25 days, 25 stories: Living Out the Gospel

Each day from October 5 to October 29, 2009 we will be posting a new story in celebration of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s 25th anniversary. These stories have come to us from people who have been involved with Habitat Omaha in a variety of ways at some point in the past 25 years. We hope that you enjoy these reflections, some old and some new, about Habitat Omaha and that they inspire or renew the spirit of service in you. If you have a story of your own that you would like to share please send it to us at buildinghope.omaha@gmail.com.

 

Living Out the Gospel

 
[Habitat for Humanity of Omaha] had bought several lots from the Land Reutilization Authority around the 37th and Spencer area where our first house was built and they were overgrown with weeds and had lots of trees growing on them. I mentioned this at an early board meeting and Rev. Stefan Emery of Northside Mennonite Church said that he had some connections with the Mennonites in Beemer, Nebraska and that they often cleared land to help out. So the date was set, I think it was a Saturday, and Bill and I were to meet them at the Burger King at 44th and Dodge Streets for coffee and then they would follow us out to the lots. Bill wasn’t too happy about the 7 a.m. part but anyway they worked all morning and then went over to Margaret’s home nearby where she had made them lunch.

Then they went back to the site, finished with their chainsaws getting the last of the trees out and loaded up for firewood to take back to Beemer. It was amazing how fast they worked and then just hopped in their trucks, thanked US for the lunch and coffee which was small in comparison to their trip and work, and of course we thanked THEM for helping us out. That is why I hope we get the Mennonites involved again with Omaha Habitat as they truly believe you are to LIVE OUT the Gospel.

Mary Lyons-Barrett
One of the founders of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha

 

 

Visit the new habitatomaha.org to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, find out about volunteer opportunities and to donate now.