Tuesday’s lunch meeting of the Panola Habitat for Humanity chapter will offer an opportunity for people who already know about it to learn more.

For people who know little about the Christian housing ministry’s work, it’s a chance to find out about how to make a difference right here in our own county.

It will also help the local chapter re-energize and reinvigorate.

Right now, Panola Habitat for Humanity needs donations.

“If we could get local folks and industry to help with donations we’d be able to build a house every year instead of one every two or three years,” said Ted Stewart, a Habitat volunteer in Panola County for over 15 years.

Stewart brings with his volunteerism the construction and building expertise that is vital to help direct the energies of less-skilled volunteers who come to help waiting families as their homes are built.

James Sanford is another Panola Habitat volunteer who also has brought his construction experience into some of the the eight homes that have been completed during Panola Habitat’s history. And there are more.

Panola Habitat volunteer Bob Wadsworth said that he thinks most people are not aware that the local chapter must raise its own funds. There is no outside money.

Wadsworth, retired from Will Polk and Company, now lends his accounting expertise to Panola Habitat, making sure the chapter’s status as a 501 3(c) non-profit corporation remains in good standing.

There are others. Past President Bishop E. M. Fondren lends his spiritual support and guidance. Mary Murphy screens applicants and makes sure that they understand the obligations that come with participation.

I seldom write about Habitat without being reminded that my dad spent much time with the Panola chapter during the latter part of his lifetime as did the late Tom Hastings.

But that was then.

Today, Panola Habitat needs money to complete its ninth home and to begin its 10th. There is also a waiting list of qualified applicants in whose lives a decent home would make great difference.

Did you realize that Habitat homeowners pay for their homes? After construction with as much donated materials and labor as possible, the homeowner pays monthly on a no-interest mortgage provided by Habitat. The repayments are used to help finance the mortgages of subsequent Habitat homeowners. It is a well-thought-out program.

Next Tuesday’s meeting will feature Mississippi Habitat for Humanity Director Trey Jones who will give an overview of the organization. If my phone conversation is an indicator, Jones will also inspire those who hear him.

“I followed a calling to go into service,” Jones told me. “It is a ministry. And it works.”

(Everyone interested is invited to come learn more about Habitat next Tuesday at the First Security Bank meeting room from noon to 2 p.m. The bank is providing lunch. Please call Linda Brotherton, 563-9311, by noon Monday to let her know you are coming.)