What if love could build not only physical access but also deeper connections? A group of men from Forest Mill Church of Christ took that question to heart when they started a ramp ministry — an act of love for their neighbors. Guided by faith, inspiration, and plenty of teamwork, they set out to make life easier for neighbors with disabilities. Along the way, they grew closer to each other and to the broader Coffee County community.
One of the visionary leaders behind the ministry was Walt Elliott. Along with his wife, Diane, he became a beloved member of the Forest Mill congregation after retiring from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and relocating from Chattanooga. But when they moved to Manchester, the couple brought a little more than just their belongings — they brought a heart for service and a vision for a new ministry.
Inspired by the Neighborhood Helpers Volunteer Ministry, a group of TVA retirees who built wheelchair ramps in Chattanooga, Elliott saw an opportunity to bring this life-changing ministry to his new community. He also viewed the ramp ministry as a way to integrate discipleship, where the men of the church could grow together while sharing the love of Jesus through their hands and hearts.
The idea for the ramp ministry had been growing in the hearts of the men’s Bible study members for some time, but it didn’t come to life until the summer of 2021. The world had changed, and the needs had become more pressing, especially after the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. This became especially clear when one of the congregation’s members became housebound and unable to step outside due to debilitating pain. Inspired by this, Elliott proposed the idea of building their first ramp, and the response was unanimous — this was a need they could not ignore.
To prepare, Elliott and a small group of men — including Ray Marcrom, Doug Vaughn, Andy Escue, Joel Liggins, and Bradley Escue — traveled to Chattanooga to learn from the Neighborhood Helpers.
The Neighborhood Helpers welcomed the men with open arms, immersing them in every step of the ramp building, from preassembly at the ramp shed to seamless on-site installation.
“We stared in amazement at everyone being able to look at the simple drawing with a bunch of squares and a module list,” Liggins explained. “They somehow knew how many 47” and 59” 5/4 boards to cut. We saw them pull the required wood from neatly stacked piles, and they also knew how many bags of concrete to throw on the trailer. It seemed like we had just shown up when they finished strapping down the supplies onto the trailer and headed to the recipient’s home.”
The efficiency and organization of the Neighborhood Helpers were inspiring: boards were cut and labeled with precision, modules preassembled using templates, and battery-powered nail guns eliminated the need for air hoses. At the end of the day, they prayed over the recipient, placed a Bible in their hands, and left a sign in the yard proclaiming, “This Ramp Was Built By the Love of JESUS.”
Eager and empowered, the Forest Mill men returned home, ready to replicate the process. Their first build in July 2021 was far from flawless — misinterpreted plans, rain, and material shortages slowed them down. But the team pressed on, remembering the purpose behind it all. By the end of the day, they had built their first ramp. They prayed with the recipient, placed their own “This Ramp Was Built By the Love of JESUS” sign, and celebrated the fellowship that had brought them together.
From that first ramp, the ministry began to grow in ways they never expected. By 2022, the group had built eight ramps, far surpassing their original goal of six. When clearing brush, adjusting old ramps, and even crafting custom stairs, they lived out their guiding principle: “We are not carpenters, but we follow in the footsteps of One.”
Each build reminded them of the true purpose of their ministry — to build relationships and spread love along the way.
“We were there to fellowship and love one another, and in the midst of that love, a ramp appeared,” Liggins shared.
Working side by side, sharing stories, and seeing the difference their efforts made became the main focus of the ministry. Elliott and the founding members believed that the ministry should unite the entire congregation in fellowship, cross generational lines, and enrich their community. As a result, the ramp ministry became a multigenerational effort. Men of all ages participated, from expert builders to young helpers.
Though Elliott and Marcrom have since passed away, their memory lives on with every ramp the ministry builds. Their vision of a ministry that combines service, discipleship, and fellowship still inspires both the congregation and the broader Manchester community. With the future in view, the ministry plans to continue serving those in need and encouraging fellowship among its members.
This Valentine’s Day season, let’s celebrate the love that builds ramps, bridges, divides, and draws people closer together. After all, love is not just something we feel — it’s something we do.
“There is something that our creator has called us to do, and we will live more fulfilled lives when we find that thing and embrace it,” said Liggins. “Ramp building isn’t for everyone, and while I could be sad about that, there is a need that is out there begging for someone to fill it. You are fulfilling your creator’s purpose (loving others) by doing that thing, whatever it may be.”
