VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 01/29/08) - Once again National Ministries, on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, will partner with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge in spring 2008 to build five homes for families that have permanently relocated to Baton Rouge, following displacement by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
More than 300 volunteers will be required to complete the homes in this "Blitz Build."
"Taking part in a 'Blitz Build' is an amazing opportunity to let others see the love of Jesus Christ in you," says Victoria Goff, National Ministries' national coordinator of Volunteer Ministries. "It is awesome to help raise wall after wall and then-before you know it-you have a house standing before you. But doing this side-by-side with others filled with Christ's compassion, and the homeowners, too, makes it even more special. Don't miss this chance of a lifetime to give back, and return home enriched in ways you could never have imagined."
Both individuals and groups are needed to make this "Blitz Build" successful. Participants must be at least 16 years of age. Construction skills are not required, but any knowledge of or experience with construction is appreciated. Skilled laborers-such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters-are especially critical, along with skilled individuals who can serve as house leaders.
Volunteers are responsible for transportation to and from Baton Rouge and the worksite as well as a weekly fee of $100 for food and lodging.
More than 150 volunteers will be needed the first week, beginning Monday, April 28, when the five homes are blessed and the walls are raised. That week, work will focus on framing the exterior and interior walls, raising roof trusses and roof decking, and installing windows, doors and vinyl siding.
During the second week, beginning May 5, plans call for completion of subcontractor work, so volunteer opportunities will require those with specialized skills.
To finish vinyl siding, tape and float sheetrock, paint, and install trim work, cabinets and landscaping in the final week, beginning May 12, another 150-plus volunteers will be needed. The build will end on Saturday, May 17, with a dedication of each home.
In 2007, National Ministries built 12 homes with 200-plus American Baptist volunteers in Baton Rouge, La., as part of a similar "Blitz Build" effort in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Since hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit in August and September of 2005, National Ministries' Volunteer Ministries office has sent more than 1600 volunteers to the Gulf Coast to help with rebuilding.
The Rev. Marilyn Turner, National Ministries' associate executive for Program Ministries, shares gratitude for those bringing the cause of Christ to the hurricane-ravaged areas of the South: "We are thankful for the many American Baptists who continue to share their time and resources as gifts bringing comfort to the hurricane survivors. This is a long-term ministry of caring, and it is one that could not be accomplished without their dedication."
For more information and registration material, please visit the National Ministries' Web site at nationalministries.org>Caring Ministries>Volunteer SMinistries or contact VictoriSa Goff at vgoff@abc-usa.org or 1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2449.
The registration deadline for participation in the 2008 "Blitz Build" is April 1.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/