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Past Events

The First Service Project

Building Miracles

February 21–27, 2001

By Bro. Bernie Spitzley,  SVD

        For six days in late February Alumni Director Lenny Uhal, along with five alumni-Dave Eversmann, Mike Langer, Bill Mauss, Terry Ptylarz and Rick Schultz, did just that-build miracles! As the Human Development Coordinator for St. Thomas (civil) Parish, I have come across hundreds of very destitute people living in nothing more then a collection of termite-infested boards with rusted out tin roofs, with the holes plugged with smelly rags. For over a year I have been trying to make some basic repairs on these houses-putting on a new roof and securing the walls to assure some degree of protection.

        Lenny Uhal learned of my efforts and asked if he could do something with our Alumni to help. The Pastoral team welcomed the idea with open arms. In a matter of days he was able to get vie other volunteers! All we needed now was the building materials from Food For the Poor, an international, nonprofit, charitable organization. Just when I was about to give up on receiving any supplies, Mr. Richard Toomer of Food for the Poor visited us. We spent the day reviewing my requests and seeing the conditions in which some of the elderly live. His response was, "I'll see to it that you get the materials you need for the Alumni to help you build three houses ."

        Suddenly all our plans were changed from making repairs to actually building three houses. With help from the neighbors, we were able to find accommodations for the three elderly ladies to be getting new houses. Also Richard promised he'd send a crew from Food for The Poor to help us in building. Thank God he did.

        On Thursday the 22nd we tore down the old shacks, a process that took only minutes since the wood was so rotten. All were amazed how anyone could live in such a crumbling shack. Then with the help of Everton MacFalane, we started to measure the new 12-foot-by-12-foot house along with a 6-foot veranda. We began to dig the foundations. Soon the only thing we could hear were the clanging of shovels and thud of a pick axe breaking new ground. Friday and Saturday found us pouring cement and setting up blocks for a new foundation. This was done after carrying all the sand, gravel, cement, blocks over a half-mile to two sites because the road was washed away. Needless to say all who worked wondered if we'd ever see the finished product!

        However, once the cement was dry and the boards delivered, it did not take long for the Food for The Poor Crew and us to build. And build we did! Soon boards were being cut and nailed. We had to be on our toes because just as soon as the board was nailed a fresh coat of paint accompanied it. By Monday, February 26, ninety-one year old Margaret Little was able to pose before her new, freshly painted house with the crew who worked overtime to create her miracle. The same can be said for Frances Eunick and Virginia Hall-both had a new house to call home. Dave Eversmann, who stayed an extra day because of travel arrangements, had the pleasure of helping Frances move into her new house and helped set up her new bed complete with a new mattress.

        We all know a house divided against itself will not stand. So a house which unites people should stand for the ages! With the marriage of two groups from different cultures, a miracle took place. The collaborative efforts of American precision and efficiency, along with Jamaican ingenuity and a "don't worry be happy attitude" helped both parties learn how to build and enjoy life. Plenty of pictures were taken to document this event, names and addresses were exchanged, and methods of how to build footings, square a foundation, construct walls and secure a roof were shared and new friendships were cemented.

        Yes, miracles took place when the Alumni group came for a visit. Three ladies received houses they can proudly call home. Six alumni received a blessing, an experience that will forever change their lives, and we the Pastoral team were enriched by the dedication of six men who created miracles in St. Thomas parish.