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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe stared in amazement at everyone being able to look at the simple drawing with a bunch of squares and a module list,\u201d Liggins explained. \u201cThey somehow knew how many 47\u201d and 59\u201d 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\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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, \u201cThis Ramp Was Built By the Love of JESUS.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eager and empowered, the Forest Mill men returned home, ready to replicate the process. Their first build in July 2021 was far from flawless \u2014 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 \u201cThis Ramp Was Built By the Love of JESUS\u201d sign, and celebrated the fellowship that had brought them together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each build reminded them of the true purpose of their ministry \u2014 to build relationships and spread love along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe were there to fellowship and love one another, and in the midst of that love, a ramp appeared,\u201d Liggins shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This Valentine\u2019s Day season, let\u2019s celebrate the love that builds ramps, bridges, divides, and draws people closer together. After all, love is not just something we feel \u2014 it\u2019s something we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere 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,\u201d said Liggins. \u201cRamp building isn\u2019t 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\u2019s purpose (loving others) by doing that thing, whatever it may be.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 \u2014 an act of love for their neighbors. Guided by faith, inspiration, and plenty of teamwork, they set out to make […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":23587,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/manchester\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/02\/1-5-1024x683.png\")
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