Through her work with Habitat World and many hours on Habitat build sites, editor Milana McLead has witnessed the difference volunteers make in the lives of others.

Volunteers Make a Difference

"Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen."
-Prayer of St. Francis

Simple, decent houses. That's probably the most common image that comes to mind when you hear the words "Habitat for Humanity." But beyond the houses and homeowners, past the work site and behind the numbers of houses built, stand volunteers. Thousands of them.

They put their hands and hearts to tasks large and small. They help with fund raising and nurture Habitat families; they take volunteer vacations, speak out as advocates, serve on boards, plan special events, locate land for house construction, and so much more. Without them, there would be no building of houses, lives or communities.

Volunteer service is a unifying thread in the fabric of society. Often, it provides a conduit for response to disasters, social problems and community needs. In fact, in the year following September 11, 2001, 59 million Americans volunteered. In 2000, 32 percent of Australians volunteered, while one in four Canadians and Belgians did the same. Around the world, volunteerism is on the rise, as concerned citizens work to meet the needs of their neighbors.

Why volunteer? To give something back, to act on your beliefs, to understand people, to improve skills, to break down barriers, or simply, to help others. In giving of themselves, most volunteers say they receive more than they give.

"One of the reasons we all gather together to build houses with people is because we want to share Christ's love with everyone," says Leroy Troyer, who volunteers frequently with Habitat. "It is in giving that we all receive. It's been special for me."

With this issue of Habitat World, we take you on a journey through a day in the life of Habitat's world. Throughout the day, you'll find joy, need, compassion, celebration, construction-and an underlying theme: volunteerism. There is power in service. The work of your hands does make a difference.

"We have the know-how in the world to house everyone," says Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity. "We have the resources in the world to house everyone. All that's missing is the will to do it."

Every day, as millions of people in need face haunting realities of survival, hunger, disease and shelter, volunteers take action to help. It's social justice at its best. It's faith in action. It's what the world needs.

Won't you help us today?

Thanks for reading ... and for building.

--by Milana McLead