Among those on hand were several of the Habitat board
members, Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman, Aldermen Michelle Bauer and Ron
Fleshman, Pastor Laurie Hill and Pastor Adam Quine, home recipient
Sara Harvey and her daughters Lynzie and Emma, and members of the
community as well as relatives to the Harvey’s.
Bill Sahs - center
The ceremony began with welcoming comments from
Habitat President Bill Sahs. Sahs, who has been a part of the
Habitat organization since day one, recalled that it was more than
26 years ago when a few people got together in Lincoln and decided
that there had to be a way to help deserving families own their own
homes. Through the efforts of that group the Logan County chapter of
Habitat for Humanity was formed and in its 26 years, this
groundbreaking marked the 24th home to be built in the county.
After his opening remarks, Sahs led the group in the Litany of
Purpose followed by a Unison Prayer led by Pastor Laurie Hill.
Pastor Adam Quine then shared scripture and offered spiritual
encouragement to the Harvey family.
Center - Pastor Laurie Hill
Pastor Adam Quine
Sahs led the Litany of Promise and Hill followed with
a second prayer. For this build, the property has been donated from
the Bernie Behrends Estate. Sahs and past President Cince Bowns were
excited to share that the Lincoln Technical Education Center
Building Trades program will be working on this build. This is the
second home in recent years that the LTEC program has been involved
with.
Lynzie, Sara and Emma Harvey
Sara Harvey and her daughters led the Litany of Hope
with Sahs. Christy Turley led the Litany of Faith, then city
officials Goodman, Fleshman and Bauer spoke briefly. Each in their
own way expressed appreciation to the Habitat program for its
dedication to improving the quality of life for local families.
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Left to right:
Christy Turley, Mayor Seth Goodman, Aldermen Ron Fleshman and
Michelle Bauer
Goodman noted the value of providing deserving
families with their own homes and Fleshman commented on the quality
of construction that comes from the Habitat builders. Bauer noted
that the new home is in Ward 2, the ward she and Fleshman represent,
and said she was looking forward to seeing the home go up. She also
noted that she would make plans to be on hand for part of the work.
After this, the Harvey’s were joined by family and
friends and members of the Habitat board in turning the first spade
of soil in the construction of the new home. Thankfully the rain
stopped long enough for the turning of soil that took place out from
beneath the tent.
Back under the tent, Sara Harvey read from a prepared statement
noting that she had begun the process of home ownership about one
year ago. She thanked the many people who had offered her
encouragement and support through the process. She offered special
thanks to the students and parents she serves at the Christian Child
Care in Lincoln.
The ceremony came to a close with the benediction delivered by
Pastor Quine.
When the home is completed Harvey will live there with her 20-year
old daughter Lynzie and her 13-year old daughter Emma. Bowns said
right now there is no completion date set for the build.
[Nila Smith]
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