Extreme Home and Yard Makeover

By Jeff Chapman - August 2010

In August 2009, one of Calvary’s small groups became aware of a dire need that one of their members had. There was a woman who had been very active in their group but then stopped attending. The group leaders contacted her to find out she was now working two jobs to make ends meet. She was recently widowed and also cared for a special needs son living with her. Her desire was to sell her home and move into an affordable apartment. Unfortunately, her home and yard were in disrepair and she could not afford to hire workers to make repairs. This dream of relocating would never happen without some help.

This is where the small group enters into the picture. This woman’s situation was communicated to the church and donations were given for needed supplies. One of the small group members owned a landscaping business, and was able to procure a yard-full of trees, shrubs, and flowers at a nominal price. Another church member, who owns a tree trimming service, sent a team over to remove a huge stump. These professionals completed this job in two hours. Another church member, who works for a builder as an on-site supervisor, volunteered his time to purchase paint and supplies and begin the arduous task of repainting every room of the house.

Workers were needed for inside and outside projects. Many of the small group members showed up one Saturday for the yard over-haul. The driveway was full of foliage and flowers in pots that had just been delivered. Calvary’s youth group was contacted as well, and approximately ten teenagers arrived on the scene to help out. It was a well organized make-over that allowed everyone to be involved. All morning, the team spread new mulch, and planted crepe myrtles, a 12 foot magnolia tree, ornamental shrubs, and dozens of flats of beautiful flowers. A wrought iron trellis by the front door was a wonderful addition to the front porch area, creating a place for the newly planted climbing rose bush.

By 2:00 pm, the job was done. The yard was spectacular! Everyone had worked hard with a shared spirit of cooperation. There was a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that this widow woman, when she returned from work, would see the goodness and loving care of the Lord for her. As the team was cleaning up, she pulled into the driveway and was overwhelmed by the transformation! Her heart was deeply touched as she saw teenagers and her small group hard at work, giving up a Saturday just to bless her.

A team of teenagers also volunteered to help paint the inside of her home. It’s still a work in progress, but it is very close to being completed. This will allow her to place her home on the market and have a good chance to sell it. These God-inspired simple acts of planting flowers and painting walls gave this woman hope, encouragement, and served as a reminder that she is not alone, and that God is aware of her every need. Many team members commented that they received far more than this widow did, as they gave themselves away and felt the loving, servant heart of Jesus Christ flow through them. Rick Warren says this, "The only way you can serve God is by serving other people."

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