What’s impossible alone is often possible together. That’s how one recent project turned out for Home Repairs Ministries and Church on Main.

When Gwinnett homeowner Thomas reached out to Home Repairs about problems with the exterior of his home, it was clear he needed help as soon as possible.

“On my first inspection of the property, I was able to assess that the yard and its condition were mostly neglected, and there was much that needed to be done,” said Clarence Atsma, Home Repairs’ project manager. 

“Limbs were growing through deck boards, a half-burned trash pile sat mountainous in the back,  and there were bobbles and cat food containers left out from many months of feeding. The area around his front porch was also a health concern, as much [mess] had been left unattended for a while. 

“Mr. Thomas was afraid that the city would soon fine him for the conditions, and he was worried his cats — his family — would be at risk.”

While this type of project is not within Home Repairs’ scope of work, its leadership knew they couldn’t leave Thomas without help. That’s when Home Repairs’ Executive Director Heather started making some calls.

“We made several requests to churches and groups in the area,” Clarence said. “Eventually, we were put into contact with Trent Peacock, and he expressed interest in helping through Church on Main.”

Mobilization Pastor Trent Peacock leads Church on Main’s global, national and local missions work. This project turned out to be the perfect open door for a project between the two ministries.

Trent and Clarence visited Thomas’s home for an initial inspection of the property. It was clear the job was too big for just a couple of volunteers to finish in a day, so Trent reached out to a Church on Main member who was passionate about repair ministry.

“Clint had done [repair] ministry at his previous church and wanted to get some started here,” Trent said. “We thought if we could just get five or six guys to help, we could wrap things up in a day.”

To their surprise, 13 volunteers showed up to help.

The group trimmed back overgrown trees, some small trees overgrowing the porch and ivy that covered the driveway and a shed. They also cut down limbs that hindered Thomas from cutting the front lawn, cleaned out the gutters, tore down a rotting playset and cleaned up flower beds and the front and back porch.

“This group came equipped and ready,” Clarence said. “It was amazing to see each of the volunteers come not just equipped with tools and gear, but also with such positive attitudes! There was much joking and laughing, working and jibing that took place. Together, they made fast work of the entire front and back yard.

“We also had a volunteer whose father runs a tree removal company donate his time to put all our debris through a wood chipper.”

“One of the young men volunteers called his dad, and about an hour later, he showed up with his chipper,” Trent said. “We were able to take all the limbs and yard debris out of the dumpster and put it in the chipper; that saved a lot of space so we could get rid of a lot more stuff.”

Together, the group filled a 20 yard dumpster.

Thanks to these volunteers, this entire extensive project was completed in less than three hours. 

Thomas expressed his gratitude for the work. “Thank you all so much for sprucing my yard up. You’re the best, and I truly appreciate everything. I am disabled, but if you have any [volunteer] jobs that I can do remotely for you, please call on me. 

“God bless every one of you!”

This project is proof that working together allows everyone to accomplish more.

“Partnerships are important because Home Repairs is only one small branch; together we act as a mighty oak,” Clarence said. “With more of these types of relationships, more homeowners can be served in a timely fashion, and it spreads the idea of serving our neighbors and community.

“Thomas was less than a mile down the road from Church on Main — almost in their backyard. His story and situation are not the only one that can be helped, and by collaborating, they too can be heard.

“I really liked getting to work with Church on Main, and I can’t wait to see what beautiful things we are able to accomplish together in the future!”

Trent echoed this sentiment, recognizing a God-given responsibility to step into the needs of those around us.

“According to Jesus, the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself,” Trent said. “Sometimes we define ‘neighbor’ as people we know, but I don’t think that’s what Jesus meant. I think ‘neighbor’ is anyone you have the opportunity to serve.

“While we would love to serve everybody in our community, sometimes that’s not possible. You just have to be listening and open to the opportunities that you have and step in where you can. 

“As a leader of our church, I’ve been wanting to see our men’s ministry serve and have opportunities to serve. I’m asked every day to think about [service opportunities], but I was really impressed with what Home Repairs does. We got to be Jesus to Thomas and in a lot of ways, his neighbors as well. This project was a way for us to support a ministry that’s already doing a great job.”