St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the tenth in a series of articles that have been appearing in the Sunday bulletin over the last several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Ten: “I Was Homeless and You Gave Me Shelter”

In Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25, Jesus tells us “For I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I needed clothes and you clothed me. Then the people will answer Him, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink, or needed clothes and clothe you? Then Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.’ Cannot Jesus also say, ‘For I was homeless and you gave me shelter?’

$51,000 is needed to sponsor our 8th St. Matthew Habitat house. As of Friday, October 16, 2009, we have a total of $24,525. That leaves just $26,475 left to raise by December 1. EVERY dollar contributed for our Habitat House is used for construction costs and 100% of each donation is tax-deductible.

Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. The houses are sold to selected families on a 20-25 year 0% interest mortgage that is put into an account to help build other Habitat houses. The homeowner must work at least 300 hours in “sweat equity” to help build their home.

Square feet of the house are being “sold” for just $20. That is less than most families spend on a meal out or going to the movies. Or do your Christmas shopping early and “buy” a square foot of the house for all those hard to shop for family members and friends. Special gift cards are available and if you wish, your name, your family member or friend’s name, or the name of your organization or company can be included on our house floor plan which is on display in the main foyer of the church. Donor envelopes can be found by the Habitat display or in the administration building.

Volunteer sign-up will be in December. Construction begins at the end of January and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays until we landscape in April.

The bible verse that continues to guide our efforts is from James 2:18 ‘I will show you my faith by what I do.” Put your faith into action and make a donation to our Habitat Ministry TODAY. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless. (To be continued next week…)