This year brings yet another abundance of blessings for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland in the form of wonderful families, selfless volunteers, and for this summer particularly—the Apostle Build. Our first partnership with local churches in 2006 was a huge success! The momentum gained from that build made our second one in 2008 just as impactful. This year makes the third in which twelve individual churches and organizations have joined together to fully fund and build houses for two local families. As Jesus’ original apostles were charged with spreading the word about Jesus, so our twelve apostle churches are charged with assisting in Habitat’s mission to provide decent shelter for God’s children.
Construction on the homes are already well underway. Excavated land? Check. Lying of blocks and foundation? Check, check. A very excited family in John Shaw and son, Devon? Triple check! The two could not be more elated about moving into their own home this fall. Looking across Century Village one Saturday afternoon at the foundation of his home, John spoke aloud of his vision. “Next week I am meeting with Jerry to pick out the color of siding and shutters for my home…over here I want to have a fence.” John enjoys being a part every step of the build. In no time his vision will undoubtedly come to pass, and five-year old Devon will soon be playing in the backyard!
John and Devon Shaw
The sponsoring churches for the Shaw Family house are: Broad Street United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church, Hopewell Church of God, First Presbyterian Church and Freedom Fellowship Church.
When L.A. Massengill shared with First Cumberland Presbyterian Church a little about his family at their Habitat Kickoff Sunday Service, he not only thanked them for their support but challenged them to continue sharing their faith through service. “Many of the families in this program do not know the Lord…working side by side with a family on their house is an excellent way to share God’s love. You never know who is watching you!” LA is finishing his degree in Pastoral Ministries at Lee University. His wife Amanda works full time and both stay busy with their three boys.
The Massengill Family
Apart from First Cumberland Presbyterian, the sponsoring churches for the Massengill Family house are: St. Therese of Lisieux, Westmore Church of God, Candies Creek Baptist Church, North Cleveland Church of God, Westwood Baptist Church and Heritage Fellowship Church of God.
An Apostles Build project provides members of a congregation a unique environment to put their faith into action. There is immeasurable joy that comes in serving the Lord, for He “delights in the prosperity of His servants (Ps. 35:27)!” We know God will use this time to bless our churches, our volunteers, staff and family members whose lives will be forever changed. Thank you, Apostle churches for your continued partnership with Habitat! Please join us at the home dedications on Thursday, August 26th at 6pm!
