After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever. — I Maccabees, 4:24
After a great victory against their enemies, God’s people “went home” to pray. But sometimes, God’s people have no home. Sometimes, the enemies against which we struggle are poverty and homelessness. And sometimes, working together, we can gain a great victory in God’s name.
Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has been helping poor families build and pay for their own homes. Habitat, or HFH, is a nondenominational Christian organization committed to ending poverty housing worldwide. (It is also dear to Pr. Terri’s heart, since many years ago she helped to start the first-ever college chapter, at Baylor University). Here in Romania, the independent HFH organization has been at work since 1996, and has helped more than 1000 families into new homes and renovated apartments.
In the wake of the worldwide economic crisis, which has dramatically reduced the funds available to many charitable organizations, HFH Romania has remained faithful to its mission goals, but changed its strategies for achieving them. In rural Romania, for example, many families still live without fresh, clean water. Improvements to a village’s water and sanitation system can sometimes achieve more, and for more people, than simple construction can to end poverty and improve housing.
Habitat needs partners. It seems strange to imagine our little church can do much good. We are so few, and needs are so great! But every church feels that way, from time to time: overwhelmed by the needs of a broken world. Yet we have a call from God, and we have the Spirit of God to give us strength. Who know what we can accomplish together?
To learn more aboutHhabitat for Humanity, and to explore ways to help our neighbors in need, please join us after worship on Sunday, 13 June, for a presentation by representatives of the Cluj chapter. The service begins at 5:00 pm.
