Local & Global Missions

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) — For one Summerville homeowner, answered prayers arrived with hammers, ladders, and helping hands.

Volunteers from Bethany United Methodist Church spent the week repairing the home of Dedra Willis-Rodgers, replacing a leaking roof, repairing termite damage, and rebuilding unsafe flooring. Church leaders say their mission goes far beyond construction.

Willis-Rodgers became emotional watching volunteers transform the home where she has lived through difficult seasons, including recovering from a stroke.

“These are tears of joy, because I know how good He’s been to me,” Willis-Rodgers said. “It is amazing what God does.”

After suffering a stroke, Willis-Rodgers said she turned to prayer, asking God for help. She believes that help arrived through the hands of the volunteers serving her home.

“He speaks to me through this ministry,” she said. “Throughout this ministry, He does. I pray for everybody here, and I thank God for them all. I thank God for Bethany United Methodist Church. I thank God for them all.”

One of the improvements she’s most excited about is being able to safely enjoy her back porch again.

“I used to go sit and read my Bible,” Willis-Rodgers said. “So I have a chance to do that again, and I’m looking forward to doing that.”

A Community Effort

Site leader Joey Herring said the home required extensive repairs after years of water intrusion.

“She said that when it rains her whole house fills up with water,” Herring said. “We did an assessment and came to the conclusion that she needed an entire roof redone.”

Herring said church members partnered with community stakeholders, who donated discounted materials and labor to install a new roof in a single day.

“By them accomplishing that mission in one day, it gave us the opportunity to put our labor into other portions of her residence to be able to make her life better,” he said.

Volunteers then turned their attention to lifting and leveling portions of the home before replacing damaged subflooring.

“So we actually had to raise her roof, we had to level everything out, and today we’re moving to re-putting the flooring in,” Herring said.

He emphasized that the project was only possible because so many people worked together.

“I think the labor is something that obviously Miss Dedra wouldn’t be able to accomplish on her own,” Herring said. “And to be completely honest with you, there’s not one individual out here on this mission with Bethany United Methodist Church who would be able to accomplish this on their own either. It’s a team effort. And I’m not just talking about everybody that’s out here working—it’s the big man upstairs. By putting our heads together, we can come out, put a plan together, and accomplish what we can do just to make Dedra’s life a little bit better. I think by the end of the week her life is going to be a lot better.”

Serving Neighbors Through Salkehatchie

The work is part of Salkehatchie, a statewide ministry that has provided critical home repairs for vulnerable South Carolinians since the 1970s. Senior Pastor Mike Ritter said identifying homeowners begins with listening to the community.

“We asked people in the community,” Ritter said. “We asked other churches, ‘Do you know of somebody? Do you know of a need that’s there?’ And sure enough, we got together, and this is one of the homes that we came to.”

Ritter said the ministry is rooted in the biblical call to love others.

“We’re always trying to help the other person out,” he said. “You know, in Matthew it tells us that we ought to be helping out our neighbor.”

He continued, “Your greatest commandment is to love your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul. And then He came back and said, ‘And the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor.’ And that’s what we are called to do.”

Ritter hopes projects like this inspire others to serve those around them.

“This world would do better if we showed love to our neighbors the right way,” he said.

Seeing the Need Close to Home

Kyle Boczkowski, Bethany United Methodist Church’s Director of Student and Recreation Ministries, said many people don’t realize how much need exists in their own community.

“We’re so fortunate to live in the Charleston area, and I think the vast majority of the people in this area don’t realize the amount of need that exists right here,” Boczkowski said.

He said the ministry serves people from every background. “It doesn’t matter where we grew up or what our racial background is or socioeconomic status. God knows every one of us, and God loves every one of us.”

For Willis-Rodgers, the repairs represent more than a safer home; they’re a reminder to keep believing.

“Don’t give up on Him because He won’t give up on you,” she said. “Just keep the faith. He’s there for you. He’s there for you all the time. Even when you think He’s not, trust me, He is.”

How You Can Help

Bethany United Methodist Church is always looking for ways to serve neighbors in need. If you know someone who is struggling with critical home repairs and could benefit from assistance, the church encourages community members to reach out and share their information for consideration in future projects.

The ministry also welcomes financial donations to help purchase building materials, as well as volunteers willing to give their time and talents during future repair weeks. Whether through a donation, a referral, or lending a helping hand, every act of generosity helps make homes safer and brings hope to families across the Lowcountry.

For more information, Pastor Michael can be reached via email at mritter@bethany-umc.com.