Serving the City Construction Team - Robbinsdale Women's Center << previous page

Serving the City Construction Team Makes a Great Start
““What a thrill! It’s beyond beautiful–such a classy job,” was Diane Frye’s description of the first project completed by New Hope Church's “Serving the City Construction Team.” “God has blessed us so much through this project. It’s hard to put into words.”

Diane is the Chief Operating Officer of Robbinsdale Women’s Center (RWC) located on West Broadway (and directly across from an abortion clinic). Since opening in 1992, this center has assisted over 1,100 mothers who previously considered having an abortion, but instead chose life for their babies. The NHC “Serving the City Construction Team” ministry offered to help the women’s center with a few projects. The same day they received the offer, the RWC team had been in prayer, asking God to provide resources for some projects that absolutely had to be completed soon.

Peggy Benicke, RWC Executive Director, described how the offer arrived at just the right time. Their staircase was hazardous, a leak in the basement was creating increasing problems and numerous smaller projects were calling for attention. “Hearing how this construction team ministry came about through Pastor Steve and Doug Jensen made it clear that God was behind it. We had some funds set aside for smaller projects, but weren’t sure how we’d take care of the larger ones. It ended up costing a fraction of what it would have without this construction team.”

Serving the Community
Doug Jensen, who heads up the “Serving the City Construction Team,” determined the RWC project would fit nicely into the ministries’ criteria. “The goal is to serve ministries ßthat effectively impact the community.” The work required at the women’s center involved a cross-section of areas, including demolition, laying concrete, carpentry, electrical, painting and general construction. As Doug heard about the needs at RWC, it seemed to be confirmation that God led him to make this their first project.

All the construction skills required were represented in those who took part in this first project. Among the volunteers was Jason Hornung who has attended New Hope Church for three years. He noticed information about the ministry in the bulletin and heard Pastor Steve commending it in some Sunday messages. Jason enjoys the idea of working with his hands, but his occupation doesn’t enable him opportunity for much of that. When he heard about the construction ministry, he felt a strong calling to get involved. Although Jason admits he doesn’t have formal construction training, he did grow up learning some great skills as he helped with projects around the house. “I’m sort of a self-proclaimed handyman.”

Jason says he definitely recommends getting involved in the construction team ministry. “It’s a great experience.” He saw God work through the harmony between those on the team and was surprised at how smoothly things went as they worked together.

God’s People Serving Together
Peggy Benicke was quick to express the gratitude felt by those at RWC. “We no longer have to worry about our stairway collapsing, our basement flooding or the leak in our baby boutique. It’s a much more pleasant environment for our clients. Personally, I was most touched as the members of the construction team told us how blessed they were to be able to help. Seeing God’s people working together in this way was an inspiration.”

Some of the memorable points of the project came in the direct contact the team made with the neighborhood. A favorite involved two young boys who seemed to race to the construction site right after school each day. Understanding the excitement that a construction project might hold for boys, the team invited them to help out. The staff at RWC recognized the impact this made on the boys. “This team was a gift to our neighborhood. It was a real statement to the community,” said Peggy.

As Diane reflected on the time the team spent at RWC, she recalled how God stepped in at just the right time, “He always takes care of us. And we want to extend a huge thank you to all those at New Hope Church for their support and providing the construction team.”