Journey through the Build with Bethlehem Baptist

Wednesday – DAY Four

The roof went up! The team worked hard and we have made great progress. We still have some challenges with the home (needed to order some special materials) but we shall overcome. The staff and volunteers have been great. We were even able to provide some desert to the wonderfully donated Salvation Army lunch. BBC was able to give a donation to Habitat for Humanity, Baton Rouge via ABC USA, National Ministries. We have developed some great relationships in a short amount of time. We have 14 distinct personalities with 14 distinct skill sets it takes all parts of the body to be successful just like the body of Christ. We must remember we are all made in the image of God. This is easier said than done just like life but with God and elbow grease it is more than possible. Tomorrow we will continue with the trusses, install sub roofing, anchors and windows and doors. Shemico will be on-site with her children. I hope she is surprised with the great progress we have made in one day. Take care and many blessings – W. Thompson, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Penllyn / Springhouse, PA

More Photos from Wednesday, April 30

Highlights from the Third Baptist Team

This is our third day on site, and the testimony of the Third Baptist Team from Saint Louis, MO, is “What a blessing this is, serving the Lord together, using our different gifts at different levels of ability and strength.” We are young and we are mature, we are male and we are female, we are expert and we are novice, and it works together for the glory of God and the blessing of the people. We have been very impressed with the entire organization of the project this year. The Baptist Blitz has made this endeavor a praise-worthy event all around.

A highlight has been getting to hammer nails side-by-side with our homeowner, Madelyn. And the young adults from Americorp have been a great boost to our “older” team of workers. These young men and women who give of their lives in service to their country have inspired hope in us and have been an encouragement beyond words. Thanks also to the Salvation Army for GREAT lunches!! The support from various partners has been phenomenal.

It is a privilege to help build this neighborhood and to realize that God is using our hands and hearts to help construct part of the infrastructure of a real community. This is our second year as a church Habitat team (we brought down 12 willing people) and we would like to encourage others to promote this great ministry in your congregations. There are still many homes planned for construction here in Baton Rouge. Won’t you join us?

Dr. Warren Hoffman, Senior Pastor
Third Baptist Church, Saint Louis, MO


The Third Day……..we feel like we have accomplished so much…….but so much to do. We are building a stick house this year………one board at a time. The home will be four bedrooms for Maddie and her three children.

Maddie put in the first nail and lots more. That girl is there on the ladder and wherever she is needed. She also has a great spirit and is so thankful for this opportunity for her family. She is a joy to work with.

Half of the good time here is working with our people and learning to know others. There is a great group of young people who are with the Americorp…..a great group of young people.

Greetings from Baton Rouge!!
Bonnie Mc Daniel,
Member of Third Baptist Church, St. Louis


I am from St. Louis , Mo. Third Baptist and they say you’re never too old, so at 83 I decided to do something I always wanted to do. I am so glad I did. The good Lord willing I will do it again next year- I loved it.

Betty James

Photos from Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Reflections from Volunteers

Dear Friends and Family, especially Phil, wish you were here.
What an experience working with all the folks in LA. We are building a 3 bedroom home, not a house, for Carlas and her 2 children. She is so grateful to be getting a home and building a new future for her and her family.
We are working with a great team from a Baptist Church in IL and they work hard and keep the house leaders on their toes. People of all ages, color, background and life experiences, together building homes and all under Gods loving arms.

Beth Huber
Landenberg, PA


This is my second build down here in Baton Rouge and it’s just as enjoyable. It’s great meeting people with the same goal of helping those in need as a result of the Katrina disaster. There is still a lot to be done down here and it’s great that Habitat is keeping it going. I’m down here with a team from Alcatel-Lucent in New Jersey. We’re having a great time and already have many stories to tell (some a bit embarrassing that we’ll retell many times, I’m sure). Thanks to Habitat for organizing the build! Hope to be back next year.

Maureen Taylor
Somerset, NJ


Most of the time we are called to receive a hand of help from someone but during this experience we learn that it is better to give than to receive.
Cindy Sterling
Limon Costa Rica


Never been involved before, but a great experience. All the people are soooo good and helpful I enjoy the old timers like myself the best, listening to their odd stories and such. The young people are so eager to learn.

Doug DeLong, Norwich, NY
First Baptist Church

Journey through the Build with Bethlehem Baptist

Tuesday Day Two
We brought in reinforcements. All the walls are up and interior too. Shemico is here by our side working. We are getting to know one another and sharing stories plus body aches. We will start on the roof tomorrow. We are tired today and look forward to a long shower and rest. Look at the pictures and we may get a chance to write again. God’s Favor and good-bye.

Monday Day Two
We are up and out early. We meet a newly formed slab and start from the ground up. We meet our homeowner Shemico Davis. She is a lovely Christian lady. She has two daughters, 15 and 14 years old. She was kind enough to allow us to pray and bless her home with written Scriptures. We have some minor obstacles with the floor plan and materials but with skilled workers and the Lord’s help, we are prevailing. Some walls went up.

Sunday Day One
Group arrives safely 14 strong. We check in to the hotel and dine at Cracker Barrel we have a diverse group 2 new members, 2 visitors and some long time members. We are almost ½ male and female. We have most age groups represented. Please see our group picture. We are ready to go and we have been getting to know one another.

Reflections from Volunteers

What a great day to be building…and not just building, building a stick house. It’s a bit more challenging than last year but it’s amazing to watch all the pieces of this gigantic jigsaw puzzle come together to make a home. Our crew is having fun and accomplishing more together than any one of us could do alone. Teamwork is critical and we have it, teamwork that is, at it’s best.

Laura Hoffman
Third Baptist Church
St. Louis, MO


What a great experience!

Amy Newcomb
First Baptist Church
Charleston, IL


It’s a wonderful thing to do the Lords work helping others. What an experience. I am having a great time A house is made of walls and beams a home is made of love and dreams.

Charlene Birchmore
Community Baptist Church
Whitefield, NH

Reflection from volunteer, Gary Baits

“Dios las bendiga” (God bless you). That’s what I wrote on one of the 2x6s in the house I’m helping to build. Everyone on the team wrote something for Carlas and her daughters, the family that will be living in their new home here in Baton Rouge.

Working on a Habitat project had been a dream of mine for a long time. I’ve had friends from Oregon, Washington and even Costa Rica (our current home) involved with Habitat, but for whatever reason I was never part of a build, until this week. I never imagined that my first build would be with my Costa Rican sisters Pastor Nidia Rodriguez and Cindy Sterling and that we would be coming as invited guests of the Great Rivers Region of ABCUSA and accompanied by Randy and Pat McNeely. It’s been fun to cooperate with a National Ministries project and to get to know people like Vickie Goff, the project coordinator with NM.

I’ve helped host work teams in Costa Rica, but usually act as a coordinator and a bridge between the cultures. It’s fun to be one more team member here and not to be in charge. As construction workers go, you might say I’m a pretty good Bible teacher. But in my first two days here I’ve learned how to use a nail gun, how to “walk a wall” and even how to eat catfish. Yesterday morning there were only concrete slabs, but now there are walls, braces and insulation. Nidia and Cindy have pitched right in and are working like pros. We’ve asked God to bless the families who will be living in these houses, and we know without a doubt that we’ve been blessed by this experience.

Gary Baits
International Ministries Missionary Costa Rica
p.s. Abrazos a Mylinda, Jamie, y Micah

Reflections from Volunteers

The joy of being a part of Habitat for Humanity is truly a blessing from God. In the two years that I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, my experience has been rewarding & heartfelt. Meeting the families who will become homeowners fills my heart with joy and touches my soul beyond words. For it is truly more blessed to give than to receive.

Joyce & Alice
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Springhouse, PA

Many years ago in Atlanta, Georgia I assisted with Habitat For Humanity in building three homes, so when it was presented to me at my church in Philadelphia, PA to come and assist in building a home I couldn’t resist taking the opportunity to be apart of what I knew would be an AWESOME experience.

This is the first day of the four days we will be here in Baton Rouge, LA. The people have been so nice and the weather is just beautiful.

There is such a sweet spirit in this place. It is a blessing to be here and to be apart of it. As the scripture says…”God loves a cheerful giver”. That is the spirit of those that are here giving in a joyful way as the Lord has lead them each to do with whatever talent they may have.

Joi
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Springhouse, PA

Sunday, April 27, 2008 -- Pre Build

More than 200 volunteers have signed on to help build 11 houses for 11 deserving families on the Gulf Coast in the 2008 Blitz Build in Baton Rouge, La., April 28 - May 17.

The Blitz Build is sponsored by National Ministries, on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2008.

Volunteers began arriving in Baton Rouge on Sunday, April 27, 2008, many, taking a tour of the build site to get the lay of the land. Not only were volunteers greeted by the wonderful and warm southern hospitality of the Habitat staff, they were also greeted by several afternoon and evening Spring rain showers. Our hope is that all the rain will come today and the weather for the upcoming week will be dry…we can hope!

Volunteer Packet Information

Volunteer Contact:

Victoria Goff, National Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries
American Baptist Churches
PO Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2449
Victoria.Goff@abc-usa.org



Please review the entire packet and attachments before calling with any questions.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: ASAP.
Please return all registration and waiver forms, along with your payment to Victoria Goff ASAP.

REGISTRATION & WAIVER FORMS:
*Please note: ABC Baptist volunteers will be building eleven homes in Habitat’s new Rosewood Subdivision during the 2008 Baptist Blitz. Volunteers will be assigned to work on a specific house after arriving in Baton Rouge. Assignments will be based on the number of registered volunteers and their skill level. We will make every effort to assign groups to the same house, but this may not always be possible.*

All 2008 Baptist Blitz volunteers must complete, sign and return the attached Habitat registration and waiver forms, with the required registration fee, ASAP. Please be sure to have your waiver form signed and witnessed before mailing it back.

Volunteers under age 16 will not be allowed to volunteer at the 2008 Baptist Blitz Build and will be asked to leave.

Any volunteer under the age of 18 must have the release form signed by their parent or legal guardian. No volunteers under the age of 16 will be allowed to participate in any aspect of the Habitat build process. All volunteers under the age of 18 must travel and work alongside an adult chaperone. There is a required 1:5 chaperone to teen ratio.

COST:
$100 per person per week (Sunday-Saturday). The total amount will be due with your registration. Make checks or money orders payable to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge (HFHGBR). This fee is to help defer some of the affiliate expenses associated with this build and will include a light breakfast and lunch each workday (Mon-Sat) and dormitory-style lodging (Sun-Sat).

There will be a very limited number of scholarships available to volunteers who cannot afford the Habitat registration fee. Please contact Vickie Goff for more information.

On the registration form please mark what week you would like to participate (April 28-May 3 or May 12-17) and note if you will be unable to volunteer the entire week (Monday thru Saturday, 7:45am- 3pm).

SCHEDULE:
The 2008 Baptist Blitz will be a three-week modified blitz build schedule. During the first week of the build, 150 volunteers will be recruited to work from Monday, April 28 until Saturday, May 3. During the second week we will have no unskilled volunteers on-site while local contractors work to install the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall and shingles. ABC volunteers will return to the build site on Monday, May 12 and work to complete construction on the first five houses and begin construction on an additional 6 homes. All houses will be dedicated on Saturday, May 17.

The Blessing of the Build will be held on Monday, April 28 at 8am, and the Dedications will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, May 17.

Volunteers will be asked to arrive at the build site between 7 and 7:15am before the daily 7:30am safety talk. Construction will begin promptly after each morning’s safety talk. Lunch will arrive on-site around 11am, and lunch will be served at 11:30am. At 3pm we will begin cleaning up the construction site, and everyone will be heading toward a cool shower by 3:30pm.

Although volunteers will be very eager to spend as many hours as possible at the construction site, we have to limit our volunteer day to just 8 hours. The Habitat construction staff must arrive on-site 1.5 hours before volunteers, and they spend at least 1.5 hours each afternoon preparing for the next build day. Please understand that volunteer and staff safety is our top priority. Please plan late afternoon activities around the Baton Rouge area and outings to Cajun restaurants to keep you busy after leaving the build site at 3:30pm daily.

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE:
The Habitat construction staff has drafted a build schedule, outlining each construction task that needs to be completed daily. Although it would be ideal to stay on schedule, rain, heat and local contractors will all affect our schedule. Please remember that no matter how much we accomplish while volunteering in Baton Rouge, a deserving family will be three weeks closer to realizing their dream of homeownership.

HOUSING:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge (HFHGBR) will be securing dormitory-style housing facilities, similar to the 2007 Blitz Build for volunteers. Beds will be available on a first register, first serve basis and all fees are included in your one-time cost. Space is limited, so please register early. **Please note: The lodging facilities are to be assumed at volunteers’ own risk and HFHGBR will not be responsible for any lodging issues. Please keep your area clean and respect the Church’s property. If there are any concerns, please inform your contact listed in this packet.

If you choose not to take advantage of our dormitory-style housing option, volunteers will be responsible for reserving and financing their own lodging. HGHGBR is working to secure discounted rates at hotels close to the Rosewood build site. Discounted prices should be finalized in early March, and a list of participating hotels will be distributed to registered volunteers. Please do not call for a room reservation expecting discounted pricing until further information has been given.

Volunteers are encouraged to check into their housing Sunday afternoon before the build so that they are rested and ready to build bright and early Monday morning. If your travel plans have you arriving early, please contact Vickie Goff to discuss housing options.

MEALS:
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on-site each workday (Monday-Saturday). Habitat is working to recruit local Baptist congregations and restaurants to donate meals throughout the Blitz. If your church or organization would like to contribute, please contact Vickie Goff at the number above. Lunch donations will vary; volunteers with special dietary needs are encouraged to provide their own lunch.

Large Igloo coolers with water and PowerAde will be available at each build site. Louisiana can be very hot in May, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a water bottle to site each build day and keep it filled with cold water and PowerAde in an effort to stay hydrated.

The dormitory will not have cooking or refrigeration facilities available. Volunteers will be required to provide their own morning & evening meals on build days and all meals on travel days (Sundays).

TRANSPORTATION:
HFHGBR will not be able to assist volunteers with transportation to Baton Rouge, the build site or within the city after you arrive. Volunteers are encouraged to carpool to site each day.

All major vehicle rental agencies are available at the Baton Rouge airport. Most hotels have a shuttle service to and from the airport, so check with your hotel, if applicable.

The Rosewood subdivision is approximately 20 miles from the Baton Rouge airport and the Saintsville Dormitory. Rosewood is approximately 12 miles from nearby hotels.

DIRECTIONS:

§ From BTR Metropolitan Airport (9430 Jackie Cochran Dr., Baton Rouge) to Habitat’s Rosewood Subdivision:
Turn left when coming out of airport and at the first light turn right onto LA-408 W / Harding Blvd. Merge onto I-110 S toward Baton Rouge (6.6 miles). Merge onto I-10 East via Exit 11 on the left toward NEW ORLEANS (6.5 miles). Merge onto BLUEBONNET BLVD / LA-1248 S via Exit 162 (3.5 miles).Turn right onto BURBANK DR / LA-42.Turn left onto ELVIN DR.

§ From BTR Metropolitan Airport to Saintsville Dormitory (8930 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70811):
Turn Left when coming out of airport. Turn left again at the first red light onto LA-408 W /Harding Blvd. Turn left onto Plank Rd. Go .5 miles, church will be on the right. Turn by the Lighthouse bookstore. Lodging is dormitory style straight back. They will be labeled men and women.

§ From Saintsville Dormitory to Habitat’s Rosewood Subdivision:
Turn Left when coming out of the Saintsville Parking Lot. Turn Right onto LA-408/Harding Blvd. Merge onto I-110 S toward Baton Rouge (6.6 miles). Merge onto I-10 East via Exit 11 on the left toward NEW ORLEANS (6.5 miles). Merge onto BLUEBONNET BLVD / LA-1248 S via Exit 162 (3.5 miles).Turn right onto BURBANK DR / LA-42.Turn left onto ELVIN DR.

BUILD SITE PARKING:
Build site parking will be limited, and volunteers are encouraged to carpool whenever possible.

SKILLED VOLUNTEERS:
Skilled and professional volunteers are encouraged to contact the HFHGBR Volunteer Coordinator at katiep@habitatbr.org to find our more information about volunteering as a House or Crew Leader during the 2008 Baptist Blitz Build. In order to finish construction on eleven houses in just three weeks, we will need to have strong volunteer leadership, including eleven volunteer House Leaders and 35 volunteer Crew Leaders.

TOOLS:
HFHGBR will provide all the tools, supplies and nail bags necessary to complete each build day’s task list.

If you have a lucky hammer, tape measure or tool belt that you are particularly fond of, feel free to bring it along. Please mark your personal tools so that they don’t get misplaced on the build site. Habitat is not responsible for any lost, broken or stolen items that you bring to the build site.

MATERIAL DONATIONS:
Although a HFHGBR house sponsorship is $75,000, the total cost of house construction is close to $100,000. The affiliate tries to make this difference up through material donations.

During the 2007 Blitz, volunteers donated door hardware, plumbing fixtures and wall insulation for all 12 Blitz Build houses. These donations saved the affiliate nearly $18,000!
If you have a professional contact who you think might be interested in donating materials for the 2008 Baptist Blitz houses, please contact the HFHGBR volunteer coordinator at katiep@habitatbr.org.

WEATHER:
South Louisiana is hot and humid in early May! Please wear cool, comfortable clothing to the build site. Shorts, T-shirts and tank tops are acceptable, however, please remember to dress conservatively. No matter how warm it gets, everyone must wear a shirt and closed-toed, thick-soled shoes at all times.

In addition to being stifling during the summer, Baton Rouge is also known for its afternoon rain showers. HFHGBR’s policy is to work rain-or-shine, so please bring rain boots and a rain coat to help you stay dry. Although we will work through a passing shower, volunteers will be sent home during lightening storms or other dangerous weather.

BAPTIST BLITZ FAMILY HOMEOWNERS:
The five 2008 Baptist Blitz Build homeowners will be selected soon, and encouraged to participate in the construction of their own homes daily. HFHGBR will share family biographies with scheduled volunteers prior to your arrival.

On occasion, family partners are unable to participate in construction as much as they would like. Work and school schedules, as well as childcare problems can keep families away. HFHGBR will work with families to sort out scheduling issues during this 3-week build so that families will be able to work side-by-side with volunteers.

Volunteers are permitted to present families with “house warming gifts,” however Habitat cannot facilitate these donations or gifts. Please remember that the 2008 Baptist Blitz Build homeowners will be just 5 homeowners within a 55-house Habitat subdivision.

EVALUATION:
After the 2007 Baptist Blitz, volunteers completed surveys to help HFHGBR see their build success and struggles. Because of this volunteer feedback, your volunteer experience will be even better this year!

Please help us improve again by completing a 2008 Baptist Blitz Evaluation at www.habitatbr.org.

2008 BAPTIST BLITZ BLOG:
The 2007 Baptist Blitz Build Blog, http://habitatbr.blogspot.com, was a great way for Blitz volunteers to share their stories and pictures with their family and friends at home.

Habitat will again be hosting a blog during the 2008 Blitz. The 2008 Baptist Blitz Build Blog will be located at http://2008baptistblitzbuild.blogspot.com/. Volunteers will be encouraged to post their stories, and comment on the build progress.

VOLUNTEER PACKING LIST:
FOOTWEAR
§ Work boots–recommended, but not required
§ Thick-soled, closed-toed shoes-for light construction work
§ Flip Flops-for shower and dorm
§ Rain or mud boots

Regardless of the weather, you must wear closed-toed shoes at all times on the construction site. You will be asked to leave the site if you do not have appropriate footwear.

CLOTHING
§ Underwear–Enough to get you through the week, plus extra to prepare for weather issues
§ Socks– Enough to get you through the week, plus extra to prepare for weather issues
§ PJs
§ Comfortable work pants (some long, some short)–Jeans, khakis, etc. Bring clothing that you won’t mind getting dirty.
§ Comfortable shirts, long and short-sleeved
§ Light jacket or rain coat
§ One “going out” outfit, such as good jeans and nice shirt for a night out. Many volunteers become friendly and opt for a dinner or activity off-site after the work day is over. You will be tired; however, so don’t plan on going out every night. Conserve your energies, and plan to rest!
§ Work gloves–Make sure they fit. Wal-Mart and Home Depot have all sizes.
§ Hat, bandana, sunglasses

Please do not bring extra clothing to donate to our homeowners; Habitat does not have laundry or storage facilities to manage donations.

OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
§ Sheets (standard twin top sheet), Sleeping bag or blanket, favorite pillow, bath towel, hand towel
§ Toiletries (soap, shaver, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, paste, toilet paper etc.), Insect repellant, sunscreen
§ Medications and vitamins- There will be a first aid kit on each site, but please remember to bring prescriptions.
§ Alarm clock- Others are depending on you to complete their tasks, so please be punctual.
§ Camera- Trust us; you will want a picture or two of this!
§ Flashlight and batteries
§ Spending money- please remember you are responsible for your own morning and evening meal each day, as well as your own transportation.

TIPS:
§ Don’t bring anything of value. Think simple, comfortable, and necessary. There will be no location for securing volunteer items.
§ Take time to talk with the other volunteers and find out why they came. Everyone has a good story.
§ Get to know the homeowner (partner) families. All five of the Blitz houses are for hurricane-affected families. A lot of them feel like they have been forgotten, and most have never been on a construction site before and are just as nervous as you are. Let’s make them feel comfortable!

Your “To-do” List:
¨ Fill out a volunteer registration and waiver form and return them with payment Vickie Goff by April 1. Remember the dormitory facilities are on first come, first serve basis; so the sooner the better!
¨ Don’t forget to check appropriate box on registration form if staying in lodging facilities.
¨ Write a check in the amount of ($100 x # of people/per week) and return with your registration form.
¨ Sign your waiver form, and don’t forget to have a friend witness for you!
¨ Purchase your plane tickets or call the rental car company.
¨ Remember bedding!
¨ Get ready for some hard work, fun, and an opportunity to change the lives of five families forever!
¨ After you get home, go to http://www.habitatbr.org/ to complete evaluation online.