In her introduction of Bob Argabright (“Doing What Jesus Would Do,” page 22), columnist Alberta Lindsey uses a Biblical reference to being “fishers of men.” Argabright, a volunteer through the faith-based Micah Initiative at Richmond’s Oakgrove–Bellemeade Elementary School, has “lured” other members of his church to volunteer as well.
The article puts me in mind of other New Testament stories about fish: the feeding of the multitudes with an initial donation of five loaves and two fish (and, in the books of Matthew and Mark, another time with seven loaves and a few fish).
The miracle in these stories, as I understand it, is the contagion of generosity. The bit of bread that was hidden under a blanket for just one family is pulled out and shared after the first few people in the crowd give up some of their food for the common meal.
Substitute “time and energy” for “bread and fish,” set the story in a mid-size Southern city instead of on a hillside in Jordan, and you’ve got the picture. Kindness and bigheartedness are often the best fishing tackle, as this month’s “Faith In Action” column demonstrates.

Putting Bible stories into modern context leads my thoughts to Clarence Jordan. He’s the fellow who got a degree in agriculture, then a doctorate in Greek New Testament studies; then in 1942 he and his wife Florence started Koinonia, a farming community in Georgia based on their understanding of the values in the Sermon on the Mount. In the 1950s and ’60s, Koinonia was the target of boycotts and violence by whites who opposed its commitment to racial equality and integration.
Later, Jordan wrote the “Cotton Patch” series, translating the language and context of several New Testament books into a 20th-century, American South setting.
Koinonia—which still exists—is also the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity, an organization that helps selected low-income families move into their own homes though a combination of labor, no-interest loans and education.

Habitat for Humanity also relies heavily on the work of volunteers to construct the houses. And, amazingly, the organization doesn’t just look for professional carpenters or carpet installers to donate some time. The enthusiasm of “regular” people, plus a pile of boards, hammers and other supplies, can turn into a home in a matter of weeks. (Kind of like loaves and fish turning into a meal for 5000, I’d say.)
This month, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity is running “Women Build” in honor of Women’s History Month. It’s looking for 400 women volunteers to build a home from start to finish by the end of the month. Help is needed in other ways, too.
“People could also donate lunches for volunteers, and money [for construction supplies] is always good!” said Robin Smith, a Habitat volunteer who is helping to organize Women Build.
To help with the project in any way—tuna fish sandwiches included—contact Smith at 897-8292. (For in-kind donations of materials, contact Lin Gregory at 232-7001, x104). More information about the Women Build project and about the organization in general is on the Web at www.richmondhabitat.org.

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