Christmas Message from Jonathan Reckford

December 18, 2009

Greetings,

We are in a time of increasingly rapid change and uncertainty. In our home that means kids growing up way too fast. My family tradition was that Santa brought stockings, and the gifts under the tree came from family. Ashley’s tradition was that Santa delivered the “big gift,” so we carefully discussed it and, of course, followed her tradition. This year, we attempted, as I think many families have, to talk to our children about cutting back on what we spend on ourselves for Christmas and instead using that money to help others.

Lily, our youngest, liked the idea of being more generous and wasn’t concerned. Her response: “That’s OK. I’ll just ask Santa.” Blissfully naïve or demonstrating shrewd negotiating acumen? We may never know. Only nine and she’s mastered the “both/and” approach to life.

Too many children, however, have to do without much more than presents. This Christmas, many families are experiencing great anxiety, wondering what the new year will bring—agonizing over how their lives have been upended by natural and economic disasters.

As the world around us changes quickly, and as the economy has shuffled the dreams of many, we find that the traditions of this season can bring us comfort. In the rhythm of celebration, we are reminded that God’s love never changes. We have the assurance that no matter what the circumstances and no matter how many years pass, God is faithful and true. Here at Habitat for Humanity, we can be certain that God will always be at the center of this ministry. We can give thanks that God uses our offerings as a tangible expression of his amazing love for every family we serve.

This year, the need has never been greater, but there has also never been a greater opportunity for Habitat to impact the world. Thanks to you, a record 61,000 families had a newer, better place to live last year. If we stop to consider that behind every one of those thousands of families is a story of hope and new beginnings, we have much to celebrate this Christmas.

I know that many of you work long hours and give of yourselves in a variety of ways to make life better for others. I am humbled to serve with you, and I am more grateful than ever to each one of you who shares your time, treasure and talent to make the world a little more the way Jesus intended when he prayed, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

May the blessings of the Christmas story told through the ages bring joy to you again this year as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas,

Jonathan

Jonathan T.M. Reckford
CEO, Habitat for Humanity International

How To Get Started As A Volunteer

We get many calls at the office from people wishing to volunteer with Habitat, but unsure of how to get started. Volunteering with Habitat is extremely easy, just give us your name and email address and we will add you to the volunteer database.

Before leaving our site, click the "Volunteering" link at the right and when you reach that page of the site, click "Online Volunteer Training." This takes you to another sight where you complete a short training course on your computer. When you have successfully completed the training, our local Habitat office is notified and you will receive a "Certificate of Completion."

We currently do not have a list of regularly scheduled work days since we are not currently building a new home. We are screening home owners who are seeking assistance with our A Brush With Kindness program.

When a project is ready to work we email our volunteers to ask who is available for the scheduled work day. When you wish to volunteer for one of these events, call or email the Habitat office ( mailto:habitat@srt.com%20)and we will add you to the list for that day. Work days are normally held on Saturdays since 90% of our volunteers work their regular jobs on Monday thru Friday.

When you arrive at the work site, we will register you at that time. New volunteers must sign a waiver stating that they understand the following:

• You are a volunteer and will not be paid for your work


• You are assuming all risk of injury associated with your volunteer work


• Habitat for Humanity does not provide insurance for volunteers


• We may take your picture and use it on this website or other Habitat publications

After signing this paperwork, you are ready to get started as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer! You will be introduced to the team leader for the days work and get your assignment. This is a simple and easy process that works very well for quickly getting new volunteers involved with Habitat's mission. If you have never volunteered, give it try.

November Board Meeting

The Habitat for Humanity November board meeting was held on the 10th in the Habitat office.

Local Boy Scout Chris Larsen opened the meeting with a very informative presentation detailing his Eagle Scout project. Chris is planning a Scout work day in support of Habitat for Humanity. The Scouts under Chris's leadership will install finish flooring for a local low income home owner. Habitat for Humanity is glad to have the support of Chris and our local Scouts.

The board also received updates on current and pending A Brush With Kindness (ABWK) projects. ABWK has attracted a lot of interest from low income home owners in Minot and the surrounding communities. Our affiliate is working hard to respond to the many requests for assistance that we have received from these home owners.

The December board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1st at 7:30am in the Habitat for Humanity office. The meeting is open to the public.

Jammin' With Habitat Partners

Our "Jammin' With Habitat" fund raiser owes its success to many supporters in the Minot community.

Thanks to the volunteers who collected donations and ensured that all went smoothly. We had some old friends on hand and were glad to welcome several new friends to the family of Habitat volunteers in Minot.

Thanks to Micah Scott and Jazmine Wolff for donating their time and musical talents to make this event a success.

Thanks to the Vegas Motel in Minot for donating space for us to hold the event.

Thanks to our friends at WGO radio and KCJB radio for donating air time to promote the event.

Thanks to the many, many, businesses in the Minot community who posted our signs and helped us to promote this fund raiser.

Thanks to the folks who attended and donated. All of the funds raised from this event will be used to support Habitat's work to improve low income family housing in the Minot community. Many folks came for the show and also signed on as Habitat for Humanity volunteers. Community minded volunteers and funding are the keys to helping our neighbors in need. This event was a win-win for the Minot community and Habitat for Humanity Northern Lights!

Jammin' With Habitat 2009

Our first ever "Jammin' With Habitat" concert was held November 7 at the Vegas Motel in Minot. The event was a big success and we wish to thank local musicians Micah Scott and Jazmine Wolff for donating their time and considerable musical talents to support our cause. Micah and Jazmine are tremendous performers who play a variety of acoustic folk/rock/jazz/ and country. They gave us a great show, singing and playing their own material individually and as a duet. We look forward to having them perform again next year. To learn more, visit Jazmine's MySpace page at: http://www.myspace.com/jazmine0om/jazmine0 and listen to her mp3s and then pick up her CD "Love and Other Stuff."

Halloween Flooring Project

Habitat for Humanity volunteers Jordan Wiersch and Bill Murphy spent October 31st installing subflooring and new floor tile to improve the kitchen of a local Minot family participating in our "A Brush With Kindness" program. The family was very grateful for Habitat's assistance and we were glad be there for a family in need.

Thank You 5th Contracting Squadron Volunteers

Our thanks to the 5th Contracting Squadron from Minot Air Force Base for their great volunteer work on Oct 23rd. This group of volunteer airman led the wallpaper removal work at one of our "A Brush With Kindness" homes and completed much of the wallpaper removal in a single afternoon. We had projected two days fur this work. We appreciate their support of Habitat for Humanity and the Minot community and hope to see you again!