Once upon a time, there were two sisters who lived in a little place called Happy Road.

The road was not much more than a two-track dirt path. The families who lived there seemed to have very little to be happy about. One of these was a woman who recently endured a house fire in her modest home. The home was a complete loss. Everything she owned was gone.

The woman moved in with her sister, who lived down the road in an even more modest home. The furnace had not worked for three years. The floors were riddled with holes. Nearly every window in the trailer was broken. Yet, this home was joyfully opened up to others in need, again and again.

When we met the sisters of Happy Road, they were 78 and 87 years old. One used a walker and the other was legally blind.

We set to work repairing their furnace. We said we wanted to repair the floors and windows, but were surprised when they replied that they had neighbors who needed our help even more than they did. Before they would allow us to do anything further for them, they made it clear that we must assist their neighbors. We agreed.

The next day we visited a neighboring family – a husband, wife and young son living in a pole barn with nothing more than a wood stove for heat. The wife suffered from a disease which made her very sensitive to cold, putting her at risk for the potential loss of her fingers and toes. With a small but hardworking and experienced crew, we were able to make a portion of the barn safer and more habitable for this family. Once again, we watched a family, with seemingly little to be happy about, find great joy in what they received. 

Our attention then turned to the next family in need of assistance. Yet another team of volunteers went to work. We installed all new windows and an insulated roof system. This family was moved by the acts of compassion demonstrated by God through His people. They were eager to learn more about this God and followers who would care for the needs of strangers! Today, the husband, wife, and son have given their lives to Christ and are active members of a local church. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.

We’ve trekked the circular, dusty path and now arrive once again at the home of the two sisters.

At first glance, the residents of Happy Road have little to be happy about. Yet, as we worked with each family and got to know each person, we were blessed by the overflowing joy and grace we encountered in their lives. It all began with two sisters who were content with what they had and wanted the same or others.

The mission of Freedom Builders is to serve the least of these in tangible ways and share the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We want to care for our Michigan neighbors in need, yet we find time and again that we, who are serving, come away from the experience having been profoundly blessed.

We experienced the joy of the Lord on dusty little Happy Road.

Are you interested in serving with Freedom Builders? Reach out to your local church and have them contact us for more information.