Habitat Testimonies

I asked each of the Habitat team members to share something they have experienced or part of their mission they have greatly enjoyed. Below are a few quick responses and testimonies of how God is working in their area and how they are being used as God's servants.

1. Matt—focused on the workers he spends time with everyday as they construct homes. Matt enjoys the bible studies they have had with the workers so far and said they ran out of bibles quick when they started sharing. Just hanging out with the Filipinos on the worksite is exciting and fun and being a living testimony to God's love allows him to share the gospel freely. 

2. Will—after a devastating flood last year, the Habitat team is constructing homes for those families who evacuated. Currently the families live in tents and the area is called "tent city." Will shared a story about meeting a lady in "tent city" and hearing about the mother's loss of a child in the flood. The story was extremely painful but Will explained how the team was able to provide encouragement and pray over the mother and her remaining family. Will asks that we keep her in our prayers and hopes to meet with her again for further encouragement and sharing of the gospel.

3. Bryce—loves time with the kids at the dorm. Bryce said the team greatly enjoys playing games such as volleyball and basketball in the evening when the kids return from school. Bryce mentioned how excited the students were to see Americans, especially Americans who interacted and took interest in them. Bryce also mentioned that some of the older students are reading the Bible, even though they come from a Muslim background. It's encouraging to him and the rest of the team to see the kids considering Christ. 

4. David—just as Matt enjoys spending time with the Habitat workers, so does David. He is astounded at how fast the houses are being built and the speed of the project. It's encouraging to see houses being completed so more people can move in. David enjoys spending time with the Filipino workers everyday, cracking jokes and telling stories, and sharing the gospel as they work. 

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Building Houses, Building Relationships

 I (Trent, Healthcare media guy) was able to travel to the Habitat team with Jess and meet with the guys. Received great words and stories from them that I want to share.

First, let me give you a general overview of what's taking place. The 4 man team—Matt, Will, David and Bryce—are staying in a dorm beside their work site where they help build houses for families who were displaced because of a massive flood last year.

The dorm wasn't their original destination, but God orchestrated a plan for them to end up at the dorm, to do Habitat work and ministry with the kids of the dorm. The dorm is in existence due to a wonderful pastor and missionary from Korea who has a heart for children to get an education and receive spiritual guidance. The dorm holds approximately 80 kids so, the team is staying among several kids, and able to  minister to them in the evening through games, tutoring and English lessons. Will even mentioned how he helps the older students with Physics because he enjoys the subject himself.

Since the team is at the dorm they have two ministries—one with the Habitat houses and the workers, and then with the kids at the dorm who are mainly Muslim. They had no idea about the dorm and staying with kids, but every team member is joyful because of the time with the kids and being able to share Christ's love to those who need it most. Sounds like God wanted this team to do more than Habitat work. He wanted them to encourage and inspire these children to become part of God's family through Christ's love. God works in mysterious ways but He always works for His glory, and we have to be obedient.

Please pray that their health remains well and they are able to complete the task they have been given this summer. Also, pray for the right words for each member as they interact with workers on the houses and as they teach and share with the kids of the dorm. May the team not lose hope but be enthusiastic and excited to teach all they meet about Christ's love. Pray for the kids of the dorm, that they would see something different in the lives of the 4 team members and the owner of the dorm. May they question and seek after God, and may they make commitments to serve the Lord for the rest of their life.

Keep up the prayers and support.  Everyone here is feeling the love from you, even though we are thousands of miles away. Thanks for being the true body of Christ!