Muslims, Christians Unite To Put Roof Over Family’s Head
Muslims, Christians Unite To Put Roof Over Family’s Head
Sunday, November 15, 2009 7:46:56 AM
Reported by Mark Jenkins
WINTER GARDEN -- Christians and Muslims may be hammering out their differences elsewhere, but at a local construction site, their relationship didn’t need repair.
Just one week after the tragic shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, members from both groups teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for the needy.
“Every time something like that happens, it raises the angst in our community,” said Imam Abdula Sykes, president of a local branch of the Islam Society. “We have to get out there and let people know this is the act of one person, which we do not agree with, which we don’t condone, and is not a part of Islam. Which is why we’re out here, so people can see who we really are.”
The Muslim and Christian groups were among 60 people working side by side, hammering, shoveling and raising new walls for a family in need.
“I think it’s beautiful,” said volunteer Mike Rettstatt. “Every wall that goes up, those people are that much closer to having their house.”
The new wall represented the framework for Mercedes Andrews’ new life. While she has been working to become a nurse, Andrews has had problems providing a stable home for her children.
“We’ve moved a lot, and trying to keep up with the economy, and things have been hard. So this is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Andrews told News 13.
Andrews has already performed more than 100 of the 500 labor hours required by Habitat for Humanity. In return, she will get a new home and a 20-year, zero-interest mortgage.
During all the work, Andrews said one thought was replaying in her mind.
“Oh, my God, I’m getting a house!” Andrews said. “I’m getting a house, and I don’t ever have to move again. I’m just overwhelmed.”
With all the manpower, workers said the framework should be finished in two weeks, and Andrews can move in to her new home in March.
The project was a collaboration between St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and West Orange Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat said they are not a charity for participants, and families qualify for their mortgage through showing adequate income and good credit history.
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/11/14/muslims_christians_unite_to_put_roof_over_familys_head.html
Sunday, November 15, 2009 7:46:56 AM
Reported by Mark Jenkins
WINTER GARDEN -- Christians and Muslims may be hammering out their differences elsewhere, but at a local construction site, their relationship didn’t need repair.
Just one week after the tragic shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, members from both groups teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for the needy.
“Every time something like that happens, it raises the angst in our community,” said Imam Abdula Sykes, president of a local branch of the Islam Society. “We have to get out there and let people know this is the act of one person, which we do not agree with, which we don’t condone, and is not a part of Islam. Which is why we’re out here, so people can see who we really are.”
The Muslim and Christian groups were among 60 people working side by side, hammering, shoveling and raising new walls for a family in need.
“I think it’s beautiful,” said volunteer Mike Rettstatt. “Every wall that goes up, those people are that much closer to having their house.”
The new wall represented the framework for Mercedes Andrews’ new life. While she has been working to become a nurse, Andrews has had problems providing a stable home for her children.
“We’ve moved a lot, and trying to keep up with the economy, and things have been hard. So this is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Andrews told News 13.
Andrews has already performed more than 100 of the 500 labor hours required by Habitat for Humanity. In return, she will get a new home and a 20-year, zero-interest mortgage.
During all the work, Andrews said one thought was replaying in her mind.
“Oh, my God, I’m getting a house!” Andrews said. “I’m getting a house, and I don’t ever have to move again. I’m just overwhelmed.”
With all the manpower, workers said the framework should be finished in two weeks, and Andrews can move in to her new home in March.
The project was a collaboration between St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and West Orange Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat said they are not a charity for participants, and families qualify for their mortgage through showing adequate income and good credit history.
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/11/14/muslims_christians_unite_to_put_roof_over_familys_head.html
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2:42 PM
