MADISON COUNTY, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Down a dusty dirt road in rural Madison County, a miracle of sorts is taking place. An impoverished family will soon moved out of a rundown shanty into a five bedroom home, all thanks to a faith based non-profit group called MADCAAP.
The outside is laced with rotting and broken boards, holes in the walls with little heat and only recently hot water thanks to Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty. A bleak life for a poor family. The building director for MADCAPP, John Robison told us, " I've never met anyone that is more grateful for what they have and has so little."
Some say this is a classic example of poverty. Thirteen people living in the house, many sleep on the floor and a lot of times their pantries are bare. Miss Annie's family has lived in this dilapidated shack for 25 years, too poor to make repairs, thankful for a roof over their heads.
Now, a new beginning is taking shape. The roof is being raised on a five bedroom, two bath Krista Cottage. John and Sarah Ramthun organized the trip to Mississippi this week.
"We are so grateful that we are able to come and help," said Sarah Ramthun, who organized the trip to Mississippi this week along with her husband John.
The young workers from Madison, Wisconsin gave up a little summer vacation to change lives. Known as 6:8, they have come to Mississippi the past 8 years to give, but always take away more.
"The young people go home and say I'm so grateful for what I have to have a face to with someone living in poverty is really powerful for them, to know that they are people that these teenagers are just like them," said Ramthun.
The 6:8 group raised money to drive down and buy building supplies. They sleep on the floor at a nearby school, and thrill at the opportunity to grab hammers and nails.
For Annie Lee Griffin, her children and grandchildren, some who also sleep on the floors in this rundown home, life is good and getting better with every visit from those who care.
"I love the new house. I love it. I'll be glad when we get in it ya' know," said Griffin.
The project is a community effort. After this group leaves Friday, St. Matthew's United Methodist church will build week number 2 of construction.
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