Homeowner delighted with restoration

Tommie Spencer refused to look at the progress of her house restoration, even though construction foreman Peter Regehr of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) tried to coax her into seeing it.

“I want to be surprised,” she said.

Like many in Century, Florida, Spencer’s house was ripped up and soaked by hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Judging by her reaction to the renovated house, Spencer got what she wanted.

Peter Regehr with homeowner Tommie Spencer Photo: Dorothy Regehr

“I lost track of how many hugs I got,” says Dorothy Regehr. “She hugged everyone on our team. Her body was just shaking with emotion.”

“She walked into every room, enjoying the new colours of paint on the walls, the new kitchen cupboards, etc. There were a few tears shed, not only by her,” says project director Ray Zimmerman. “What a blessing to see the joy on her face!”

Peter and Dorothy Regehr, who attend South Langley (B.C.) Mennonite Brethren Church, helped Zimmerman present the wall hanging given to every owner of a home MDS renovates. They were the main contacts with Spencer and developed a close friendship with the reserved but very genuine woman.

Albert and Erna Heide of the Winkler (Man.) MB Church were also at the house opening. “The house had a major makeover,” Albert recalls, “including repairing the roof, replacing rotted beams, and levelling the whole building. It felt good to make a contribution, especially when you see the end result.”

—from report by Bruce Hildebrand

Mennonite Disaster Service has released a new promotional DVD, “The Hands and Feet of Jesus,” available to church groups or individuals by calling toll free 1-866-261-1274.