CANADA—On August 23, members from Edmonton and Saskatoon came together for a day of service that would leave a lasting impression. The project was to remove and replace the old shingles on Gary and Lynn Cadman’s home. But what unfolded that day was about much more than roofing.
Men from Edmonton made the trip to Saskatoon, where local members opened their homes and provided accommodation. Early in the morning, the work began. For hours, men, women and teens worked together with few breaks, tearing off old shingles, underlayment and flashing, and fastening new materials, moving the job steadily toward completion. There was no complaining, no quitting and no shortage of willing hands.
“I have never been part of something like that in my life, where men get together to help a brother,” Jack Durand said. “But it was more than that. We had one day to do it, and for 12 hours we were at it. There was no complaining or quitting.” He said that what stood was not only the work accomplished, but the spirit in which it was done. “There was friendship and camaraderie. There was effort and unity. This was more than fixing a roof or helping someone.”
That spirit was evident to everyone involved. Members from two congregations, some traveling considerable distances, worked toward a common purpose. Those who provided accommodation, those who organized the project and those who put their hands to the work all contributed to the same effort.
David Messier wrote to the local minister that he was grateful to rejoice with the other workers as they put God’s way of life into practice and brought joy to the Cadmans and to God the Father. “Truly was an inspiring opportunity to work with all my brothers and sisters to bring joy and encouragement to God’s family,” he wrote.
The effect extended beyond the day of work. One member of the Cadman family who is not a member of the PCG felt moved enough to contact the minister personally to express appreciation for the effort.
“What was achieved could easily be translated into what a day in the World Tomorrow should be,” Messier said. “I drove away that night with a deeper understanding of my calling, and I thank God for letting me be part of His vision.”
The roof was completed with a burst of effort as the sun began to sink. The benefits of the day’s work went well beyond finishing the project: It strengthened friendships between congregations, encouraged a family, and gave everyone involved a practical reminder of the joy that comes from putting others first. For 12 hours, a group of brethren worked on a roof and in the process experienced something of the world God is preparing, a world built on giving, service and love for one another.
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