Millard Fuller died yesterday at age 74. You may not know that name, but Fuller was a significant figure because he founded the organization called Habitat for Humanity. Fuller was wealthy but a mess when his life changed after a Christian conversion. Fuller and his wife Linda gave up their wealth to focus on a charitable organization which began building low-cost homes using donated labour and materials, as well as the "sweat equity" of the prospective owners. These owners have manageable mortgages and pride of ownership.
Habitat for Humanity began construction of houses in the early 1970's and has now built 300,000 homes in 90 countries around the world, an amazing accomplishment. We have seen the photographs of former U.S. president Jimmy Carter and his wife Roslyn working on houses alongside regular folks who give their time freely. I saw a touching interview with a retired American couple who worked on houses in an Eastern European country. They met a young woman there who captured their hearts and they sponsored her for her university education. When she got married she asked if they would come back so the husband could "give her away" in the ceremony and they did.
Unfortunately Fuller and Habitat parted company in later years under unhappy circumstances but his legacy of practical compassion is evident around the world.
I would think that when your days are up, it is a comfort to know that you began a living breathing project that will continue where you left off. It seems obvious that there is spirit involved when something that relies on goodness and cooperation, as opposed to profit, takes off like that.
ReplyDeleteAt our church in Winnipeg, we sponsored a mission trip to Bahamas through Habitat For Humanity where some of our teens travelled there to help with a building project. It was a life changing experience for them, and a joy to watch their enthusiasm and understanding of the world grow through their service.
ReplyDeleteSo many people have found meaning in picking up a hammer and pounding nails on behalf of others. We need those tangible ways of making a difference.
ReplyDeletePupil, you raise that important question of our legacy. Few of us will start an organization which outlives us. We'll have to settle for our influence on the people around us, one by one, day by day.