June 7, 2003
Americus- Hundreds of people looked on in awe as they journeyed through poverty at the Habitat for Humanity Global Village. Part of the six-acre center depicts poverty housing similar to what millions of people around the world face daily.
"Realize that you don't need to despair and to just throw up your hands and say the problem so big the prudent thing to do is just go write a study about it, but to do something about it," says Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity.
And that's what the founders of the center hope visitors will be inspired to do- get involved and help others move from property into a simple and decent house. 15 habitat homes from 15 different countries are also part of the experience, giving visitors a look at what they could help build for a family in need.
"We've always been very close to Habitat, not only in geography but also in our personal support. Rosalyn and I have joined with other volunteers, or have them join us, in building homes not only throughout the United States also in a number of foreign countries," says former President Jimmy Carter.
In fact, President Carter helped build one of those homes for Mambo Mkhize and his family last year in South Africa.
"When I saw a big man like Jimmy Carter I never had a thought in my mind that I would just be rubbing shoulders with him working together on my house. It has come to my mind that God's eyes are upon me," admits Mkhize.
He says seeing his dream come true has not only given him a sense of pride but also the motivation to help others. Something volunteers hope visitors with get and take back to their own communities.
Habitat for Humanity now builds houses in 89 countries. This year the organization has expanded into the Cayman Islands and Senegal.
Posted at 5:55 PM by elaine.armstrong@walb.com
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WALB, a Raycom Media Station. 
