From Habitat to home

Rayners to receive keys to home during dedication event Sunday afternoon

Oct 29, 2010

WELDON — Divine inspiration from God was what made Priscilla Rayner apply for a Habitat for Humanity home earlier this year.

“I heard a voice from the Lord,” she said.

“He said ‘Habitat and online.’ I went online, looked it up and went from there.”

On Sunday at 3 p.m., Halifax/Northampton Habitat for Humanity officials will dedicate the home for Priscilla Rayner, her husband Richard and two daughters, complete with a set of keys.

“It will feel awesome to get those keys,” Priscilla Rayner said. “It’s the first day we can move into the new house.”

James Lander, president of the Halifax/Northampton Habitat for Humanity, said the Rayners were excellent partner candidates for the organization.

The 1,200-square foot, three-bedroom, one-and-half-bath home was finished ahead of schedule.

Priscilla Rayner admits when she first saw the lot, she couldn’t envision a house on it.

“It’s going to be really different,” she said. “I have enjoyed seeing the process from the beginning to the end.”

The Rayners helped build their home, as required by their agreement with Habitat.

They had to have 200 hours of sweat equity.

Richard Rayner said they jumped right in and went to work on it, adding he learned many things from working on the house.

Priscilla Rayner said the family was very faithful about its hours, putting in more than required.

“Now all we have to do is move in here,”

Inside the home, each member helped make decisions in various areas. Their daughters picked out the colors of the bedrooms. Richard Rayner selected the cabinets, while Priscilla Rayner picked out the countertops.

Both couldn’t stop smiling as they talked about their new home.

Richard Rayner said it was hard to put into words how he feels.

“It is something I have always wanted for my family,” he said. “It will be awesome to live in a nice house that will be ours.”

With their goal of having a new home achieved, the Rayners plan to continue with the ministry they have created.

“God has given us a ministry together to help others by building their faith,” Priscilla Rayner said.