by Rick Greene

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain

who build it… Psalm 127:1

For every house is built by someone, but the builder

of all things is God. Hebrews 3:4         

Habitat for Humanity – MidOhio is committed to providing opportunities for central Ohio families to live in homes that are safe, decent, and affordable. Through its Neighborhood Revitalization efforts and partnership with donors, volunteers, and the community, this organization offers two main programs to accomplish this goal:

1. the homeownership program for first-time homeowners
2. home repair program for current homeowners

This organization has built over 400 homes in a multi-county effort in this area of Ohio.

First Community Church was one of the first churches to participate with Habitat for Humanity in Central Ohio, beginning in 1987. There are now 10 churches (primarily in Northwest Franklin County) involved in the area. First Community itself has been involved with approximately 35 houses, with a current one being built in the Linden area.

The current family includes a single mother with two daughters, one in high school and another attending Otterbein University. The mother has worked for over 20 years in the medical assisting field.

Reflected by the program motto, “Hand up, not hand out,” homeowners are required to help with sweat equity on their own house, as well as the homes of others. The homeowner also has to obtain and pay a mortgage upon possession. Ninety-five percent of participants remain in their homes and over 100 have successfully paid off mortgages over the years.

Good and wise stewardship of all funds is an integral part of Habitat for Humanity. Donations are effectively used to further the mission of inspiring hope, building homes, empowering families, and developing communities.

If you would like more information about First Community Church and its involvement with Habitat for Humanity or are interested in joining the Mission Council for 2022, please email mission@fcchurch.com.

To All Members,

To all Members of my Family at First Community/Unity; home of mine. I want to say how much it means to me and others that your hearts’ doors were opened to “the condemned”. I don’t know if I will be executed one day, but if I am, please know that you have added life to my life. I’ve never had a home or a family, in a conventional sense. When you allowed us on Death Row to know you, I can say I found a father that I wish I could have ordered from a catalog. Jeff Leister became my friend, father figure, and a person I can laugh with, cry with, and open up to. I think I can say that he learned from me, too. He is my buddy for life. Thanks to all of you who live Matthew 25; when Jesus said, “if you want to do me a favor, visit the poor, the prisoners, etc.” it's not easy to do so, as many sadly close their doors to us because what they see is what society calls the “ugly faces of humanity”.

Perhaps there are some who may be uneasy with people on Death Row or people who are different. It doesn’t make you a bad soul. We all grew up thinking in different ways, but know that Christ created us all for His purpose and glory and for us to solve the puzzle called LIFE. Jesus said we were made in his image, so I am comfortable with looking into his “mirror”. You have added so much to the lives of so many guys living on death row.

When I was in solitary confinement, Jeff and Kate Shaner showed up to see me behind bulletproof glass. My sister Kate is my friend and, I can say, down to earth, practical, and we make each other laugh. It's who I am now. I laugh, love, learn and listen. Life is delicious. As I say, be your chef and create a mental meal and life will taste delicious.

I watch First Community Church on TV from my cell on Sundays. It's the only way the condemned can participate. So all who sponsor the TV program, please know the condemned can only go to church that way. I know Jesus was on Death Row and is so happy that his story is told to his fellow condemned. All of you add to us, and like I say to all, “Take the price tag off of your heads because you are priceless as you are”. Christ paid the price for us. “Our attitude determines our altitude”. I say to all church members, “My heart thanks your heart”, and you should know that all of you do make a difference.

I met Blake and many of the visitors who came to death row. I came to love each one as Humans. We are all soulcial. I want to say to all, I am not on Death Row; I choose Life Row in mind, body, and soul. Like Ann Frank, I dream while living in a nightmare. As a former racist against white people, I can now say I love you. You’re my brothers and sisters and thanks to Jeff and people like him, he showed me I was wrong. Love erases hate, so thank you First Community for saying, “come on in”; we all win.

Love you,

Gregory Esparza

by Beth Hanson

Trading Post sales continue to be brisk in 2022. Donations from church members and the community-at-large have been extremely generous, and the number of shoppers continues to climb. Let me give you a few interesting facts about our operation that may surprise you:

• Average # of daily shoppers: 35
• Average price per item: $2.84
• Average weekly income: $1,641
• Sources of our income: 
• In-Store Sales (the majority of our profits)
• eBay sales (11% of our total profits)
• Consignment shop sales
• Recycled metal taken to CycleMet
• Recycled gold and silver (primarily from broken jewelry)
• Sale of moth-eaten cashmere sweaters to a crafter
• Sale of our overflow of run-of-the-mill vases to a florist
• 2021 in-store income: $78,777 
• 2021 total earnings (in-store income plus all other sources listed above): $86,438

So far in the first eight weeks of 2022, we have raised $12,072 from in-store sales. Shoppers are quite pleased that the money they spend is going toward all of the good works overseen by our church. We are getting more and more young shoppers who have found us by Googling “Thrift shops near me.” Many 20-somethings have told me that the Trading Post is their favorite thrift shop. Last week, I heard a shopper comment to the cashier, “I love this place! I think it’s the best thrift shop in Columbus!” That is always heartening and motivating to overhear. 

If you would like to help out, here are some of the current needs we have in the month of March:

• We need paper and cloth shopping bags, especially those with handles.
• Jewelry donations have been down lately, so if you have any you want to part with, please send it our way (even if it’s broken). 
• Besides clothing, we also accept LPs, CDs, DVDs, linens, personal products, books, artwork, tools, lamps, toys, office supplies, yarn, knick-knacks, and all housewares.

As our needs change from month to month, we will post them in this article. Donations may be dropped off in the first-floor hallway of the Annex Building at South Campus on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.  

February 19, 2022

Dear Tandana Friends and Supporters,

Our women's leadership workshops in Mali have kicked off for this year, with the first one in Mory. Women leaders who participated in the literacy classes last year are now learning how to form and lead women's associations and sharing about their experiences getting involved in township elections and speaking up in their villages. 

Thank you so much for supporting this program!

All the best,

Emily Della Fera

Project Update Volunteer

by Terry Davis

The Rafiki Children's Center has weathered the pandemic well to date and is now re-emerging from the Covid induced lockdown. Here are some highlights:

• During the time students were not on campus the staff renovated, painted, fixed up many of the buildings on campus, and made significant improvements to the farm.
• A second bus has been purchased in anticipation of a return to full capacity of the Rafiki Academy (preschool to Grade 8) which is the main source of income for the Center. All of our orphans attend the Academy, plus twice as many children from the community - who provide school fees to attend classes and get fed vegetables, milk, meat, and bread from our own farm.
• This year the Academy performed very well with all students passing their exams to proceed to high school.
• The new Visitors' Center and Chapel are nearing completion, which will include a room dedicated to telling the story of Rafiki with kiosks and videos, including the important contributions each and every year from First Community Church. During the week, much of the space can be used for classrooms as the Academy gradually returns to full capacity.
• This year a grant from the Mission Council provided much-needed school supplies for the children, funds to complete the Visitor Center/Chapel, and a recent grant was approved to provide tuition for one of our graduates to Kenyatta University.
• Plans are underway to include a High School for girls on the campus.

Rafiki is incredibly grateful to First Community for its continuing and important support for kids in Kenya who are growing up in a loving community providing them with physical, educational, and spiritual support.

In January 2022, The Open Shelter's first month in our new building, we served 441 guests, gave out 3180 sack lunches, had 366 instances of clothing assistance, passed out 184 hygiene kits, and distributed 8740 ‘to-go’ meals. 

In addition to these crucial needs, we also provided space for providers like Mt. Carmel to help those we serve. Plus, payeeship services to those who need help with money management. Thanks to YOUR support!

Continue that support of our new building and mission HERE:

www.theopenshelter.org/donate/

Did you miss the last issue of On a Mission! blog? There's a great story from the Trading Post. View it, and all past issues, by clicking the link below.

Did you know Heart to Heart is on social media? Click the buttons below to follow us. We also have a blog! Read the weekly blog posts at h2h.FCchurch.com/blog

Did you know Trading Post is on Facebook? Click the button below to follow us. You can also sign up for the email list for occasional announcements, sales, and events.