ELCA NEWS SERVICE August 4, 2008 Lutheran Men in Mission Help Complete Habitat for Humanity Project 08-132-LT* OMAHA, Neb. (ELCA) -- At the 2008 Lutheran Men's Gathering of Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM), the men's ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), an Aug. 2 ceremony marked the completion of a building project that LMM coordinated with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. About 600 men were here Aug. 1-3 for the 2008 Lutheran Men's Gathering at the Hilton Hotel and Qwest Center. The event theme, "Coming of Age," focused on LMM's 20th anniversary, its new relationship with the ELCA and its emphasis on the spirituality of men ages 18-34. Volunteers began construction of the house April 25 and completed it earlier this week, according to Les Robbins, who helped organize the project. "Through a lot of work by a lot of fine people, we're here today to celebrate the completion of a house," Robbins said. Sponsorship of the house required $95,000, said Tracie McPherson, director of faith relations and public relations, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. She said that LMM participants reached the amount quickly and "rolled up their sleeves and worked through it." "They did an amazing job," McPherson said. "The house is beautiful, and, the best part of all, an absolutely deserving family is being given the opportunity to purchase the home. That's when you know that God is in your plans." Habitat project coordinator Larry Hinrichs, Omaha, presented Leopoldo and Maria Guzman and their family with keys to their new home. Leopoldo Guzman expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers who helped. "I think God sent these people to build my family's house and to make my family happy," he said. "This is a great gift that we receive today. I see only good people right here." Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gave $65,000 in assistance to the project, according to Dennis Engelbart, manager of Lutheran community services, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Omaha. He said the project brought about 60 volunteers and that the Guzman family additionally contributed more than 350 "sweat equity" hours. -- -- -- Information about LMM is at http://www.ELCA.org/lmm on the Web. *Luke Tatge is a senior journalism major at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. This summer he is an intern with the ELCA News Service. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog