In 2005 I had the privilege to participate in two Habitat for Humanity trips to Central America, building houses with folks from across the United States. One thing that struck me was the powerful impact this experience had on the volunteers as well as for the homeowners. The participants' eyes have been opened to the reality of how life is lived in the rest of the world. As that happens, a desire is kindled in them to work to bring change. A deep sense of community rapidly develops within the group -- a powerful sense of esprit d’corps that comes when people feel they are making a difference. Working shoulder to shoulder with the families, they form relationships with them as well. These caring relationships put a human face on the problem of poverty throughout the world. It is a wonderful sight to behold the faces of the families, many of whom have lived in shacks, as they watch their new home rise. There is also the impact of the witness. In this age when the international reputation of the United States is not particularly positive, what a wonderful example it provides that Americans can be deeply caring. As I participated in these building projects, I thought to myself, “This is so Franciscan!” Solidarity with the poor, peacemaking, simplicity of life, community in mission, ecumenism, raising social justice consciousness, these are just some of the many ways these experiences resonate with the values of Franciscan Spirituality. After reflecting on the commonality between Habitat ideals and Franciscan values, I decided to try and merge the two, into a Franciscan Habitat for Humanity experience, called St. Francis Builds. We call it this because this is how Francis initially responded to God’s call- by rebuilding churches that had fallen into ruins, a task that prepared him for a much larger mission – to rebuild and transform the Catholic Church and his world. These semi-annual overseas Habitat Global Village trips to places like Guatemala, Bolivia, El Salvador and other countries will allow participants to reflect on the experience from a Franciscan perspective, helping build a home for a family in need-in making a families dream come true. On our site you can read the testimonies of participants from our trips, as well as see some photos. So, if you hunger to make a difference in this world and if the values that were important to Francis resonate with you and you think you would like to participate in a St. Francis Builds trip please contact me at
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. Paz y Bien, Mike Johnson, ofm
COCHABAMBA, Bolivia (St. Anthony Messenger) – The Bolivians were a bit baffled, trying to imagine what the gringos were doing in Cochabamba. “We thought, 'Who is going to pay their own expense, for their tickets for the trip, pay for their food, only to come here to help a Bolivian family?'” said Elías Agreda Dia.
