The Omnibus

Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: In the Spotlight

Media Credit: Megan Ast Members of the Southwest Baptist University chapter of Habitat for Humanity work on building houses all over Polk County. The group will host an Advocacy Event on September 28 to raise awareness about poverty in America. [Click to enlarge]

The Southwest Baptist University chapter of Habitat for Humanity began the semester with one big project, clearing a lot in Morrisville.
Last Saturday, five students and two faculty sponsors spent the day clearing brush and debris from a vacant lot so they can begin their first building project of the year in the spring.
Habitat for Humanity will host a Shantytown Advocacy event from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sept. 28 on the Burnidge Memorial Forum.
This event, open to all SBU students, will seek to inform students about the poverty crisis and how they, as Christians, should respond to it.
"As Christians, we are supposed to be stewards of the community," said sophomore Megan Ast, Habitat for Humanity president. "It's good to join God in something He's doing. It's like we are partaking in a blessing."
At the event, Robert Stewart, president of the Polk County chapter, will speak about the poverty crisis. Following discussions, students will have the opportunity to pray for the impoverished peoples and have a time of praise and worship.
Following the evening activities, students will have the opportunity to sleep in boxes on the Forum, simulating the life of a homeless person.
Habitat for Humanity meets at 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday in Davis Theater inside Goodson Student Union. The organization meets to do projects every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
The SBU Habitat for Humanity chapter began in 2002 and currently has 17 members. Along with the Polk County chapter, the organization has been able to construct two homes in Bolivar and one in Humansville since its beginning five years ago.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian organization seeking to end the housing crisis in America. It was founded in 1976 and is currently serving in more than 100 countries.
"I really like getting involved in something that can make a difference and a huge impact," said sophomore Katie Hackworth, Habitat for Humanity secretary.
"When people work together they build relationships and open their hearts to different things."
If students are interested in being involved with Habitat for Humanity, they can contact Ast by email at ma000013@sbuniv.edu.

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