Habitat World editor Milana McLead has reported on several Jimmy Carter Work Projects during her tenure at Habitat for Humanity International.

'We Were Strangers...Then We Were One'

"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in deed and in truth. ... for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
--1 John 3:17-20

For the past two decades, during one magical week each year, a microcosm materializes as thousands of people gather to achieve a common goal: to build houses with people in need during Habitat for Humanity's annual Jimmy Carter Work Project.

Often representing nearly a quarter of the globe's nations, volunteers unite despite differences of culture, language, race, creed or doctrine. In those five days they become one, eager to contribute with their hands and to give of their hearts.

I well remember a house dedication at the end of the 2001 JCWP in the Republic of Korea. After a hot and humid week, the homeowners and crew on Building No.16 had completed one of 34 two-story, four-unit buildings that would soon be home to four families. The building leader, Mr. Nam, addressed his team: "In just a few days we have finished this house as a result of our sweat and hard work," he said. "Here I present the house to our beloved brothers and sisters in the name of the Lord. We came as strangers, and then we were united as one through our labor. Now we have smiles on our dark, tanned faces. I hope you all were left with something in your heart."

I frequently ask people why they care enough to come to the Carter projects. "Heart" clearly has something to do with it. Perhaps a sense of "calling" also enters in. For Sung-Lak Choi, one of HFH Korea's founders, that was certainly the case. "God asks all Christians to open our hands and come to the aid of the poor man in need," he said. "There are lots of poor people around. We have to love our neighbor. So build a house."

It's that simple. Build a house. As Shim Due Pyoung said that year: "Your hammer sound will be heard to every corner of the earth. The houses you are building are not just a place to live, but also a place for families to re-establish love."

It's "love in action" at its best. It's a tangible demonstration of what can be done when God's people agree to work together.

Thanks for reading ... and for building.

--Milana McLead