, along with Myrtie and Sharon, were able to pack and deliver 50 Everlasting Smile shoe boxes to the BMA Global sorting center in Conway during this job. We are so thankful to participate in this wonderful ministry.

A big “thank you” to Ramsey Heights Church for taking such good care of The Master’s Builders while they worked! Pastor Brian Coats, his wife, Jessica and daughter, Oaklea were such a blessing to the group. Bro. Brian was right there each day, working with the men, running for supplies, and doing whatever he could to help the group. Church members Danny and Denise Watson took the lead in arranging and organizing the meals, and they did a fantastic job. So many people from the church family played a part in making sure no one in the group was ever hungry. Thank you so much to all! A lot of time in sweet fellowship was spent together in the evenings after supper. Ramsey Heights church family has a very special place in the hearts of The Master’s Builders. There are so many to thank for this blessing!

As the time to leave the job drew near, The Builders learned that a former Ramsey Heights Baptist Church pastor, Roy Tilley, and his wife, Audrey, were there when this church started and the original church building was built. It was Pastor Tilly’s second church pastorate. Roy and Audrey were among the original five couples who organized The Master’s Builders in 1991! This is just a small example of how far out the Lord is planning each of our days. Roy passed away in 2010, but Audrey was excited to hear that The Master’s Builders were working on one of their former churches. A wonderful article about this special couple was written in the Trumpet a few months ago. (See the May 1, 2024 issue or visit baptisttrumpet.com/2024/04/30/a-visit-with-audrey-tilley.)

Please pray for Ramsey Heights Baptist Church as they grow and fill these new rooms! Pray for Brother Brian as he leads this church. Also, please pray for the Lord to send workers to The Master’s Builders group. These men and women love the Lord and want to serve in this ministry, but their bodies are just giving out. They need more workers if The Master’s Builders are to continue serving God in this ministry. There is much work to be done.

Follow The Master’s Builders on Facebook! You will enjoy keeping up with the group and praying for them while they work. So many folks comment on how happy they are to see where The Builders are working and what they are building. Look for the “arbor” logo on FB and “The Master’s Builders” to “like” the page. If your church has building needs or if you have questions about The Master’s Builders ministry, please contact Mike Green at (972) 935-3877, David Axe at (903) 918-0729 or Eddie Sikes at (479) 462-1675.