Home Builders Without Hammers

by Millard Fuller

	Habitat for Humanity founder and president Millard Fuller emphasizes the need for affordable housing to listeners at the International Builders Show 2003 in Las Vegas.

"Jesus went through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him as well as some women ... who provided for them out of their own resources."
--Luke 8:1-3

Like Jesus, and very much in the spirit of Jesus, staff and volunteers of Habitat for Humanity are working in hundreds of cities, towns and villages all across the United States and in scores of other countries, proclaiming God's love and bringing good news to the poor in the form of homes for families in need.

This work is possible only because there are thousands of women, men, girls and boys who generously contribute to the ministry of Habitat.

The staff and volunteers around the world who labor daily to build more houses with families in need depend on the generosity of Habitat donors, just as Jesus depended on the resources of those who traveled with him.

All of the dedicated people involved in the work of Habitat for Humanity are essential to the continuing success of the venture.

Obviously, the skilled builders and their helpers are necessary to build the thousands of houses that are going up across the country and around the world. The board and committee members are essential as are the architects, the preparers of meals, the editors and writers for the various Habitat publications, the speakers who tell the story in churches, civic clubs and other places. But those who write checks and those who raise money in various ways are absolutely necessary to the continuing good progress of the Habitat venture.

Not everyone can wield a hammer, but everyone, from the richest person to the poorest, can contribute in other ways. God expects a person to give, not in proportion to what he or she does not have, but in line with what is available to share.

Jesus praised the widow who gave out of her meager resources. Indeed, Jesus said she gave the most in God's eyes because she gave of her substance while others simply gave a small percentage of what they had.

So, the amount given is not as important as the generosity of the heart of the giver. All gifts are gladly received and, I believe, both Habitat and the giver are deeply blessed. And the greater the generosity, the greater the blessing.

Finally, everyone can pray. Righteous prayers have an influence. They mean so much.

Habitat for Humanity is, and always has been, God's work. It exists only because thousands of people believe in the mission and support it in various ways.

Whether you drive a nail, saw a board, serve on a board or committee, write a check or get others to write checks, you are a blessing to the work of Habitat for Humanity. Thank you and God bless you for your contribution and for your partnership with us in this God-ordained adventure.