Redeeming thy neighbor's property
Royal Redeemer lends resident a hand with home repairs
Steve White and Harold Tyreman, Royal Redeemer church members, check to see if the group’s garage adjustment was level and a success. Photos by JAIME ANTON
NORTH ROYALTON – A resident watched in awe as the men on a mission busily hammered away at projects that had been piling over time … a leaning garage, a rotted breezeway roof.
With calculated precision, the handy men hooked the garage to a truck using straps and chains to very carefully guide it back into place at this residence near the intersection of State and Wallings roads Aug. 5.
Several checks with a leveler afterward proved the adjustment was a success.
“Look at it now,” one of the men told the homeowner as the two assessed the work.
“Wow! Look at that,” the resident said.
This project wasn’t just another job, it was a true labor of love.
The resident, whose name is purposely omitted due to the sensitive nature, had recently been cited by the building department for these issues. Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Servant Saturday, where repairs and minor projects are done for those in need, came to mind with this particular case, and Building Commissioner Dan Kulchytsky reached out to see if the church would be willing to help.
Royal Redeemer didn’t hesitate to take the project under its wing through what’s being called its Repairs Ministry. A team of volunteers quickly formed, including Ward 1 Councilman John Nickell, who belongs to the church. A Facebook post was shared requesting materials and tools. It was ask and thou shall receive, as donations poured in.
Why did Nickell want to pitch in?
“Look at the shirt,” he said, turning around and pointing to his back.
It showed 1 John 3:18, “Let’s not merely say that we love each other. Let us show the truth by our actions.”
“Works don’t get us into heaven, our faith does, but faith without service to others, in the name of love, is dead,” Nickell said.
Church member John Tish tackled the roof project, pulling out the rotted wood.
“I’ve been involved in a couple of these mini missions and Servant Saturday,” he said, as he worked. “I always enjoy it. It’s good to give back.”
Team member Steve White, also a church member, said it’s what all are called to do.
“This is what church is about to me,” he said. “It’s what God has asked us to do.”
To say the homeowner was thankful would be an understatement. He was overwhelmed by the brotherly love.
“I’m grateful. I’m speechless. Just very, very grateful,” he said, as he watched them work.
With calculated precision, the handy men hooked the garage to a truck using straps and chains to very carefully guide it back into place at this residence near the intersection of State and Wallings roads Aug. 5.
Several checks with a leveler afterward proved the adjustment was a success.
“Look at it now,” one of the men told the homeowner as the two assessed the work.
“Wow! Look at that,” the resident said.
This project wasn’t just another job, it was a true labor of love.
The resident, whose name is purposely omitted due to the sensitive nature, had recently been cited by the building department for these issues. Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Servant Saturday, where repairs and minor projects are done for those in need, came to mind with this particular case, and Building Commissioner Dan Kulchytsky reached out to see if the church would be willing to help.
Royal Redeemer didn’t hesitate to take the project under its wing through what’s being called its Repairs Ministry. A team of volunteers quickly formed, including Ward 1 Councilman John Nickell, who belongs to the church. A Facebook post was shared requesting materials and tools. It was ask and thou shall receive, as donations poured in.
Why did Nickell want to pitch in?
“Look at the shirt,” he said, turning around and pointing to his back.
It showed 1 John 3:18, “Let’s not merely say that we love each other. Let us show the truth by our actions.”
“Works don’t get us into heaven, our faith does, but faith without service to others, in the name of love, is dead,” Nickell said.
Church member John Tish tackled the roof project, pulling out the rotted wood.
“I’ve been involved in a couple of these mini missions and Servant Saturday,” he said, as he worked. “I always enjoy it. It’s good to give back.”
Team member Steve White, also a church member, said it’s what all are called to do.
“This is what church is about to me,” he said. “It’s what God has asked us to do.”
To say the homeowner was thankful would be an understatement. He was overwhelmed by the brotherly love.
“I’m grateful. I’m speechless. Just very, very grateful,” he said, as he watched them work.