By Paul Cross, Spiritual Reflections

If you haven’t notice, the housing market has taken a dramatic turn in the last few years, particularly here in Savage. When I moved here nine years ago, existing homes were sometimes on the market only a matter of hours. And new construction, well there was a wait list for most contractors and finding a lot was a bit of a challenge. Today, thing are different particularly in the arena of new construction. Among the active developments in Savage, many of the building lots have been vacant for some time and rarely do you see a new house being built.

Paul Cross

But there is one new house in Savage that is worthy of your attention. This summer as you drive up Dakota Avenue (County Road 27) toward Prior Lake High School, you will see a flurry of activity and a house going up. What makes this new home unique is not that it is going up in depressed housing market, rather who is building it and why it is being built. Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org) is coming to Savage — again!

Undoubtedly, many of you have heard of this Christian ministry that through the power of volunteerism builds affordable housing for those who otherwise could not afford them. Habitat seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness; and is perhaps the most widely-recognized ministry of its kind. Their heart for affordable housing is inspired by the call of Christ. Habitat volunteers will be constructing this new home for a deserving family right in our own backyard in a partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, numerous Lutheran congregations in Scott County and a host of other participants and sponsors.Two years ago a similar project was successfully completed in Savage near downtown. This will be the second such project undertaken in Savage.

As the pastor of a partner congregation that will be helping in this project, I was delighted to see the partnership established with our city officials at the groundbreaking service this last Monday. A good crowd was on hand included the future owner who will be working alongside the many volunteers to make his dream of affordable homeownership become a reality. While the current economics of the housing market may cause many affluent families to adopt a wait and see attitude as they seek to upgrade to a home in Savage; this Habitat for Humanity project serves as a good reminder of the constant need for affordable housing. Additionally, as this project is undertaken by a larger community of faith, we are likewise reminded of the words of Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” May this house be a testament to what God is doing in our community.

(Rev. Paul Cross is pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Lutheran Church in Savage. He is one of several area pastors who write columns for "Spiritual Reflections.")