Peace Lutheran Church (Cold Spring, MN)

Pictured from left to right: Dave Alton, Craig Bradash, Jerry Hedman, Mike Weber, and our construction supervisor Ron Eiynck.

If it wasn't for our past Church Relations VISTA, Rick Ellis standing up in front of the congregation at Peace Lutheran Church in Cold Spring, MN, we would not have these four altruistic men on our sites. Craig Bradash remembers sitting in the pews four years ago listening to Rick share not the "work" those volunteers must do but the "gift" that all volunteers give to our partner families.

                  Even though Craig knew about the mission of Habitat for years, this year's build on 11^th Avenue Southeast in St. Cloud was Dave Alton's first time. When we asked him why he continues to help out with Habitat, his reply was simple, "Keep on doing it, it's a good idea." He then continued to discuss that there are so many needs out there, that it can be overwhelming and you must choose how you are going to make an impact. This concept also coincides with the mission of Peace Lutheran, where the "A" represents "Act in faith to serve others".

                Working with Habitat is not all about giving, but also about receiving. Jerry Hedman mentions how he enjoys working with Habitat because it allows him to learn more skills and techniques. All four of these men are skilled workers, but that does not stop them from learning more and working along side a diverse group of people. Craig mentions how humbling it is for a bank president to be putting up sheetrock along side a student.

                We at Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity are thankful to these four men and the Peace Lutheran Church for donating their time, energies, and skills to help us build a home for a family in need. We hope that these men continue to spread their mission and fight for a stronger community!