Despite two massive storm fronts that moved through the Midwest on Thursday night and into early Friday morning, the Grand Rapids Blitz Build 2009 was blessed with a (almost) full day of dry weather before the third intense storm moved into the area Friday afternoon. Little did we know our opening prayer was full of metaphors for what was to come as we asked God to "rain down His blessings upon Blitz Build sites through the waves of volunteers" as Friday evening's weather brought record rainfall and flooding to the West Michigan area.
Saturday's Blitz Build offered the promise of clear skies and dry weather as we gathered together on the job site to share in an opening devotion that reminded us of God's purpose of using His people to bring hope to those who need it. After the devotion and opening prayer, volunteers and Habitat homebuyers worked together in teams to repair the erosion and damage caused by the previous night's storms. While some volunteers dug trenches & installed new silt fencing to prevent run-off, others continued the work of hanging vinyl siding, picking up where the previous day's volunteers had left off when Friday's severe weather presented.
What compelled volunteers from Calvary Church to participate in Blitz Build 2009? Clearly, the most frequently cited reasons were to "show compassion for people in need" and "to build community with people." As one volunteer expressed, "I enjoyed working on this build and love working with people who choose to do this type of thing - they're a special breed." Others commented that they came to serve as a matter of living out their faith and found building in hands-on ministry to be a rewarding and positive experience. "I have rediscovered my love for hammering nails! (really)!", said one volunteer. When participants were asked if they would like to volunteer again with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County in future Blitz Builds, it was a resounding 100% "YES"!
Links
www.blitzbuild.org - View the Blitz Build project blog and see photos from the build
Despite two massive storm fronts that moved through the Midwest on Thursday night and into early Friday morning, the Grand Rapids Blitz Build 2009 was blessed with a (almost) full day of dry weather before the third intense storm moved into the area Friday afternoon. Little did we know our opening prayer was full of metaphors for what was to come as we asked God to "rain down His blessings upon Blitz Build sites through the waves of volunteers" as Friday evening's weather brought record rainfall and flooding to the West Michigan area.
Saturday's Blitz Build offered the promise of clear skies and dry weather as we gathered together on the job site to share in an opening devotion that reminded us of God's purpose of using His people to bring hope to those who need it. After the devotion and opening prayer, volunteers and Habitat homebuyers worked together in teams to repair the erosion and damage caused by the previous night's storms. While some volunteers dug trenches & installed new silt fencing to prevent run-off, others continued the work of hanging vinyl siding, picking up where the previous day's volunteers had left off when Friday's severe weather presented.
What compelled volunteers from Calvary Church to participate in Blitz Build 2009? Clearly, the most frequently cited reasons were to "show compassion for people in need" and "to build community with people." As one volunteer expressed, "I enjoyed working on this build and love working with people who choose to do this type of thing - they're a special breed." Others commented that they came to serve as a matter of living out their faith and found building in hands-on ministry to be a rewarding and positive experience. "I have rediscovered my love for hammering nails! (really)!", said one volunteer. When participants were asked if they would like to volunteer again with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County in future Blitz Builds, it was a resounding 100% "YES"!
Links
www.blitzbuild.org - View the Blitz Build project blog and see photos from the build