Tag Archive for: #rhivolunteerofthemonth

Rebuilding Hope Names Bob “PlumBob” Demarco April’s Spotlight Volunteer

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

When retired plumber Bob Demarco relocated from Maine to Warrenton, N.C., in 2012, he found “the perfect place for me to serve and be able to use the talents and gifts God has blessed me with.”

That place? Rebuilding Hope.

“I was immediately embraced by so many exceptional men and women who mentored and directed me to serve in several different capacities, including plumbing, welding and construction. I took an instant liking to my newfound hobby and even started publishing some battery backup sump pump reviews on the internet,” Bob says.

Bob says he connected with RHI through a member of Central Baptist Church, where he and wife Chris were attending.

Bob Demarco named Rebuilding Hope’s April 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

“I reached out to Charles Granger, asking if he might know of a need as I had a stove and refrigerator to donate,” he says. “Charles told me of Rebuilding Hope and explained the mission and work. It was amazing that God delivered me to Rebuilding Hope so quickly.”

Bob says that “the work I have done at Rebuilding Hope has been the most gratifying and fulfilling work I have ever done.

“One of my favorite events is Kids Camp where I teach younger boys and girls plumbing and drywall construction.”

One camper, Bob says, really paid attention.

“My heart was touched by a young boy who after class went home and looked under the kitchen sink and, with amazement, asked his mom and dad if they knew they had pipes there.”

Now a resident of Johnston County and a member of Wilson’s Mills Baptist Church, Bob continues his volunteer work at RHI.

Recently, his skills were put to use plumbing bathrooms and showers for second-floor bunk rooms.

“To volunteer at Rebuilding Hope fills the needs of the community and fills my soul and heart,” says Bob, who’s affectionately known as “PlumBob.”

At his new church, Bob serves on the Community Service Committee and in the prayer ministry. He also works with Serve the Need of Johnston County, whose work is similar to that of RHI.

In leisure time, Bob says he enjoys reading and drumming.

He and Chris have five children, 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Billy Ayscue Named Rebuilding Hope’s Dec. Volunteer of the Month

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope,  Inc.

Acquainted with the man who would be Rebuilding Hope’s founder and pleased with the camaraderie he later observed at the ministry, Billy Ayscue decided where to offer his time and talents.

“I knew Randolph Wilson before he started RHI and knew of his out-of-state trips to assist people with storm damage,” says Billy, now an eight-year RHI volunteer.

“Several years ago, I was looking for something to do when other activities were winding down,” he says.

Billy Ayscue, an eight-year volunteer, named Rebuilding Hope’s December 2018 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

On a trip to donate some building materials at RHI’s old location on Oliver Drive, Billy says Randolph shared with him how he wanted the ministry to help meet housing needs in Vance and surrounding counties.

On another trip to RHI, Billy says he noticed the good-natured way volunteers were going about setting up a tent that would serve as a heated space for men’s prayer group meetings.

He concluded that RHI was “obviously a good place to be with a good group of people.”

The ministry “provides an opportunity to spend time in the company of Christian men and to be a part of helping others with their needs, both physical and spiritual,” he says.

Billy, a Vance County native and resident, served six years on RHI’s board of directors. Today he mans the application and phone desk a day each week and, as needed, assists with fundraising and delivering materials to work sites.

“We always ask to have prayer with applicants before they leave,” Billy says. “They’re asked about anything going on in their lives for which they may want prayer. Quite often, at the completion, tears are in the applicant’s eyes. It makes you wonder if this is the first time in their lives that someone has prayed specifically and directly for them.”

Billy retired in 1990 after 30 years with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. He managed several agricultural research stations, including those in Oxford, Clinton, Salisbury and Rocky Mount.

A member of Raleigh Road Baptist Church, he teaches the Adult Sunday School Class and served as association Sunday school director. He served as deacon and Sunday school director in other churches as his family moved around the state.

He is a former active-duty U.S. Navy aviator and is retired from the Navy Reserve.

Billy and Nancy have been married for 58 years and have two children, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In his leisure time, Billy says he enjoys woodworking and gardening.

Strickland Named Rebuilding Hope’s Sept. Volunteer in the Spotlight

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-Information courtesy the September 2018 Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Newsletter

Jeffrey Strickland is a relative newcomer to the volunteer ranks at Rebuilding Hope. A resident of the Inez community in Warren County, he began lending a helping hand at RHI in May.

Jeffrey Strickland was named Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Volunteer in the Spotlight for September. (Photo: Rebuilding Hope)

Jeffrey, a graduate of Dillard Road Academy, says he learned about the opportunity at RHI through one of his mother’s coworkers. The coworker is also a volunteer.

Jeffrey, like most RHI volunteers, helps with the annual Servants on Site and pitches in at the warehouse wherever he’s needed. “Ministry work is a good thing to do,” he says of his decision to volunteer. “Helping communities around the area is rewarding.”

Jeffrey’s hobbies and leisure time activities include woodworking, hunting and fishing, or, he says, “anything outdoors.” A member of Centerville Baptist Church, he serves in the worship services by running the soundboard.

Jeffrey is the son of Greg and Donna Smith and David Strickland. He has a sister, Makayla.