Millard Fuller

Although this news didn't receive much attention in the media, Millard Fuller passed on today to be with the Lord. He was the founder of Habitat for Humanity International which began in 1976. He was a millionaire in a marketing firm by age 29, but his health, integrity, and marriage were suffering. These crises moved Fuller to reconsider his values and direction. His soul-searching led to a reconciliation with his wife, Linda, and to a renewal of his Christian faith. The Fullers then made a decision to sell all of their possessions, give the money to the poor, and begin searching for a new focus for their lives.

1935- 2009

Fuller came up with a basic concept of building modest houses on a no-profit, no-interest basis, thus making homes affordable to families with low incomes. Homeowner families were expected to invest their own labor into the building of their home and the houses of other families. This reduced the cost of the house, increased the pride of ownership and fostered the development of positive relationships. Money for building was placed into a revolving fund, enabling the building of even more homes.

In 1996, former U.S. President Bill Clinton awarded Fuller the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, calling Habitat “…the most successful continuous community service project in the history of the United States.” By 2004, Habitat organizations in more than 100 countries had built 50,000 houses in the U.S. and more than 150,000 around the world. They passed the 300,000 house mark late last year. Fuller is a shining example of servant leadership and the idea that true life can be found in losing it for Christ's sake.

"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 (NLT)