Without ever meeting Luay, a team of volunteers expressed their love for his family through sweat equity and a new-found skill.
This summer a group of volunteers from two churches built a wheelchair ramp for Luay, one of our clients from Iraq. The house the family moved into had many stairs, and mobility issues made them a challenge for Luay. The Good Neighbor team leader David, from Hope Heights Church realized a ramp needed to be built, but didn’t know where to start.
This type of build was beyond my skill level, however, it was humbling to see how God brought the right people together to build this ramp for the family.
“Planning for the ramp building was challenging as no one on our team had the expertise to construct something like this” said David.
A group from a different church, Roseville Covenant, heard about the ramp project and wanted to help build one. 
“My prayer has been to be open to those in need and a willingness to step in and help. This type of build was beyond my skill level, however, it was humbling to see how God brought the right people together to build this ramp for the family,” said Doug, a volunteer from Roseville Covenant Church.
Over a long weekend, the volunteers from two churches combined efforts to build this ramp for Luay, who often requires the use of a wheelchair. Though the weather was hot and the days were long, everyone appreciated the chance to contribute to this meaningful project.
the team at Roseville Covenant stepped up in a big way to spearhead the project… our team from Hope Heights really appreciated them caring for the family despite never meeting them beforehand
“We were fortunate to have the team at Roseville Covenant Church step up in a big way to spearhead the project, providing some of the funding and the vast majority of the labor. Our team from Hope Heights really appreciated them caring for the family despite never meeting them beforehand,” said David.
“It was so rewarding to see the look on Luay’s face, smiling ear to ear, when he rode up the ramp in his wheelchair for the first time. It was reaffirming to see how the body of Christ can work together to serve others in such a meaningful way,” said Doug.
Since Luay and his family’s arrival in December 2021, the Good Neighbor team from Hope Heights Church has enjoyed sharing many adventures together.
“Some of the highlights have been welcoming them at the airport, watching the Super Bowl, celebrating birthday parties, grilling out, and having water balloon fights,” said David.
“We’ve also helped with some challenges, like: job placement, getting wi-fi and utilities set up, and navigating government requirements for temporary benefits and obtaining a driver’s license,” said David.
We celebrate the practical and relational ways these volunteers are showing love to our newest neighbors!
Click to watch a video of Luay’s first use of the ramp
