I want to say they are like knights of old riding in on white stallions to save the day. But trade the horse for a couple of camper vans and the sword for a skillsaw and paintbrush and you have the quintessential champions of maintenance and the ideal handywoman/handyman team.
Belmont Baptist Church might be typical of a smaller church community that has suffered through the pains of rising and falling membership, and buildings that dearly need love and attention. Although there was a willing crew to attack the sizeable jobs, the need for skilled and well-organised assistance was the missing ingredient. Enter MMM New Zealand, a unique ministry of skilled professionals serving the body of Christ in a super-practical, super‑generous model.
Belmont Baptist relies heavily on the rental income from an old villa, now divided into two flats, to supplement the generosity of its faithful membership. Although weekly expenses are modest, pastoral staffing and maintenance of a large property would be impossible without the additional revenue stream. Time has taken its toll on the church’s fixed assets and a significant property improvement report in 2018 indicated an alarming ongoing and remedial cost to bring the buildings up to date.
When Malcolm the MMM team leader arrived with Pauline and Ronnie in tow for a two-week project, they immediately assessed, assembled and jumped into action. Ably assisted by Belmont stalwarts Franz, Tom, Leanne, Martha, Don and Rose, (and a backstage crew of lunch makers, home bakers and hospitality givers), the MMM crew stripped, chipped, sanded and prepped the building for a shiny new coat of paint.
The fiscal blessing, massive. The experience, incredible. The legacy, immeasurable. The conversations, inspirational. The willingness, heart‑warming. MMM really are well‑grounded heroes!
Contributor: John Peachey
