Building on Faith
Habitat for Humanity volunteers and homeowners build on faith every day. And while Habitat was founded as and remains a Christian organization, it welcomes partners of any faith-or of no faith-who are willing to pick up a hammer and help their neighbor in need. To celebrate its Christian identity, Habitat for Humanity International has designated the third week in September as its annual "Building on Faith" week.

by Shawn Reeves

	Before beginning their workday, volunteers often engage in on-site devotions. Pictured here, volunteers get their day started in Pikesville, Ky.

A Muslim, Abdul Jabbar was skeptical about seeking help from a Christian organization. A friend told him, "This is how Muslims are lured into becoming Christians, but there is nothing wrong with visiting Habitat's office and seeing for yourself."

Jabbar did just that and uncovered the means by which he would transform his life. He found that the Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Bapatla, India, was willing to help him escape his 25-square-foot hut-regardless of his own faith.

Two months later, after contributing hundreds of sweat-equity hours toward his home's construction, Jabbar moved into his new Habitat house.

Habitat for Humanity International was founded as and remains a Christian organization, and its Christian identity is precisely why Habitat reaches out to everyone, according to Robin Shell, HFHI's senior vice president of Program.

"It's because of Jesus that we reach out to all faiths," Shell says. "Jesus gives us the example of crossing social boundaries. We invite people to lay aside their differences and take up a hammer to build together."

During this year's Building on Faith week (Sept. 8-15), Habitat affiliates around the world highlight partnerships with churches and other faith groups and build as a witness to the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Churches always have been the cornerstone of Habitat support, and while affiliates invite people from all faiths to partner in the construction of decent, affordable housing, they do so within the context of Christianity.

"We are a Christian organization with an open door," says Millard Fuller, HFHI founder and president. "Habitat for Humanity doesn't have to quit being Christian in order to help others; we don't have to exclude Jesus in order to include others."

This year's Building on Faith week holds a special significance. It will occur during the one-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which-while unspeakably tragic-have united people throughout the United States and the world in a resolve to forge love, not hate; to build community, not conflict.

Habitat affiliates build on faith every day, but the special week in September will find them doing so not only with Christian churches in their communities, but also with mosques and synagogues. Following are some examples of the Building on Faith activities affiliates have planned for the week. To find or get involved with your local affiliate, visit www.habitat.org/local/.

HFH Chile
The first Habitat affiliate in this country plans to host its first Global Village team—a Women Build church coalition group-in support of Building on Faith.

HFH Duluth (Minn.)
A Lutheran-sponsored house will be built next to a house sponsored by a veterans' group. Work also will begin that week on five additional Habitat houses.

HFH of Greater Bridgeport (Conn.)
HFH of Greater Bridgeport hosts a golf fund-raiser each year in September. Tragically, one of last year's participants fell victim to the September 11 attacks. The affiliate directed the proceeds from last year's event-some $85,000—toward a duplex it is renovating called "The September 11 Tribute House." To celebrate BOF week, the affiliate plans a multifaith build, uniting volunteers from Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith communities.

HFH Indonesia
Habitat affiliates in Indonesia are busy planning BOF activities in the largely Muslim country.

HFH Tucson (Ariz.)
HFH Tucson will build 11 houses in remembrance of the terrorist attacks, naming the project "Building Freedom Day."

Durham County (N.C.) HFH
Two of the six houses under construction during Building on Faith will be sponsored by churches, and the affiliate will hold a worship service on one of the build sites.

Kent County (Mich.) HFH
At a communitywide worship service expected to draw more than 1,000 people, the affiliate will honor past church partners and will celebrate two current projects supported by church partnerships.

Lubbock (Texas) HFH
To mark its 15th anniversary, the affiliate will blitz build 15 houses, one of which will be the House of Abraham, jointly sponsored by a Christian church, a Jewish synagogue and a Muslim mosque.

—Shawn Reeves is managing editor of Habitat World.