<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=730207053839709&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Skip to the main content.

1 min read

Finding Joy in Rebuilding Walls with Habitat

Finding Joy in Rebuilding Walls with Habitat
Guest Blog Post by John Keller
Lead Pastor, Resurrection Lutheran Church

 

jeremy at habitat 

Today was fun. For the first time in a long while the Twin Cities had a full day of warm sunshine. I was able to enjoy it working outside on a Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity work site. Eight members of Resurrection Lutheran joined fourteen others on a new build at 522 Thomas Avenue in St. Paul, MN. We pounded nails, cut boards and lifted roof trusses. We ate pizza and drank lots of water. As I said, it was fun. I had the opportunity to lead a short devotion before the work began. I centered it on the book of Nehemiah and their rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the exile. The people had become discouraged because their capital city was in chaotic disrepair. The most grievous symbol of that brokenness was their wall. For people of that time, a walled city was sign of protection and vitality.

 

construction
We no longer need city walls for safety, but we still need to rebuild walls of shelter for others ins our city. The previous house at the Habitat site had become a drug haven and the city closed and condemned it. Now Habitat has the opportunity to rebuild and reclaim this neighborhood with a new home and enthusiastic homeowners. Though no homeowner has yet been selected for this home, I am confident that Habitat will select a family that will invest in their home and neighborhood.

 

 

My favorite verse from Nehemiah is “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). I experienced that joy today working with others and so thankful that their joy gave me strength.

 

work crew

 

Lord Jesus, lets us rebuild our city with your joy, strength and peace.

 

Explore Faith-Based Opportunities
Youth Groups on a Mission with Twin Cities Habitat

Youth Groups on a Mission with Twin Cities Habitat

Youth mission trips from all around the Midwest have been coming to volunteer with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity this summer. We are excited to...

Read More
A Great Jordan Week of Kindness

A Great Jordan Week of Kindness

From July 9th to the 16th, Twin Cities Habitat, Thrivent Financial and the Jordan Area Community Council (JACC) partnered to carry out the Jordan...

Read More
Senior Pastor Build highlights how congregations put faith in action

Senior Pastor Build highlights how congregations put faith in action

Last week, 15 faith leaders spent their day volunteering on a Habitat construction site in South Minneapolis’ Phillips neighborhood. It was the 3rd...

Read More