This story illustrates how a group of likeminded folks with a servant’s heart can make anything happen when the Holy Spirit is involved. Be it The University of Cincinnati, a roving band of Mennonites, or a community in need of shelter with a willingness to help but limited funds, an overwhelming sense of volunteerism can make anything happen.

Homes from the Heart, with the University of Cincinnati and the University of California Los Angeles, just wrapped up a building initiative unlike anything we’ve done before.  We had over 60 volunteers on teams in El Salvador, Haiti, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.  Stay tuned for stories from our student volunteers!

Homes from the Heart cofounder Bob Miller died recently at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob was a giant among generous people. His priorities in order were God, family, work. His legacy lives on through the thousands of people his generosity has benefited. Bob was a strong backer of building homes for those struck by disaster, first in El Salvador following the 2001 earthquake, and more recently in Haiti.

July 1st marked the arrival of a new group called Global Sustainability Project.  All linked as UCLA alum, the group brought with them ideas and projects to work on development in our community in San Luis Talpa.  The week was much different than our usual teams, since for the most part the group planned it out themselves.

The love and patience showed by everyone there was a yet another reminder of how important it is for us to care for the least of these, who are so often forgotten.  We know the love shown to those kids and the rare chance for them to spend a day away from the orphanage was a blessing from God and we can’t thank Him enough for such an opportunity.

Referred to as the “Cincinatti Teacher’s Group”, a hodge-podge of mostly University of Cincinnati alumni, met up for a week in El Salvador filled with both hard work and fun.  Joining them was a team from Vineville Baptist Church, ranging in age from 14-76.  Each group brought different experiences, strengths, and talents that made for a fun-filled week for all.

A group of 10 UC students from the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity made their way down to El Salvador June 11th-19th for a week of working with concrete, concrete…and more concrete.  Quickly settling into the jobs of shoveling, lifting buckets, and transferring concrete into the molds, the group put in a hard day’s work pouring walls.  Every member of the team was willing to serve and help anywhere they were needed, and their ability to do some of the harder tasks was a huge factor in getting the work done.