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, superu2011generous 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 churchu2019s 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, heartu2011warming. MMM really are wellu2011grounded heroes!

Contributor: John Peachey

Read More Articles

Mānawatia a Matariki – Celebrate Matariki, the Māori new year Image
Articles
June 19, 2025 | Luke Kaa-Morgan Channel: 2144749

Mānawatia a Matariki – Celebrate Matariki, the Māori new year

We can all participate in this season, not just on the public holiday but as we enter the new Māori year, Te Tau Hou Māori.

Publishing in Pakistan: Lois Rusbatch Image
Stories
June 18, 2025 | Beulah Wood Channel: 2144749

Publishing in Pakistan: Lois Rusbatch

In Pakistan for 45 years, Lois played a major part in producing almost every Christian book that was published. She also trained Sunday School teachers…

Better Together – Revitalising the Lower North Island Baptist Association Image
News
June 16, 2025 | Andrew Baldwin Channel: 2144749

Better Together – Revitalising the Lower North Island Baptist Association

A recent report recommends focusing on mission and ministry rather than governance and administration.

';
Sign up to the Baptist NZ newsletter