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The passing of President Jimmy Carter was a loss felt by millions around the globe and indeed throughout the Habitat for Humanity organization. President Jimmy and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter were champions and groundbreaking voices for affordable, decent housing for all, donating their time and leadership each year to build and improve homes through Habitat's Carter Work Project for over 30 years. Together, they worked alongside nearly 110,000 volunteers who have built, renovated, or repaired more than 4,447 homes in 14 countries, all while raising awareness of the critical need for affordable housing. Habitat's Apostles Build task force members were asked what made them grateful to volunteer.
"I find joy in bringing opportunities for fellowship involving many and diverse segments of the faith community. At all our Habitat Apostles gatherings, the function of Habitat is to build them up and give a positive focus for them and their church members. Early on, I had it the other way around. What could the churches do for Habitat? I've now flipped that script and emphasized what Habitat brings to the Table of Fellowship."
-Dan Joslin, Habitat Faith Relations Coordinator
"I am grateful to be able to help with Apostles Build alongside the home buyers because it helps them build wealth and be able to contribute to the community we live in. I have been blessed by having others help me achieve my goals, and I want to give that experience to others. Our faith calls us to build up others with compassion and support."
-Debbie Whitley, Task force member
"It has been a learning experience, and I realize I still have a lot to learn about the complexities of how our Habitat works. I have a deep appreciation, though, of all the work that gets done behind the scenes and the accomplishments of our local organization. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring diverse folks together for a common purpose and to see the happiness of those who are helped. It has been a joy to find a way to put some of my beliefs, inspired while in the pew, into action."
-LuAnn Kinney, Task force member
"I love how people come together for a common purpose and share time, regardless of faith background. No matter what our faith story is, we're one church. The Apostle's Build demonstrates that."
Gerald Ostlund, Task force member and Videographer
"What is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it that God so loved the world that he sent Christ to show his love to us? What's that got to do with Habitat, you ask? Well, Habitat is the gift and opportunity to our Churches to show their love and make God's love known to others. It is this opportunity to serve and give others the gift of love!!"
- Gary Popson, Task force member
"I thought I had a pretty good understanding of Habitat for Humanity when I was first invited to join other volunteers from my church to work on a new house. But in the years since then, I've gained a deep appreciation for the rich experience known as an Apostles Build. Relationships inspired by faith and nurtured by mutual support are at the heart of this amazing enterprise. Habitat means manifesting God's love in our community, from the dedicated administrative staff and skilled construction teams to the eager volunteers and new homeowners who work alongside us."
-Bob Howell, Task force member, and Apostles Build Volunteer Scheduler
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