Why it Matters
Below is a story from Joe Davis about one of our families we have served with who means so much to him and us. It is why we do what we do. It is what makes your gift of love so significant. It’s what makes me get up every morning!
Why does it matter to make sweet homes for Alabama? I think of my friend Ms. Betty. She and I had the pleasure of meeting soon after I joined ARM’s ministry team back in 2014. Since I was so new, Ms. Betty was one of the first homeowners I had met through ARM’s home repair ministry, and she quickly made a lasting impression! Ms. Betty is full of joy and strength. She LOVES hosting mission teams who serve alongside her to make her dream home a reality. By the end of each service day, Ms. Betty is a new mom to everyone who serves with her. She looks forward to the day when she can have everyone who has ever served with her – her “babies” – over for a big cookout to celebrate all that God has done.
Ms. Betty got connected with ARM at a very difficult time in her life. She had hired a “contractor” to make much needed repairs, but he never completed the work he had agreed to and took a full payment – all Ms. Betty had saved up. Being a resourceful woman and hard worker, Ms. Betty did as much of the repairs she could on her own. Her courageous efforts weren’t enough, and she eventually had to pawn off her tools to pay bills. Ms. Betty is also a woman of deep faith – she even serves as a minister for a church – and when she felt like she had nothing left she did what many of us would do: she prayed. Thankfully, she soon found out about ARM and we were able to send volunteers to partner with her to make her home a little sweeter. As we extended Christ’s love, Ms. Betty extended love right back to us. We’re all better people, better disciples, for having known and loved each other in very tangible ways.
There are so many families throughout rural Alabama whose homes are not warm, safe, and dry. I thank God for my friendship with Ms. Betty, and that her home is now warmer, safer, and drier because of God’s work through ARM. I’m thankful for all the people who pray for us, serve with us, and support us financially. We believe that God desires a sweet home for every family and that means ending substandard housing in rural Alabama. Won’t you join us as we restore hope, build dreams, and make sweet homes for Alabama?
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