Thrivent Builds

     A cool rain delayed the "Ground Blessing" for the "First Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity" and the Baldwin County Lutheran Churches. But it wasn't long! The Blessing was conducted by the Rev. Vincent Blount of Little Welcome Baptist Church, Pastor Harlan Heiserman of Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, and retired Lutheran Pastor Jack Jackson.

     "Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity" and the Baldwin County Lutheran churches held a "Ground Blessing" on Saturday, January 26, at the site of the Tesa Kyles family s new home in Foley. Clergy participating in the service included the Rev. Vincent Blount of Little Welcome Baptist Church, Pastor Harlan Heiserman of Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran, and retired Lutheran Pastor Jack Jackson (l to r). Tesa Kyles is ready for action, shovel in hand in the foreground.

     Over forty celebrated the occasion with Tesa Kyles, whose family will be the owners of the new home when it is completed. Many volunteers, other Habitat families, and the Kyles family will join in building the new home. The ladies of Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church provided lunch following the ceremony. Volunteers will gather for "The Frame/Build Day" set for Saturday, February 2. The "Lutheran Build" will dedicate of the finished home on March 8, 2008.

Click each photo to enlarge.

The day began at 7 AM on February 2, 2008, in Foley. The slab had been poured on the previous Thursday. Habitat staff examine the slab before the build. It is 6:45 AM.

Pastor Funk (l) from Daphne and Pastor Johnson (r) from Silverhill in foreground share a word as they prepare to lead a brief devotional before the building starts. It is 6:50 AM.

Builders gather for opening devotions. The time is 7 AM.

Pastor Funk shared a brief message from the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was the great leader of post-exilic Israel who led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Pastor Johnson shared a prayer which was followed by builders joining in "A Mighty Fortress." Music in hand and voices praising God--the time is 7:20 AM.

Builders gather around Habitat supervisory people for basic rules for the worksite. The time is 7:25 AM.

Three members from Silverhill's Zion Lutheran Church, Cindi Johnson, Charlie Canning, and Pete Midgarden (center, l to r) wait to get started on the project. The time is 7:30 AM.

The walls are up and bolted down to the slab. The work for the day is moving on. On to the details and to the planning for subsequent work days. The time is 8:30 AM.