HFH Affiliates, Churches Keep the Faith

by Pam Pinkston Campbell

For more than a decade, Building on Faith has been Habitat for Humanity's annual celebration of church partnerships, providing opportunities for all Habitat affiliates to embrace their local communities by planning and engaging a building project that demonstrates the love of Jesus Christ. During August and September, Habitat for Humanity groups and their church partners around the world unite in this tradition and celebration. (The event officially began Sept. 11 this year, concluding with the International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat on Sept. 18. Building activity and schedules varied, however, in some locations.)

In total, more than 600 faith groups helped build approximately 130 houses around the world.

	'When Habitat groups around the world participate in Building on Faith, Habitat for Humanity is able to preach a global sermon of God's love.' --Rick Beech, HFHI's director of Church Relations

Many Habitat for Humanity affiliates look to Building on Faith week as a means of sharpening their focus, of reinforcing a spiritual rhythm in their work. Every year, others participate for the first time in the annual event, which renews for them Habitat's ecumenical, Christian identity. Whatever the case, Building on Faith offers affiliates an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships with local churches and faith communities--while beginning fresh conversations with new faith partners.

This year, participants in many countries, such as Mozambique, Ecuador and Guyana, embraced Building on Faith for the first time as local and international churches built together.

In the United States, the Shasta Cascade (Calif.) affiliate held its first Building on Faith event, as well. Four hundred volunteers framed three houses, painted three others, built a fence, hauled away trash and washed hundreds of windows. "It was incredible," said Kirk Wayman, the affiliate's resource development director, of the number of volunteers and the enthusiasm with which they undertook their work. Talk of the event has resulted in three new church sponsorships for the coming year, Wayman said, and he believes publicity surrounding it will result in even stronger church support in the future.

In addition to building with local churches, some affiliates take advantage of Building on Faith to deepen partnerships with non-Christian faith communities. Waco (Texas) Habitat for Humanity initiated an interfaith build that continues through December, involving Christians, Jews and Muslims. Genesee (Mich.) County Habitat for Humanity built its second "House of Abraham."

Both these and traditional Building on Faith events underscore the common ground everyone can agree on: All people deserve a decent place to live.

--Pam Pinkston Campbell, Church Relations educational officer