Please note: all donations will go directly to Carol's bank account. Carol and Cathy S. manage the money together. Cathy manages the contractors. 

Carol Hurlburt, 89 years old, has been a widow for six years since her husband Byron died. Carol has only social security income and a tiny IRA. She lives in a rundown house with her disabled son, his wife, and their three children, all under 12. Carol refinanced her mortgage and borrowed as much as possible to make the most urgent repairs. 

Byron and Carol served a 10-month term in Kenya and then a three-year period in Kinshasa, DRCongo (Zaire). After they realized Carol’s health would not permit her to live in Kinshasa, Byron began working from home on translations, and traveling to Africa almost every year, often twice a year, staying for 4-6 weeks. In this way, he nurtured his relationships with the people he worked with on translations and many other people in the churches he visited. 

Those who knew Byron applaud the gestures of love directed to Africa. Unfortunately, the investment in time and resources there meant the family house was not a priority. The house is in desperate need of repair. At the same time, disabilities in the family mean those repairs/improvements are not being completed. Friends of Byron and the family have come alongside to be supportive in whatever ways we can. In addition to playing an active role in the myriad tasks such a family needs to undertake, we have also launched the house as a project. We need to provide a physical environment and school setting that will allow the children as much normalcy, and extra assistance/service as possible until they complete high school (another 13 years until the youngest is done). 

We have made substantial progress. The roof has been replaced. Systems have been upgraded. But we still must complete desperately needed repairs like closing the gaps in the house exterior (including the foundation) currently allowing access to mice and other animals. Also, critical repairs must be made in the kitchen and upstairs bathroom. Once the essential repairs are made, additional funds will be used to pay down the balance for materials that have been put on credit card. 

In honor of Byron’s contribution to Africa, would you be willing to help us finish this much-needed project?