Kendell Tharington sands the wooden porch of the new home built by volunteers. The team left a mark of their love for the family by carving hearts on the porch.

"We were not here out of pity, or duty, but out of love. This house may be built on cement and steel, but it will be held together by prayer. Building it has made us a family," he said.

Clemmons Church member, Freda Fontaine helps prepare the lunch for fellow volunteers.

The Clemmons Church left an identifying mark of their love for their new family. The team visually displayed their affection for the homeowners by hand cutting hearts out of the porch's wood panels. The cutouts were then given to the volunteers.

The Clemmons Church group got its start in construction ministry when Steve Foster moved from College Park Church as a music minister in 1998. That following year, Foster suggested that Clemmons Church experience construction ministry.

"In '99 we brought a group up with College Park just to see what it was like. We've been coming back (on our own) ever since," Foster said.

One Clemmons Church member who has been involved since the beginning of the church's partnership is Freda Fontaine. Now, at age 91 she is showing no signs of slowing up.

"At my age, there is only so much you can do. Every church I have been in, I have worked in the kitchen. So I thought at least I could go help with the lunches," she said. "I feel like I am really helping someone who needs it. It has been a wonderful experience for our church to work together on the projects. It's a good feeling to see what it means to the family, and I certainly plan on continuing to help."

This week, Clemmons Church sent members of all ages to complete the construction of the one-story home.

The week's activity culminated on Sunday with the dedication of the home. Present at the ceremony were friends, family, Clemmons church volunteers as well as the Mountain Outreach students who had a share in the building of the home.

Many participants were moved by what took place in building the house. Director of Mountain Outreach Marc Hensley displayed his appreciation to all the workers.

"I have been truly humbled by what has gone on here this week. This is a miracle and I'm so thankful to look out and see the young and not so young who took time to help. Thank you so much for what you've done this week," he said.

University of the Cumberlands, located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, is a private liberal arts college in its 117th year of operation. Cumberlands offers four undergraduate degrees in 37 major fields of study, 30 minors and nine pre-professional programs, as well as online and accelerated, nontraditional programs for adults.