The year 2002 brought wonderful surprises to one Lincoln Countyfamily, who will continue to enjoy those blessings as they startthe new year off in their own house.

The Varnado family of four couldn’t say enough “thank yous”Sunday as their new home had an official dedication ceremony tocelebrate their partnership with Habitat for Humanity of LincolnCounty.

“This house is such a blessing. It was a reality we probablywouldn’t have seen any other way if it weren’t for Habitat,” saidStephanie Varnado, who is a new homeowner with her husband,Jim.

Visitors ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ at how well the Varnados haddecorated the three bedroom, two bathroom house built on KinderTrail by volunteers, led by Topisaw Baptist Church.

Since the family, which includes sons Jakki, 17, and Jeffrey,18, moved in November, they have worked to give the house personaltouches by hanging certificates on the walls and putting up theircollection of decorative tins.

“We’re really excited. It came together so well,” said Mrs.Varnado.

Topisaw Baptist Church teamed up with Habitat for Humanity ofLincoln County to build the house with the family, who was onlyable to rent a house until now.

The Rev. David Moree, pastor of the church, commented Sunday onhis amazement of the congregation, other churches and volunteersbeing able to complete the house in just three months.

“They said let us rise up and build, and they strengthened theirhands for this good work,” said Moree, referring to scriptures inNehemiah. “The first work day after the slab had been poured wasamazing. The house was blacked in by that afternoon, and that’squite an accomplishment.”

Moree pointed out that the hard work enabled the family to beable to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities in their newhome.

Long-time Habitat volunteer Peck Vaughn added that the communityeffort was reminiscent of days when people always looked for waysto help others.

“It was just like it was when I was a little boy and thecommunity came together to help families build their barns andhouses,” he said.

This was the first time a church had partnered with the localchapter of Habitat to build a house. Habitat now has built fourhouses in Lincoln County. The houses are sold to needy familiesthrough no interest loans with the payments used to build morehouses.

“We certainly do appreciate what Topisaw has done. We reallythink you’re leading the way for other churches,” said NanetteLaster, president of Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County.

Other churches have also committed to helping Habitat. St.Francis of Assisi plans to do electrical work on all future homes.First Baptist hung the sheet rock in the Varnado house, and FirstMethodist Church has worked on the siding of all four houses.

The Christian housing ministry presented the Varnados with aBible during the dedication ceremony that brought about 25 peopleout to tour the new home.

The Varnados enjoyed the opportunity to shine in their house,while also thanking just a few of the hundreds of people whovolunteered their time on the house.

“There were so many people out working on it, even people wedidn’t know. I was amazed,” said Mrs. Varnado. “Everyone worked onit like it was their own house.”