Old School, New Purpose: Recycled with a Mission to Show God’s Love in Action

By Nancy Hinshaw

Mitchell County

A once-bustling elementary school in North Carolina is getting a second life—not as a school for children, but as a center of hope, service, and faith. On November 20, 2024, the North Carolina Baptists on Mission (BOM) purchased the former Deyton Elementary School, transforming it into their permanent camp and headquarters for the region.

This new facility will serve as a home base for dedicated staff and volunteers who train and serve in various mission efforts. While it won’t function as a public shelter, it will house and feed those who come to assist with disaster relief, community outreach, and rebuilding efforts.

A Place to Serve and Be Renewed

The Deyton facility is being carefully renovated to accommodate those who give their time and skills to help others. Among the planned additions are:

• Separate men’s and women’s housing wings for volunteers

• The Dale Duncan Memorial Chapel, a reverent space for prayer and worship

• A cafeteria for shared meals and training sessions

• Youth and adult lounges, providing a place for rest and fellowship during downtime

• A medical room and laundry area to meet volunteers’ needs

A new 80,000-square-foot warehouse will be built behind the school, ensuring that supplies are always ready when disasters strike. To maintain safety and order, security systems will be installed throughout the facility.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

Rebuilding Lives After the Storm

Baptists on Mission are currently engaged in a five-year recovery effort following Hurricane Helene, which left a lasting impact on the region. Until the new headquarters is fully operational, mission teams continue to stay in local churches and share meals at Spruce Pine First Baptist Church, demonstrating the power of Christian hospitality.

Even as renovations continue, a new flag has already been raised alongside Old Glory—the Christian flag, a symbol of the eternal hope that Baptists on Mission bring to every community they serve.

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” – Hebrews 6:10 (KJV)

In the midst of disaster, despair, and hardship, this old school is finding a new purpose, proving that God’s love isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live out.