Book Reviewed by Darold Morgan
President Emeritus of the Annuity Board, SBC
Building Materials for Life
Millard Fuller (Smith & Helwys, Macon, GA, 2002), $10
The name Millard Fuller rings a resounding bell in today`s world as a person who is genuinely making a difference for people and the Lord. We know him as the affable, gifted, capable founder, and president of Habitat for Humanity. Few charitable organizations in the land are more respected or effective than this unique group which has built tens of thousands of homes for people who otherwise could not afford them. Habitat for Humanity has enlisted thousands of people as volunteers, raised great sums of money for these housing needs and has given a tremendous quality of life to new homeowners. Currently they are expending these same techniques of volunteerism, charitable giving, and responsible home ownership.
The delightful book is a series of brief essays sharing personal insights and experiences from Fuller`s fascinating life. Immensely practical, consistently readable, and laced with biblical insights, these chapters point to the convictions and foundations of Fuller`s life. Apart from these principles and values, one cannot understand the thrust of his motivation, which is absolutely germane to the momentum of Habitat for Humanity. The book is far more autobiographical than one might realize at first glance. What emerges is a portrait of Fuller`s background: his childhood days in rural Alabama, delightful reminiscences of a growing family, the long educational processes at Auburn University and the University of Alabama, and the overseas missionary work. This is not the main intent of this book, but one cannot understand Habitat for Humanity without the convergence of all of these factors.
His repeated references to Clarence Jordan are worth the price of the book. Their paths crossed at a formative time in Fuller`s life. Jordan, the founder of the famed "Koinonia Farms" who was preacher, teacher, theologian of the "Cotton Patch Gospel," and groundbreaking leader in authentic racial understanding in the South, deeply influenced Fuller in the initial formulation of the underlying philosophy of Habitat.
Interspersed in these pithy essays are multiple references to Jordan`s teachings of prayer, the kingdom of God, integration, non-violence, biblical ethics, biblical salvation, and sensitivity to the poor.
With us today is a viable, practical, and enthusiastic concept that bridges denominations, races, age, and national boundaries with a concept of hard grueling work. Community support from a thousand different directions results in probably the best-organized numbers of affordable housing for the poor anywhere to be found. Habitat for Humanity has taken a giant step in eliminating homelessness for the poor and brings an unprecedented sense of dignity to people who desperately need it.
President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter have wisely contributed their time, energy, and influence to Fuller`s dream. The support of the Carters has been monumental.
What you have is a book full of common sense, sound business acumen, and a healthy dose of faith in Jesus as Lord. If you want your heart warmed, your emotions stirred, and your soul reminded that God is still working in this world, get this book. Read it. Give it to family and friends and rejoice that multitudes of people right now are having their lives changed through this beautiful ministry.
