Would You Pay a Mortgage For This Home?

by | Feb 2, 2024

Tim Winkler, Director of Ministry in Abaco, shares the story of Jill, and the challenges many like her face in Abaco in finding safe, affordable housing.
This is Jill’s home. Jill is not her real name, but she, her husband, and her children are very real. It has been over four years since Dorian wreaked havoc on Abaco. However, for many residents like Jill, the storm might as well have taken place yesterday.

Jill was at a New Year’s Eve party just over a month ago when one of the guests asked what individual goals people had for 2024. As one would expect, the desire to lose weight, exercise more, and eat better was shared by many. Then Jill said, in passing, that she hoped to return to her home in 2024.

Jill is a devout believer, a godly woman, and an active member of one of our partner churches. She has an infectious, big personality and is a joy to be around. Yet, four years after losing her home to the storm, no one knew of her plight.

Jill’s brothers and sisters at her church sprung into action.

Insurance played games with her claim, and the bank became difficult to work with. Lacking the resources for legal representation, she had nowhere to turn. As a result, she and her family moved in with relatives. For four years, they have been trying to save their money and rebuild. All the while still paying a mortgage on their home the storm destroyed???

Praise be to God; upon hearing this innocent sharing of a goal, Jill’s brothers and sisters at her church sprung into action. Unexpected checks were received, teams mobilized, and work started this weekend. Our ministry team at MH was able to provide labor along with friends in the broader community and church.

The sense of anticipation was palpable as Jill cried tears of joy throughout the day.

There is still much work to be done. More checks are needed, along with labor and materials. But for the first time in over four years, Jill and her family have hope.

Many people ask us, why Abaco? Isn’t that part of the world already “reached” with the gospel? Isn’t that where people go on vacation? Wouldn’t it be better to serve somewhere else?

We serve in Abaco because this is where God called us. Knowing Jill and being able to express Christ’s love to her in this very tangible manner is both a blessing and an affirmation of this calling.

About Tim Winkler

As Director if Ministry, Tim Winkler has a range of responsibilities in Abaco, including team leadership, acting as the primary liaison for Many Hands with the Bahamian government, overseeing programs, and increasing stakeholder engagement.  He holds an M.A. from Columbia Biblical Seminary and a B.A. from Wheaton College.

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