LABORS OF LOVE

Extreme Gratitude—A community goes to the ‘extreme’ to help a family in need.

It was an answer to the prayers of a whole community when “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” came knocking on Maryann Gilliam’s door in Armada, Michigan, last August.

On Christmas Eve 2005, Maryann’s husband, David, died suddenly, and his family, including six children, was left without a steady income. Shortly after, a toxic mold was found in the house and the family was forced to move. The community rallied to help.

Prior to David’s death, the children had been home-schooled, but Maryann knew she couldn’t continue to do so alone. St. Peter’s Lutheran School in nearby Richmond took in her four school-age children and waived tuition costs.

“The teachers pulled together their own money to set up lunch accounts for the children, and members of the congregation donated money to help the school cover the waived tuition,” says Principal George Kovtun. The school also has utilized Thrivent Financial programs, such as Care Abounds in Communities^®, to obtain funding in addition to the money raised.

Then, a community member nominated the family for a new home through the hit ABC show. Others joined in, and more tapes and letters were sent to ABC pleading on the Gilliam’s behalf, including a banner-size letter from Daniel Gilliam’s kindergarten class.

“We all wanted to do what we could,” says Paulette Mills, a teacher who volunteered on the building site.

During the home’s construction, the kindergarteners added their own artwork to preschooler Ariel’s room, and before the unveiling they sang songs of God’s love that brought tears to the eyes of all who heard them.

“You could see the Lord’s hand in this all the way,” Kovtun says. “This is what we’re called to do.”

—Donna Mulder

Read an interview with Maryann Gilliam .

Care Abounds

Through the Care Abounds in Communities® program, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members receive financial support and other resources for volunteer projects and fundraising activities that benefit individuals in need and not-for-profit organizations. “We multiply the good we do by working together,” says Sandy Piette, program coordinator. “It changes lives and builds a stronger community.”