Habitat World editor Milana McLead finds unity in Habitat's work, as volunteers throughout the world come together to help families in need.

Unity Despite Differences

"Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
-Book of Common Prayer

"Love your enemies." Simple words, radical action. Imagine what would happen if we--every one of us--did it. Love in action, all the time.

Now, more than ever, as billions of people live on less than $1 a day, doesn't it seem our world needs it?

In the timeless words of farmer and theologian Clarence Jordan: "What the poor need is co-workers, not caseworkers; capital, not charity." Such thinking inspired Millard Fuller to found Habitat for Humanity, and 26 years later more than 125,000 families live in decent houses. Jordan died in 1969, but not before he put radical ideas of social justice into practical action.

Around the globe, tens of thousands of people are acting out these words every day as they partner with Habitat to help fight poverty. Undoubtedly, each could find something to disagree about--doctrine, economics, politics, theology, you name it. There are likely as many variations of thought and opinion as there are people who pick up a hammer to help build.

This winter, I've seen evidence of those differences as many of you have written to Habitat World responding to letters we published in the December/January issue regarding faith and Habitat. Not too surprisingly, the viewpoints run the gamut, though the majority support Habitat's Christian foundation. Certainly, Habitat for Humanity has always been, and will always remain, firmly rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Despite such differences, however, it is time to redouble our efforts to work together for social justice. The world's poverty is our poverty. The poor don't want a handout, but they need a hand up.

Recently, I asked Habitat homeowner Claudio Troncosa, of Caldera, Chile: "If you could send a message to America, what would it be?" He never hesitated in his reply.

"Whether it be here in Chile or in other countries, or for families other than mine, I'd like people who are supporting Habitat to know that what they are doing is helping people to be united," he said. "In my case, that help has meant that [my family] has been able to fulfill a dream and to live in a good and decent house."

What better reason to love our neighbors?

Radical action? Yes. Will we always agree? No. Should we build anyway? By all means.

We can build a better world. Let's do it together.

Thanks for reading...and for building.

--Milana McLead