By Evan Huelfer
Special to The Citizen
In the summer of 2012, school teacher Cindy Holland suddenly lost her husband to pancreatic cancer and faced a myriad of home repair issues. Hank and Kara Lane organized a small group from Legacy Christian Church and a circle of friends to help put a much needed new roof on Holland’s house.
The mission became known as “Team Holland.” Hank, with help from Greg Creighton, assembled a group of men to remove the existing roof and replace it with a new one — all in a three day period.
“It literally took a village of volunteers to complete this project in such a short period of time, including many women and children who picked up old shingles and nails off the ground,” said team member Evan Huelfer. “Many had never even touched a shingle before, but the idea of rallying behind a common cause was overwhelming, inspiring, and exciting.
“That weekend changed many lives forever,” he added. “It was abundantly clear to see what many people could do when hearts were touched and hands united to reach out to help a neighbor.”
Ultimately, there was a convincingly strong sentiment that a similar project would be undertaken every November with the mission to help someone in need.
This year, Team Holland, with the support of other small groups, friends, and co-workers, have been inspired to help a deserving woman in Peachtree City whose home is in need of many repairs, including a new roof, to make it a healthier living environment and accommodate her respiratory issues.
“She definitely has a servant’s heart and has given endlessly to provide for others before her own needs,” said Hank Lane, team leader. “The goal is to provide these improvements to a wonderfully caring person in the same loving manner in which she has served so many others in front of her own needs. If it is one thing this team has learned, it takes a village to successfully complete a massive project and anything can be accomplished when well-intentioned people mobilize behind a cause and work together.“
This November, Team Holland will reassemble as a united force of faith and love to “help our neighbor.” The hope is that by demonstrating what inspiration and faith can accomplish, more groups will be inspired to seek out neighbors in need and take action to help.
To donate to this project, contact Legacy Christian Church 1150 Rockaway Road Senoia, GA 30276 or call 770-599-3366.
