It was one fulfilling day for the YA last January 23, 2010 to be doing a distinctive project: to build a house. This venture was made possible in partnership with Habitat (an international and non-profit corporation), in its focal function of constructing houses for the poor - free of charge - through the help of volunteering workforce. 

Arriving at the location around 8 a.m., the day started with a prayer asking God for a good weather and for strength/protection as the volunteers do a day’s work in a construction site.  The volunteers had a brief orientation by the engineer and a tour of the worksite. 

The work for the day consists of the following:  excavation, sand-sifting and frames’ riveting.   Thus, the group was divided accordingly to the three major workloads.  Construction tools were also provided at the site.  Armed with shovels, riveting tools, hard hats & gloves, the actual work began. The assigned supervisor per group taught each of the participants how to do the task. Though most of the volunteers are doing this for the first time, the whole group worked with gusto.  The laborers at the site are very welcoming with their warm smiles and eagerness to teach/assist the volunteers as they go about their duty. The weather seemed to cooperate as well by giving a not too sunny day with cool winds and cloudy skies.

Shortly after a hearty lunch break, the group went back to work, enthusiastically and more confident in doing their respective jobs. This time, the work was done a lot faster and with more accuracy. By mid-afternoon, everyone was engrossed on their duties and some even tried out other responsibilities. By the end of the work day, all three groups have accomplished their assigned tasks completely. Then the day’s activity ended with a prayer. For the most part, the whole day’s work was physically taxing, but despite of it all, there was joy in each volunteers’ faces knowing that this will benefit the people who are in need of decent homes and a clean environment. The effort exerted was all worth it as it was a humbling experience to be remembered. 

When Jesus lived on earth and grew up as a carpenter, He too experienced doing menial work -first hand - for His people during His time. He did it willingly, with love and compassion, to serve His beloved people. In our own little way, we at YA strive to do our best to be the hands and feet of Jesus today – by continually reaching out to help and care for others – via these awe-inspiring activities.  We look forward to doing more pioneering actions, in God’s service and all for His glory.