Churches and faith groups around the world are gathering to pray and work together in order to eliminate substandard housing during Habitat for Humanity International’s “Building On Faith” week, Sept. 14 – 20. Throughout the year, Habitat for Humanity serves as a vehicle for churches and the faith community to help families escape from substandard housing and move into a simple, decent home of their own. “Churches and other faith groups work with Habitat to build houses that will bless families,” said Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International. “The Bible says that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. By building houses, people of faith and goodwill are showing their love and concern for their neighbors.
During Building On Faith week, more than 40 affiliates around the world will participate in special activities. Habitat for Humanity International estimates that during Building On Faith week that 1,000 churches will be involved in building houses, constructing more than 350 homes in partnership with families in need.
Upon the completion of Building On Faith week, Habitat supporters and volunteers will pause on Sept. 21 for the International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat, where people around the world pray for those in need of shelter. This annual day of prayer was initiated by Habitat for Humanity International in 1983 to make housing a matter of conscience in the faith community.
Habitat for Humanity, a Christian ministry serving in 89 countries around the world, has build more than 150,000 homes since its founding in 1976. But as much as has already been accomplished, Fuller sees a greater need yet to be addressed.
“We have much to thank God for at Habitat for Humanity,” said Fuller. “But we must continue to seek His guidance as we continue the work He’s given us to do. That’s the essence of Building On Faith week—after all, ‘unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain.
Some Building On Faith locations include: Ridgecrest, Calif.; Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Tulsa, Okla.; Covington, La.; Charlotte, N.C.; Canton, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Frankfort, Ky.; Sierra Vista, Ariz.; Tucson, Ariz.; Hartford, Conn.; Wilmington, Del.; Washington, D.C.; Honolulu, Waterloo, Iowa; Lawrence, Kan.; Louisville, Ky.; Shreveport, La.; Florence, Mass.; Detroit; Holland, Mich.; Albemarle, N.C.; Davidson, N.C.; Hickory, N.C.; Lexington, N.C.; New York City; Westchester County, N.Y.; Rochester, N.Y.; Coos Bay, Ore.; York, Penn.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Spartanburg, S.C.; Conroe, Texas; Portland, Ore.; Danville, Va.; Richmond, Va.; Tacoma, Wash.; Huntington, W.Va.; Green Bay, Wis.; Indonesia; Mongolia; Malaysia and the Philippines. For details on events, log onto www.habitat.org/newsroom.
