A project that couldn't wait
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Jerusalem Project members Phil Gallman (left) and Shane Moore line up boards while constructing a wheelchair ramp to help a local man make it to cancer treatments.

Though usually a summer effort, Jerusalem Project (JP) personnel took construction materials out of the shed Friday, meeting the housing needs of local residents.

Several church youth leaders made the trek deep into the Cherokee County countryside to help a local man having trouble leaving his home for cancer treatments.

"Our goal is to actively show the love of Christ," Shane Moore of the Jerusalem Project said. "We usually are getting ready for the summer, but we could not wait on this one."

The project has made life easier for several families during the course of the past four summers by helping to repair and renovate homes for persons unable to perform the work themselves.

The JP learned of the man's struggles after speaking with an associate at the Gibbs Cancer Center in Spartanburg. Moore said the hospital asked the organization to reach out to the patient whose cancer was sapping him of energy and making it hard for him to leave his home for treatment sessions.

"The hospital told me about his ailment and his problems of getting to treatment," Moore said. "We did not know we would have to be out here so quickly, but God placed us here to help him at this appointed time."

The youth leaders began early Friday morning, taking little time to form the frame of the structure. By the afternoon, the final board was measured and placed on the wheelchair ramp.

"It looks good…God is definitely a provider," David Toney of the Jerusalem Project said.

Though the job was not originally planned, the JP believes it is a good launching point for this year's campaign.

"This for us is a great precursor to our summer effort," Moore said. "This is not costing these people a dime, a blessing from these churches and the community."

Last year, 19 churches combined to help refurbish homes around the county. Close to 30 youth groups are expected to be involved this year.

"In the book of Acts, we are told to be witnesses in Jerusalem and all points of the Earth," Moore said. "The youth of this area have responded to the call and are using themselves to impact this community."

"Many churches are wondering why they didn't join in earlier," Toney said. "God is going to use their sacrifice of time in front of their XBox for the help of others for their good."