Southwest FL – March 5-11, 2023

This week was transition week as we said goodbye to Ray & Martha Zimmerman and Mim Heisey took full leadership as Project Director.  Ray Heisey continued as Construction Supervisor, Roger Friesen as crew leader and Anne Friesen as Office Manager. We welcomed Richard & Betty Esh (PA), Jim & Ruthi Gochnauer (NY) and Larry & Maryann Martin (OH) as long-term volunteers for the month of March. Joining Merlyn Martin, were the David Hoover group Shippenburg, PA and Melanie Zimmerman’s group from Lancaster, PA; in all 18 women and 8 men.   

Charlie House was filled with joyful songs and laughter.  But we were not to be fooled, this was a hard-working group! Five roofs were stripped and shingled. Three homes were mudded and painted. Bathrooms and windows, stained with the remains of the flood, were scrubbed clean. One ceiling received insulation and a pine tongue-and-groove treatment.  One home has new siding and another has new subfloor.  

In the words of an inspector who came to check a roof, upon seeing young women on the roof he said, “you have restored my faith in humanity!”  He was amazed that young people would give of their time and energy to serve others.  

God was at work in our hearts as several homeowners shared their stories of being caught in rising water, some narrowly escaping the flood with a small suitcase and a treasured pet. In the office we were amazed by God’s answers to our prayers.  He sent the right people at the right time and is providing all we need.