Habitat is
"Practical Religion"
by Millard Fuller, Habitat Founder
as found in "Habitat World" magazine
What is the essence of Habitat for Humanity?
What is it about Habitat that has caused the ministry to spread
around the world so rapidly since its work began in 1976? Why have
the concepts of house and community building resonated in the hearts
of so many people?
We believe the essence
of Habitat for Humanity lies at the very heart of God. The core
principles and practices of Habitat flow from the life and teachings
of Jesus.
We read throughout the pages of the Bible that
we should love God and our neighbors, especially our neighbors in
need. We read specifically in the 25th chapter of Matthew that we
should "invite strangers in." We are admonished to "let our light
shine" and to be "salt" in the world. In other words, the expression
of our religious faith should make a difference.
"Be hospitable to one another without
grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." - 1 Peter 4:9-10
This scripture from 1 Peter clearly says that
we should "be hospitable to one another" and to "minister" to one
another with whatever gifts we have received from God. Habitat for
Humanity gives people an opportunity to put spiritual principles
into practice in a very practical way.
It must be obvious to most people that decent
housing is essential for any family. Children flourish if they are
in a loving environment and have a good place to live. A house is
to a family what soil is to a plant. It is a place to be rooted. A
house is, literally, the foundation stone on which human development
occurs.
People also know from personal experience what
having an adequate place in which to live means to them and their
family.
Habitat for Humanity's program enables people,
churches, companies and other groups to come together to build
houses.
This work is very much "hands on" and grassroots. Volunteers from
all walks of life work alongside soon-to-be Habitat homeowners to
build houses. Friendships develop. Bonding takes place. Emotional
attachments emerge. Understanding results. Tears flow. Hearts are
touched. God's love is made visible.
A house is finished. A family moves in amidst
great rejoicing. Payments are made on a no-profit, no-interest
mortgage. House payments go into a revolving fund to build more
houses. A tithe raised locally helps build houses in another
country. Habitat's whole approach is holistic, idealistic and
realistic. It brings people together and directs them to God and to
God's love.
The idea makes sense. It is practical religion
and people can't wait to do it again. This is the essence of
Habitat for Humanity.
What is the essence of Habitat for Humanity?
What is it about Habitat that has caused the ministry to spread
around the world so rapidly since its work began in 1976? Why have
the concepts of house and community building resonated in the hearts
of so many people?