Carter Work Project is underway

Carter Work Project is underway

“We’re going to trade our hockey sticks for hammers,” said Mark Rodgers, president and CEO of Habitat Canada as day one of the 2017 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project got underway in Edmonton, Alberta, and other communities across Canada.

As more than 900 homeowners and volunteers in Edmonton ate breakfast to fuel the life-changing work ahead this week, Grammy-nominated country singer Eric Paslay started the day singing his song, “Angels In This Town,” and thanking the eager builders “all for being angels in this town today.” Eric will be joined on the build site by fellow musicians and Habitat Humanitarians Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

Former President Jimmy Carter led the Habitat faithful in Edmonton in devotions. “I bring you greetings from Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia,” said President Carter, who with his wife, Rosalynn, have overseen and built at 34 Carter Work Projects across the world.

“Each and every one of us has the chance to ask, ‘What kind of person do I want to be?’”
— President Carter

President Carter spoke of the impact that can come from the willingness to serve others. “All of us Habitat workers need to realize God calls those who are willing to serve, not always those who are well-qualified,” he said. The former president said that everyone has the tools to have a successful life. “God gives us all two things. God gives us life. God also gives us freedom and that’s where the trouble comes in.”

Carter then said, “Each and every one of us has the chance to ask, ‘What kind of person do I want to be?’”

He added, “We should love God and love the other person who happens to be in front of you.” A lot of love will be shared this week as homeowners and volunteers got busy building all across Canada.

“Work hard this week,” President Carter said. “I’ll see you on the work site.”

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