Good Samaritan Projects

The Good Samaritan Projects was an idea birthed in the hopes of helping the elderly and needy of the congregation by doing small projects of home repair.

Jimmy & Bonita Knapp have an mildly autistic son, Matthew, his twin, Mark, and John Michael who are growing up quickly!

The 3 boys shared a small bedroom and were outgrowing it.
One commented before the project: "I just need my own space to think!"

Since Jimmy and Bonita Knapp have served the church with countless hours as Children's Director, van drivers, and in other ministries... we decided as a board to award them the "thank you gift" of an addition on their home.

Through volunteer labor and donations we built from the ground up: 2 bedrooms, a full bath, a small laundry area.

Since the Knapps give a huge amount of labor to the Belle Church, the job was huge, earning it it's own name :) "The Knapp Project".

Now, The Good Samaritan Projects will move on to smaller projects...the next one is to help Margaret Douglas, in her 80's, to repair her steps and construct a handrail down to the mailbox.

This will be a teen project led by NYI President, Scott Morris.

Digging Deeper in Him,
Pastor Mark Green

God's Eye View of the Knapps

           John Michael                                  Mark                                   Matthew

Dearest Church Family,

There isn’t a big enough “THANK YOU” that we can offer for the “Knapp Project”. We have been truly blessed and we thank God each and every day for this wonderful addition to our home.

When Ricky Howard came to our house on that Sunday afternoon in January 2008, and suggested what the church board wanted to do for us, it blew our minds! I know that Jim Cook felt a burden for our need of "more space" when he and Dave Nelson looked at part of our front porch to see if it was possible to make it a closet when we were expecting John Michael. Those who knew Jimmy realized he had no idea how to start such a project. But somehow, from these thoughts came the "offering" from the church board to adopt us as a Good Samaritan Project and add an addition to our home! Truly, God spoke to the hearts of a lot of people in our church who saw a need and so willingly and lovingly gave of both finances and precious time and energy.

Breaking ground in June 2008 was very emotional for us and finishing in March 2010 was emotional as well. Although it took longer than anyone expected, it was started and completed in love and we are so appreciative for each volunteer who had ANY part of the process.

It is awesome for the boys to have their own bedrooms but, for Matthew, it was actually necessary for him to have his own space. An Autistic child is one who needs their quiet time and space to sort out issues. We are so blessed that Matthew is high functioning, but only if you lived under our roof would you understand the necessity of his own room! It is an answer to prayer that this has been accomplished! This addition is something our sons will always remember and speak of often as they become men and will tell others of the Belle Church of the Nazarene, the best of the best!

THANK YOU to our loving church family for making this happen. As a result, Jimmy is soon to become Bob Villa, II.
He has learned a lot and is still learning. Thanks to all the men who helped give direction and guidance to a young man who otherwise would not have known how to do some things.

An open house will be scheduled soon, but a few things need to be completed on our part first. Thanks again and may God bless each one of you!

Jimmy, Bonita, Matthew, Mark and John Michael Knapp

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